By now, you’ve heard about our deliciously fresh flavors and tasty teas and you’re ready to start your own tea routine and reap the enticing stress-relieving and health benefits. Your only qualm, now is that you know nothing about tea preparation. While tea is consumed more than most other beverages in many countries, Americans tend to rank tea lower on their list of desirable drinks. It has been stated that nearly 60% of Americans brew their tea by heating up tea sachets or bags. Perhaps the reason for reduced tea consumption is our on-the-go cultural mentality or a social love of sodas and coffee that turns us off to the few quiet minutes spent brewing quality tea leaves. Perhaps, the intimidation of making tea lies in the lack of information on traditional tea knowledge in America?
We want to help foster your love of the leaf with a few easy guidelines on the correct use of tea leaves. Once you’re informed, tea can become an appreciated pause within a fast-paced lifestyle.
Measuring
It is recommended that one rounded teaspoon of dry leaves be used for each 6 ounce cup of hot tea. You may adjust the amount of leaves according to leaf density, which varies with each tea type. For instance, fluffier leaves, like those of oolong and white teas, will need twice as many leaves to compensate.
Water
For the best tea, use the best water. Seemingly common sense, the science behind this concept reveals filtered, bottled or spring water has more oxygen that enhances tea taste.
Temperature
Remember, the finer the tea, the lower the temperature of your water. Black, oolong and herbal teas are sturdier and can be prepared with water that has come to a full, rolling boil while white and green teas should not.
Steep Time
The smaller the tea leaf, the less time you’ll need to infuse the tea with water. All of our teas require 3-5 minutes of steeping time before enjoyment.
Sweeten and Flavor
Before you squeeze generous amounts of honey into your cup, consider a few other options for adding zing to your tea. Real pieces of fruit, fresh berries, lemons, limes, sprigs of mint and even a tiny bit of sugar or milk can boost flavor and naturally sweeten.
Storing
Store your teas in cool, dry places at home and at work to preserve vitality. It is safe, and even encouraged, to store tea in the refrigerator or freezer.
For more on tea knowledge and tips, visit here!
Hale Tea Company 