Even if the various types of tea come with a rich array of health benefits, many of us still drink tea just because we love how it tastes. As a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients, tea also contains significantly lower caffeine than coffee, so it’s one of the best coffee alternatives. Whatever your reason for drinking tea is, here are a few useful tips on getting the most out of it.
Brewing tea Like a pro
1. Always use cold, fresh water. Re-boiled water has a lower oxygen content.
2. Bring the water to a boil; don’t let it overboil.
3. Use only high-quality leaf tea.
4. Use one teaspoon of loose tea or one teabag per cup.
5. Water temperature is also important: for black tea, you can pour the hot water after a couple of minutes when it’s approximately at 185 degrees F/85 degrees C; for white and green teas the water temperature should be a little lower, at about 167 degrees F/ 75 degrees C; herbal teas need the hottest water so you can pour it as soon as you’ve brought it to a boil.
6. Brewing times also vary accordingly: white and green teas need only 1-2 minutes; black tea gives out the best flavor if you let it brew for 2-3 minutes; herbal teas need longer brew times of 3-6 minutes to release their flavor.
7. Remove the leaves or teabags from the water or filter the tea in cups or another clean pot.
8. Tea doesn’t necessarily have to be sweetened, but you can do it if that’s how you like it. You can use sugar, honey or another sweetener.
9. Milk is also optional; you don’t have to be British to enjoy the wonderful flavor it can bring to your favorite tea. Tip: Pour the cold milk into the cup before adding the hot tea. This way, the milk will cool your tea so you can drink it faster.
