How to properly prepare your tea or infusion?

Preparing and infusing tea are essential steps to make a successful brew and fully enjoy it. Whether you are an occasional tea drinker or a true enthusiast, knowing the right preparation techniques will allow you to precisely achieve the ideal drink. This article will guide you through the various key steps to properly prepare and infuse your organic tea, focusing on water quality, teapot selection, dosage, temperature and infusion time, as well as tasting rules.

For good tea, ensure water quality

The water used to infuse tea leaves is an essential element to consider in order to preserve natural aromas. It is preferable to use "neutral" water that does not alter the taste of the tea. It must be pure and free of odors such as chlorine or iron. Water that is too hard or too calcareous risks stifling the tea's aromas. If tap water is of good quality, it may be suitable, but it is recommended to use a water filter to remove any impurities.

It is important to emphasize that over 99% of your cup of tea is water. Therefore, water quality plays an essential role in revealing the tea's aromas and preserving the plants used. Water with low mineral content and little lime is preferable. Avoid reusing already heated water, as it can lose its oxygen and significantly affect the quality of the infusion.

Choosing the right teapot

The choice of teapot depends on your preferences and the type of tea you wish to infuse. Ceramic teapots retain heat well, while cast iron ones are appreciated for their heat-retaining capacity. Glass teapots allow you to appreciate the color of the infusion. Make sure the teapot is clean, without any residue from previous infusions, to preserve the taste of your tea.

It is preferable to avoid the use of plastic materials for tea preparation, especially when it comes to hot water or high temperatures (kettle, teapot).

Use a container specifically reserved for tea infusion, avoiding multi-purpose pots. Rinse the inside of the teapot with clear water, without detergent or scrubbing. A good teapot seasons with use, forming a thin layer of tannins inside. After use, let your teapot air dry, without a lid.

Ensuring correct dosage

The tea dosage will depend on your personal preferences and the type of tea used. As a general rule, one teaspoon of loose leaf tea or one tea bag per cup is a good baseline. You can adjust the quantity according to your taste, by increasing or decreasing the amount of tea. Keep in mind that some teas may require a larger dose to fully release their flavors. Be sure to follow the recommendations provided on each product package.

Over-dosing tea does not guarantee a good infusion but causes bitterness and saturation of aromas.
Always prefer organic products free of chemicals.

Controlling temperature and infusion time

The temperature and infusion time vary depending on the type of tea you are preparing. Here are some general guidelines:

• Green tea: 70-80°C and 1 to 3 min. to preserve delicate aromas and thus avoid bitterness.

• Black tea: 90-95°C and 3 to 5 min. to obtain a rich and full-bodied infusion, ideal for breakfast.

• Oolong tea: 80-90°C and 3 to 5 min. to enjoy the subtle aromas and balanced flavor of this semi-oxidized tea.

• White tea: 75-85°C and 2 to 4 min. to preserve its soft floral notes.

• Rooibos: 80-90°C and 5 to 6 min. are recommended.

• Herbal infusions: Temperatures and infusion times vary depending on the plants used. Refer to specific recommendations for each plant, as they can differ considerably (hibiscus, chamomile, thyme, sage, etc.).

Not infused enough, your drink will be tasteless.
Over-infused, it will be strong, bitter, and its aromas saturated.

If in doubt, it is better to infuse for less time than too long. You can always repeat the infusion.

The longer you infuse your tea, the more it will release its theine (caffeine) as well as its compounds (tannins, mineral salts, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, etc.). 80% of the tea's theine is released during the first 2 minutes of infusion.

What to do if you don't have a thermometer?

Here's a practical tip if you only have a traditional kettle: before adding your tea, wait for the water to cool to reach the desired temperature.

Here are the recommended waiting times once you have poured boiling water (at 100°C) into your cup:

• 75-80°C: let it rest for about 7 minutes.
• 85°C: let it rest for about 4 minutes.
• 95°C: let it rest for about 1 minute.

You can then steep your tea in the cup and wait for the desired infusion time.

Cold brew

Alternatively, and for every tea, it is possible to make cold infusions. To prepare successful iced teas, let them infuse at room temperature for about 1 hour for green teas and 2 hours for black teas. You can extend the infusion time to reveal additional flavors depending on the ingredients in the blend, such as peels, fruits, or spices. Some of our blends can easily be prepared the day before for the next day simply in your refrigerator.

Using cold water directly limits the bitterness and astringency that develop when a hot tea is cooled.

Tea tasting

Tea tasting is a subjective experience, and everyone has their personal preferences regarding the addition of milk, sugar, honey, or lemon.

Generally, it is preferable to taste higher quality teas without adding ingredients to fully appreciate their natural flavors. However, some people prefer to add a little milk or sugar to their black tea, especially in the British tradition of afternoon tea. Adding too much lemon can alter the taste of the tea. On the other hand, it would allow better assimilation of the antioxidants from the tea leaves.

Conclusion

Preparing and infusing tea may require a little practice to avoid spoiling the drink for beginners. By ensuring water quality, choosing the appropriate teapot, respecting the dosage, controlling the temperature and infusion time, as well as following tasting rules, you will be able to prepare delicious and flavorful cups of tea that will delight your taste buds and awaken your senses.

Enjoy this taste journey and share it with your friends.