Kettle and water temperature, essentials
You have chosen a black tea, a green tea, a white tea or even one brew your tea and you are about to heat the water. But at what temperature? First of all, know that it should never be boiling, but simmering, otherwise the tea leaves will be damaged. Then, the principle is simple: the more the tea is oxidized, the hotter the water can be (have you forgotten your lesson on the different teas? Head to the cheat sheet here
In summary :
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For the black teas, water at 80-90°.
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For the green teas, water at 70-80° (or a little warmer for mixtures containing mate).
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For the white teas, water at 70-80°.
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The infusions ? 90-100° !
Being able to control the heat of your water to the nearest degree before pouring it is not always easy, it’s true. However, more and more kettles allow you to select the desired temperature (from 50 to 100°), then view it in real time on a digital screen... A great gift to give yourself, if you haven't already! Our advice: opt for fresh, lightly mineralized water, ideally spring or filtered, to preserve all the flavors of the tea.
Every detail counts: mug, cup, tea pot… you have to choose!
Now you need to decide what you are going to enjoy your tea in. Mug, cup, tea maker ? There’s a container for every moment of the day! From mug transparent to the cup of chiseled porcelain, passing through the bowl matcha traditional or the beautifully decorated glass of mint tea, there is something for everyone. Not to mention the portable double-walled teapots, which allow you to enjoy everywhere without getting burned and mason jar decorated with a straw, perfect for iced teas !
Last important choice if you have opted for loose tea: the infuser. They are all easy to use: tea ball hanging on a chain, silicone clamp, teaspoon design, biodegradable paper filters… All options are permitted, with two golden rules: choose a infuser large enough to let the long leaves unfold and release their aromas and ensure that it is tight enough not to allow the fine needles of the plant to pass through. rooibos.
Brewing time also varies
Although everyone can opt for an infusion time to their liking, it is advisable to let your tea steep for at least 3 minutes and no more than 8 minutes. All tea boxes have the necessary instructions for optimal infusion, so why not follow them? As a guide, you will wait 3 to 4 minutes for a black tea or a green tea and 5 to 8 minutes for one brew. The white tea as for it, it should not infuse for more than 3 minutes... Its delicacy cannot bear any more! Take the opportunity to relax while watching the color of your drink thicken and inhaling its scent.
And there you have it! All you have to do is make yourself comfortable to enjoy this well-deserved relaxing break!