HOW TO BREW TEA

 

All tea originates from the Camellia Sinensis Plant.  This is a sub-tropical evergreen plant native to Asia and now grown around the world.   The "types" of tea come from the unique methods of processing the leaf.

 

 

Black Tea

25-110 mg Caffeine*

Water Temperature: Full Rolling Boil

Steep 3- 7 minutes

 

Green Tea

8-30 mg Caffeine

Water Temperature:  175-185 degrees

(Boil: Cool 3 minutes)

Steep: 3-4 minutes

 

White Tea

6-25 mg Caffeine

Water Temperature:  175-185 degrees

(Boil: Cool 4 minutes)

Steep: 3-5 minutes

 

Oolong Tea

12-55 mg Caffeine

Water Temperature:  180-190 degrees

(Boil: Cool 2 minutes)

Steep: 4-5 minutes

 

Red Tea/Rooibos

Not Real Tea but Tastes like Black Tea

Caffeine Free

Water Temperature:  Full Rolling Boil

Steep:  3-10 minutes

 

Pu'erh

25-110 mg Caffeine

Water Temperature:  Full Rolling Boil

Steep:  5-7 minutes

 

* This is the Level  of  Caffeine in Half a Cup of Coffee

 

 

Standard Method of Making Tea

 

1. Start with fresh, cold water (never reheat any water left in the kettle) and if the tap water has a noticeable taste, you may want to use bottled water. Put the fresh water in a kettle and bring to the boil.

 

2. Prepare teapot by filling (or rinsing) with hot water.

 

3. As soon as the water in the kettle comes to a boil, empty the water that has been heating the teapot and add the tea leaves.  Put the loose leaves directly in the pot or use a tea sack or a standard tea bag.

 

4. The standard measurement is one rounded teaspoon of tea (or tea bag) per 8 to 10 ounces of water. 

 

5. When the water is heated, bring the teapot to the kettle (See above for temperatures.) 

 

6. The Chinese call the next step "Awakening the Leaf" or "Rinsing the Leaf".  This is an important step that removes impurities or bitterness from the tea.  Put only enough water in the teapot to cover the tea and then immediately pour the water off, leaving the tea in the pot.  Then add the desired amount of heated water to make your pot of tea.

 

7. Let the tea steep for the above recommended times.  Every tea is different.  We recommend that you follow the instructions described above and then adjust to suit your own tastes.

 

8. When the tea has ready, pour into your cup. (If using loose tea leaves, it may be necessary to strain the tea first. To do this, simply pour through a sieve.)

 

9.  If drinking black tea, you may wish to add milk, sugar, honey, lemon etc.

 

10. Remember you don't have to be an expert to take tea.  You are just supposed to enjoy!