How To Make Tea

Have you noticed there are many drinks on the market that are labeled "Tea". Did you know that in order for a drink to be correctly called tea it can only come from the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis). Many drinks are incorrectly called tea. For instance, If you are drinking what one would call Chamomile tea, you actually are drinking a tisane, not tea. Flavored tea can have other ingredients added to it, but to be a tea the majority of the product must be from the tea plant, as with Earl Grey tea, which typically has Cornflower petals, Bergamot fruit and other flavorings added.

While tea is grown in several countries, not all countries can grow it. There have been a few attempts at growing tea in the United States with little success.

From its beginnings long ago, tea has grown in popularity until now it’s reported to be the second most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water.

Hopefully you have some good quality tea that you can't wait to try. When you bought the tea you may have thought that it was a lot of money just for tea, especially if you’re used to buying teabag-type tea in the store. While there are some that sell for well over $200 for a 4 oz. package, you don't need to go out and buy the most expensive tea you can find. But by getting high quality tea a whole world of flavors will open up to you.

So let’s get started. Along with superior tea It’s important to use superior water. Avoid water with additives. You want the taste of the tea to come through, not chlorine. It is best not to use distilled water. The minerals that are naturally present in water will help bring out the true flavor of the tea.

Each tea requires a different water temperature - black teas need water that is just to the boiling point. This however is too hot for green or white teas. Use water that is just to simmering for Green teas, and the water for White tea should be slightly below a simmer.

The tea leaves need to be able to open up to their original size while in the hot water. If they are not able to, an undesirable flavor may be produced. Put the tea directly into the tea pot without using a tea ball and add the hot water to the pot. Never put the tea pot on the burner. However, you usually can use a tea warmer.

Keep in mind that you get three infusions out of good quality tea. Adding a little infusion time with each additional infusion. Because you get three infusions from your tea, it’s easy to decaffeinate it. With the tea already in the pot, add the hot water and in 60 seconds pour the liquid down the drain. 80% of the caffeine is removed naturally without using chemicals. You now have two more infusions you can drink.

The following is a good method to start with, and then adjust to your taste.

1) The tea pot should be a good quality glass, clay or ceramic tea pot. For each cup of tea place one rounded teaspoon of leaves in the tea pot.

2) Pour the water into the teapot at the temperature mentioned above.

3) Infusion times vary depending on the type of tea:

White tea: 2 minutes.

Green tea: 3 minutes.

Black tea: 5 minutes.

4) Depending on the tea pot being used, pour the tea directly into the tea cup or mug, or pour it through a strainer into the cup.

5) When you are ready for another cup, repeat the process.

6) This is the most important step: find a quiet place to enjoy your tea. Notice its color and clarity. What fragrance does the finished liquid have? Enjoy not only its taste, but also its subtle aftertaste. This time is for you, so relax and enjoy it.

Cheers!