The humble cuppa, it’s a key part to any morning routine, a comforting treat to be enjoyed at just about any time of the day. There’s no denying that a simple cup of tea is an integral part of daily life. There’s a type of tea to suit anyone, any occasion or any time of day. No matter what type of tea is your favourite or when you choose to enjoy your tea, everyone has their own methods, tips and tricks to making the perfect brew. The internet has really opened up the possibility of trying different brews. When you buy herbal tea online, you are able to find your favorites. Plus, they are fresher than what you find at a local grocery store.
If you’re looking to improve your tea making technique then have your kettle at the ready, below are a number of ways that you could master the art of the perfect brew.
Use Fresh, Filtered Water
How often do you simply top up the water in your kettle instead of emptying and refilling it with the right amount of fresh, cold water? The truth is that kettles filled with freshly drawn water will always provide a better tea experience.
This is because the flavour of your tea will better develop when it’s infused with oxygenated water. Boiling the same water over and over again reduces the amount of oxygen in the water. Boiling fresh, filtered water will help keep the water oxygenated and therefore help with the flavour of your tea.
Water Temperature Is Key
Once you’ve boiled your freshly drawn water then the next step is to allow it cool slightly before pouring it into your cup, mug or teapot. It’s important to remember that tea is a delicate leaf and boiling hot water will simply burn the leaves, which will have a detrimental effect of the flavour of the tea.
Many modern kettles now have adjustable temperature control features which make it easier than ever to reduce the risk of burning your tea leaves. However, if you’re working with a traditional kettle a good rule of thumb is to allow your water to rest for approximately 2 minutes before you add it to your favourite tea vessel.
Brewing Times May Vary
Brewing times are often a matter of personal taste. Some prefer their tea to be more delicate in flavour, whereas others may prefer a stronger tasting cuppa. Different types of tea may also require different brewing times, so if you’re looking for a rough guide it may be best to check out the recommended brewing instructions on the tea’s packaging.
It might also be a good idea to experiment with different brewing times in order to achieve the optimal taste. An extra 30 seconds may not seem like much, but it could be all it takes to produce a superior tasting cup of tea that’ll leave you wanting more.
When To Add Milk?
This is often the most heavily debated topic when it comes to making the perfect cup of tea. Do you add a dash of milk to your cup first? Or is milk your final flourish?
When you add your milk is another step which is determined by personal preference. Back when tea was served in delicate china teacups, milk was often added first to reduce the risk of the cup cracking when coming into contact with boiling water. However, modern-day mugs and cups are produced to withstand this heat and therefore it’s no longer necessary to add your milk first.
If you’re working with loose leaf tea, chances are that you’ve allowed your tea to brew in a separate teapot so adding milk to your cup before or after will not impact the brewing process. However, when using tea bags, it’s probably best to allow your tea to steep in water alone before adding any milk to your cup.
Whilst everyone has their own theories and techniques that they believe helps them achieve the best brew, following the tips listed above will no doubt help you master the art of making delicious tea that you can be proud of!
