If there is one thing I’ve tested and tried (and learned the hard way), it’s how to make a cup of tea. From my first cup in London, I knew that every previous cup had been a mistake. Here is what I’ve learned.
- When it comes to tea, you get what you pay for. Maybe there is a cheap tea out there somewhere with incredible quality. I have not found it. You owe it to yourself to try a higher quality tea.
- Loose leaf tea is generally better than bagged tea.
- Never, ever, EVER microwave the water for tea. Just don’t. Use a kettle.
- The water for black tea should boil, and then rest a few seconds before pouring. The tea should steep for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of the leaf. The smaller the leaf, the shorter the steep. There are exceptions. Some black teas are delicate like green teas (such as some darjeeling teas) and some pu-erh teas are best brewed in boiling water.
- The water for green tea should not boil. If you boil green tea, it will be bitter. Again, there are exceptions. Some green teas are better brewed like black teas. Teas like matcha require even less heat than regular green teas. White tea is also best at lower temperatures.
- Tisanes (herbal teas, which are not really teas), in general, are best brewed at high temperatures, even boiling. It is best to read the directions, though, as some can be burned.
- Iced tea? Because it is so diluted, I have found it is possible to use less expensive varieties. However, it is still important to bring black tea to boiling point and let it steep around five minutes. Green iced tea, like hot iced tea, will be bitter if boiled or left to steep too long.
- Tea sommeliers know what tea should accompany what. I’m not a sommelier but I have found that like wine, certain teas are suited for certain tastes. Oolong has never let me down at a typical tea party because its sweetness complements tea party delicacies. Assam and darjeeling match breakfast. Some blends, such as Earl Grey, are better alone because of their strong flavors.
- Speaking of blends, before you decide you don’t like a type of tea, try it by another brand. Some blends, especially Earl Grey, are extremely different between brands. Lately, more of them have a chemical taste instead of the expected bergamot.
- If you take your time and try teas, as you would try wines, you’ll see they really are all different. The possibilities are endless when you add sweeteners or milk or try mixing your own blends. I never would have believed this thirty years ago.
Many people worship coffee, and I wish I could. My body doesn’t care for it. However, tea is the first priority of my kitchen. I may occasionally have a pantry that echoes or a refrigerator with only condiments in the door, but I can count on always getting my morning cup of tea.
