What temperature for tea?
Water is essential. You have chosen your tea and are about to heat the water. But to what temperature?
First of all, it should never be boiling, but simmering, otherwise you risk damaging the tea leaves. Then, the principle is simple: the more oxidised the tea, the hotter the water can be.
How long should tea steep?
Although everyone can choose an infusion time to suit their taste, it is recommended to steep tea for at least 3 minutes and no more than 8 minutes. All tea tins include the information needed for optimal brewing, so why not follow it? Have you forgotten your lesson on the different teas?
White teas
Heat the water to 70–80°C and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
Green teas
Heat the water to 70–80°C (or slightly hotter for blends containing mate) and steep for 5 to 8 minutes
Black teas
Heat the water to 80–90°C and steep for 3 to 4 minutes
Organic infusions and herbal teas
Heat the water to 90–100°C and steep for 4 to 8 minutes
Rooibos Organic
Heat the water to 90–100°C and steep for 4 to 8 minutes
Mate
Heat the water to 90–100°C
How should you enjoy your tea?
Now you need to decide what you are going to drink your tea from.
Mug, cup, herbal tea mug?
A vessel for every moment of the day! From a transparent mug to an intricately patterned porcelain cup, via a traditional matcha bowl or a beautifully decorated mint tea glass, there is something for every taste.
Not to mention double-walled travel teapots, which allow you to enjoy tea anywhere without burning yourself, and mason jars with a straw, perfect for iced teas!
One final important choice if you have opted for loose-leaf tea: the tea infuser.
They are all easy to use: a tea ball suspended from a chain, a silicone clip, a designer spoon, biodegradable paper filters… All options are possible, with two golden rules: choose an infuser large enough to allow the long leaves to unfurl and release their aromas, and make sure it is sealed tightly enough to prevent fine rooibos needles from passing through.