So you want to learn how to make the perfect cup of tea? I don't blame you. Tea is soothing and delightful, especially when made the right way. But what exactly is the right way to make tea?
There is no one method for every tea. The process of extracting the plant compounds is basically the same for all herbs. The only aspect that varies is the temperature and time.
I'll explain how to determine the extraction temperature and time. I'll also talk about the other factors that affect the quality of your tea. By the time you're finished reading, you'll know how to make the perfect cup of tea.
How To Measure Your Tea
Measuring your herb is simple. One teaspoon of tea for every one cup of water. Yes, these measurements got their names for a reason.
You may need more herbs if the tea you are using is not fresh. Using fresh tea makes a world of difference in the flavor and strength of the tea. So if you wish to get the most out of your tea, always do your research and buy fresh herbs.
If you need a reliable source for fresh tea, visit our shop page to view our variety of herbal tea.
How long to steep my tea?
You see, every herb is unique in its own way. Some are soft and easily penetrable. While others are hard and put up more of a fight. In other words, some herbs will require higher temperatures than others to extract the plant compounds into the water. Leaves give up their plant compounds easier than roots do.
While most herbs do have a recommended temperature to be steeped at, the time steeped often varies upon your desired strength or taste. You also want to account for the freshness of the herbs.
I have below a temperature guide for your teas:
Tea Temperature Chart
Black Tea: 212 F
Green Tea: 175 to 180 F
White Tea: 175 to 180 F
Oolong Tea: 195 F
Herbal Tea: 212 F
Rooibos Tea: 212 F
For an herb, boiling your water and steeping it for 3 to 5 minutes usually makes a decent cup of tea. However, understanding the proper temperature to steep at will turn your decent cup of tea into a magnificent cup of herbal poetry made for the pure enjoyment of the soul.
I have below the steeping chart:
Tea Steeping Chart
Black Tea : 3 to 5 minutes
Green Tea: 1 to 2 minutes
White Tea: 2 to 3 minutes
Oolong Tea: 2 to 3 minutes
Herbal Tea: 5 to 10 minutes
Rooibos Tea: 5 to 10 minutes
If you follow these temperatures and times, you'll likely get close to the perfect cup of tea. However, the perfect cup of tea is unique to every individual. Take what I have written here as a guideline. Now you must experiment on your own. Only then will you find your perfect cup of tea.
It is also important to note that if it takes longer than the times listed above, then your tea may not be fresh. Fresh herbs won't take long to steep and are full of flavor.
One way to test the freshness of your herbs is to give them a smell. If they smell vibrant, your tea is fresh. If there is little to no scent, your herbs are not fresh.
Now that you know how to make the perfect cup of tea, you need fresh herbs.
If you're looking for a company that can provide you with fresh herbs that are full of flavor, look no further.
We know so much about freshness and quality because that's one of our top priorities. At Om Prana Medicine, we take every precaution to ensure you get the freshest tea possible. You can find all of our teas on our shop page.
The important part is using fresh herbs. They don't have to be from us to make the perfect cup of tea.
Now that you know how to make the perfect cup of tea, try it yourself. This knowledge is only good if you use it.
And like I said before, don't be afraid to experiment. You won't find the perfect cup of tea until you do.
Thanks for reading till the end. I hope you enjoyed it.
As always.
Peace and Love!