THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TEA PREPARATION
For the uninitiated, it may seem as though there’s only one way to make tea: add hot water and wait. But for tea lovers who appreciate the flavor profile of a perfectly steeped cup, the details are everything. Read on for a primer on tea preparation, from an overview of tea varieties to step-by-step instructions, along with a guide to popular tea accessories and how to use them.
Tea can be organized into five varieties: black, green, white, herbal, or oolong. These distinctions are based on both the source and the process through which the leaves were dried, rolled, oxidized and otherwise prepared for consumption. All tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant except for herbal tea, which is technically called a "tisane" rather than a tea. White tea is made from young leaves, which are typically heated by steam, oxidized, and dried, while green tea is scalded before rolling and drying. Black tea is typically made from mature leaves, which are fermented or oxidized without steam before drying, and oolong tea goes through a similar process to black tea, but with less time for oxidation.
Many teas are blended with flowers, leaves, spices, roots, and other flavorings, opening up a beautiful range of notes and fragrances. As a result, the world of tea is wide and varied, with nearly infinite combinations to try. To bring out optimal flavor in your tea, it’s important to follow several key steps:
- Use fresh, clean water – filtered or spring water is best
- Heat it to the correct temperature
- Steep the tea for a specific amount of time
- Choose accompaniments that will enhance, not spoil, the taste
HOW TO MAKE HOT TEA
Timing and temperature are the two key components of proper tea preparation, and they vary based on the tea type. Without the right combination, tea can become too bitter, strong, or weak. Its variety – black, green, white, herbal, or oolong – determines the water temperature and steeping time. Follow these instructions to bring out the nuance in every cup.
For black tea, steep in water at 208˚ F for three to five minutes. Make herbal tea with 208-degree water as well, but steep it for five minutes or more to bring out the flavor. The next to tea types need some special care. For oolong tea, steep at 195˚F for five minutes or longer if you like a stronger taste, for white tea, use the same temperature but only steep for 2-3 minutes with these delicate leaves. Use even cooler water for green tea – specifically, 175˚ F - 185 ˚F, and only steep for two to three minutes, to keep it from becoming oversteeped and bitter.
To make tea steeping even easier, electric kettles offer the ability to set your temperature for a range of needs for a precise and delicious steep every time.
STEEPING WITH A PYRAMID TEA INFUSER
To steep tea using one of our pyramid tea infusers, all you need is your favorite teacup or mug. Each pyramid is handcrafted and designed to allow the loose leaf tea leaves to luxuriantly unfurl into each deliciously aromatic cup, releasing the full flavor of the leaves. Once you're steeped your tea to the desired taste, simply remove the pyramid by its leaf handle and enjoy.
STEEPING LOOSE TEA
To steep loose leaf tea, an infuser of some kind is necessary. You may use free-standing metal infuser that works in any sized cup or mug, or an infuser basket that sits inside the teapot kettle or teacup.
The Fiore and Terra teapots are designed for steeping loose tea for one or more easily. Each teapot includes a metal infuser basket to hold the loose tea leaves while they steep. When ready, just pour the steeped tea into your favorite teacup or mug and enjoy.
If you wish to steep your tea by the cup, our KATI® and Fiore Steeping Cups steep loose tea right in your mug. The KATI Steeping Cup is a double-walled 12 ounce tumbler with lid and stainless steel infuser basket making tea by the cup easy. The double-walled structure keep the tea hot and the cup cool to the touch, available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The Fiore Steeping Cup is 14 ounce mug with a handle, lid and stainless steel infusing basket. Fiores are available in several floral patterns and Stone Blue.
Fiore Steeping Cups are available in a variety of designs.
Travel mugs made of a shatterproof material, including an easy-sip lid and splash guard designed for on the go sipping. The Carter Move Mug is an perfect example. This slim, double-walled, 12-ounce insulated travel mug is designed to amplify your senses and engineered to fit your travel needs. Simply steep your tea to the desired strength, snap in the splash guard for mess-free drinking on the go, and twist on the locking lid to eliminate mishaps. The tapered sipping lip delivers your beverage with ease while sitting comfortably on your mouth. The size of this mug works perfectly with pyramid tea infusers.
Travel mugs are made of shatterproof materials that fit easily in most cup holders.
HOW TO MAKE ICED TEA
In the United States, iced tea is one of the most refreshing ways to cool down on a hot day. It’s most often made with black tea, but can also be prepared from green, white or herbal tea if you’re in the mood for something less expected. Traditionally made in large batches and served from a pitcher with a generous amount of ice, it can be sweetened or unsweetened (simply called “sweet tea” and “unsweet tea” in the American south). For generations, this refreshing beverage has been synonymous with hospitality and summertime relaxation. The drink rose to prominence when it was served at the 1904 World’s Fair and word began to spread. It’s been one tall, cool glass after another ever since.
For generations, this refreshing beverage has been synonymous with hospitality and summertime relaxation. The drink rose to prominence when it was served at the 1904 World’s Fair and word began to spread. It’s been one tall, cool glass after another ever since.
TEA OVER ICE
The Tea Over Ice® Pitcher Set is specially designed to steep 24-ounces of flash-chilled iced tea using our Tea Over Ice Pyramid Infusers. Simply add ice to the lower pitcher, and one Tea Over Ice Pyramid Infuser to the smaller pitcher. Fill the top [itcher with hot water, stack onto the lower pitcher and steep for 5 minutes. When done steeping, pour the freshly-steeped tea concentrate over the ice in the lower pitcher and serve.
Our iced tea blends are available in 7 unique flavors, including Iced Blueberry Merlot (herbal tea), Iced Orange Papaya (black tea), Iced Blue Mint Nectar (herbal tea), Iced Raspberry Nectar, Iced Ceylon Gold (black tea), Iced White Ginger Pear (white tea), and Iced Green Mango Peach (green tea).
