Loose Leaf Tea Basics
Drinking tea has become a social pastime. The quintessential British pastime, is now enjoyed by many throughout the world.
Although there is no right or wrong way of making tea, by following certain guidelines we can guarantee we are getting the perfect loose leafed tea taste.
Lets start with the basics you will need:-
Preparation Of The Teapot For Loose Leaf Tea
Before placing the loose leaf tea into the teapot, it is essential that you pre-warm the teapot first. This is done by boiling water and placing some into the teapot. Swirl the water round the teapot and then empty it. The reason for this dates back to the times when teapot's were not as sturdy as they are now and would often crack, if boiling water was placed straight into them. A cold teapot will cause the temperature of the water to drop too quickly, and the full flavor of the tea will not be brought out.
The Type Of Water Used
To get the best taste out of loose leaf tea, it is important to use the right kind of water. Never use distilled water, water that has been boiled for a long time, or hot tap water. Distilled water has already been purified of its mineral content and will dilute the taste of the tea. The best tasting loose leaf tea is made from fresh water with plenty of oxygen.
How Much Loose Leaf Tea To Use
This all depends on the tea you use, however a teaspoon of loose leaf tea, per 6 ounce cup is usually sufficient. Make sure you look at instructions supplied with your loose leaf tea, as this will all depend upon the weight of the tea bought.
Water Temperature
Making the perfect pot of tea is an art, and unlike normal teabags, where boiling water is poured straight onto the tea, the types of tea bought need the temperature of the water changed accordingly. For example dark or black tea's require water that has to near boiling, while Green or white tea's are best served with water at around 170-180*F to avoid cooking the leaves and destroying the flavor.
Brewing Or Steeping Time Of Loose Leaf Tea
Brewing the best tasting tea come with experience and practice. For beginners it is best to steep the tea for a minute or two and then taste, Repeat this paying attention to the taste of the tea rather than the color.
Once the tea tastes right, use a tea strainer, and pour the tea into the cups. (for ideal tasting tea preheat the cups, like we did with the teapot).
Storing Loose Leaf Tea
Store tea in a cool and dry place in airtight container. This will help preserve the life of the tea and keep it fresh.