Kettles and water temperature: the essentials
You have chosen a black tea, a green tea, a white tea or an infusion and you are getting ready to heat the water. But to what temperature? First of all, remember that it should never be boiling, but simmering, otherwise you risk damaging the tea leaves. Next, the principle is simple: the more oxidised the tea, the hotter the water can be (forgot your tea guide? Head over to the cheat sheet here
In brief:
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For black teas, water at 80-90°C.
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For green teas, water at 70-80°C (or slightly hotter for blends containing maté).
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For white teas, water at 70-80°C.
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Herbal teas? 90-100°C!
Being able to control the exact degree of your water before pouring it is not always easy, that is true. However, more and more kettles allow you to select your desired temperature (from 50 to 100°C), and then view it in real time on a digital display… A lovely treat to give yourself, if you haven't already! Our tip: opt for fresh water with low mineral content, ideally spring or filtered water, to preserve all the flavours of your tea.
Every detail counts: mug, teacup, infuser mug… the choice is yours!
Now you need to decide what to enjoy your tea in. Mug, cup, infuser mug? For every moment of the day, the perfect vessel! From the transparent mug to the finely crafted porcelain cup, not forgetting the traditional matcha bowl or the beautifully decorated mint tea glass, there is something for everyone. Not to mention double-walled travel teapots, which let you treat yourself anywhere without burning your hands, and mason jars with a straw, perfect for iced teas!
The final key choice if you have opted for loose-leaf tea: the infuser. They are all easy to use: hanging tea ball with chain, silicone tea tongs, designer tea spoon, biodegradable paper filters… All options are welcome, with two golden rules however: choose an infuser large enough to let the whole leaves unfurl and release their aromas, and ensure it is fine enough not to let tiny needles of rooibos slip through.
Brewing times also vary
Although everyone can choose a brewing time to their taste, it is recommended to let your tea infuse for at least 3 minutes and no more than 8 minutes. All tea tins provide the instructions needed for optimal brewing, so why not follow them? As a guide, allow 3 to 4 minutes for a black tea or a green tea, and 5 to 8 minutes for an herbal tea. As for white tea, it should not steep for more than 3 minutes… Its delicacy cannot take any more! Take this opportunity to unwind as you watch the colour of your drink deepen and breathe in the fragrant aromas.
And there you have it! All that's left is to settle in comfortably and enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation!