TEA TIME : PART 3

HOW TO BREW THE TEA 

To get the best benefits and flavors of tea, we have to brew tea on the exact time and temperature.

 

The tea tasted a little bitter when drunk which is a separate pleasure from tea.
As well as changing the potency of the antioxidants, the steep's temperature and time greatly effects the taste, especially on white and green teas.  
Camellia sinensis naturally contains tannins, which are brought out in higher quantities with the tea's exposure to hot water for longer periods. 

Black, oolong and green tea

 

Black Tea
Water for black tea is usually added near the boiling point of water. 
Many of the active substances in black tea do not develop at temperatures lower than 90 °C (194 °F).
Lower temperatures are used for some more delicate teas. 
In black teas, the tannins are part of the natural flavor, as they tend to be rich and bolder.
The temperature will have as large an effect on the final flavor as the type of tea used. 

 

The most common fault when making black tea is to use water at too low a temperature.
Black teas are usually brewed for about four minutes and are usually not allowed to steep for less than 30 seconds or more than about five minutes. 
When the tea has brewed long enough to suit the tastes of the drinker, it should be strained while serving.


Green Tea
Green tea is rich in vitamin C, and of all teas contains the highest levels of polyphenols (flavonoids), which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Water for green tea, should be around 80 to 85 °C.
The higher quality of the leaves, so we only need lower temperature. 
Hotter water will produce a bitter taste, but in so many place bitter tea is appreciated. 

Green tea is steeped in boiling water for 15 minutes.
Because of its delicate qualities, green tea should be steeped using less than boiling water, taking care not to oversteep which can cook the leaves and spoil its subtle characteristics.  

Traditional green tea after brewed, could be re-brewed

For high-quality green tea, we can added hot water as many as five or more times, depending on variety, at increasingly higher temperatures.
Green tea will lose its flavor faster than other teas, so it's recommend that we purchase smaller quantities more frequently.

Oolong Tea
Oolong teas should be brewed around 80 to 100 °C, and the brewing vessel should be warmed before pouring in the water.  
For best results, spring water should be used as the minerals in spring water tend to bring out more flavor in the tea. 

 

High quality oolong can be brewed multiple times from the same leaves, and unlike green tea, it improves with reuse. 
It is common to brew the same leaves three to five times, the third steeping usually considered the best. 


White Tea
As a premium or delicate tea, white tea is usually brewed on the temperature about 70 to 80°C for about five minutes.  
We can added hot water as many as five or more times, or we call it re-brew.
However in white and green teas, which tend to be more delicate, the tannins frequently give the tea a bitter taste which is commonly thought of as unpleasant.

			How do about your brewing tea method?
			Every place have their own method on brewing tea. Cause they have their own taste on tea flavor. Next we will talk more about the form and presentation of tea.
			Have a wonderful tea time!