subject: Getting That Perfect Cup Of Blooming Tea [print this page] Most tea drinkers are content to just drop a tea bag in hot water, let it steep until they remember that they're supposed to take it out and then drink their concoction.How could that be satisfying? Drinking tea is regarded as a holistic experience, much like going to a spa and to get it right, one needs to brew it accurately to have the most out of every cup.
A great cup of tea starts with the utensils used, making sure that all of the items you'll be using are in good and clean condition. Everything from the kettle, glass teapot if brewing blooming tea, cups, and strainers must be lightly and frequently washed with soap or baking soda (to keep the stain away). It also keeps mineral residue from accumulating which can influence the flavor of the tea.
Next important ingredient is water, this could very well influence how your favorite cup of tea would taste. Great tasting water will produce a great brew as well. To achieve the desired taste and flavor, use filtered water that does not have any chemicals or chlorine. Using distilled water is not recommended for that great tasting tea.
For a cup of tea, it is recommended to heat about six ounces of water. When making a pot of flowering tea, for example, measure beforehand how many cups water are required to cover the tea ball, but include sufficient room so the tea can bloom fully in the pot. Each tea variety has its own requirement when it comes to the amount of heat and the time required for steeping. To yield the perfect brew, it is recommended to follow the directions that came with the tea you have or you could refer to the commonly accepted guideline:
2 minutes steeping for quality black tea
5 minutes steeping for a mixture of black and green tea
7 minutes steeping for green tea
Blooming tea as long as it takes to blossom!
And so you can have a great second cup, remember to remove the infuser after the required time, so the tea doesn't brew any further.
