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Most of us enjoy our tea bags by leaving the bag in while we sip and relax. However, the amount of time we steep our tea is impacting to the flavor of the tea and whether or not we ultimately enjoy it. From a previous non-tea drinker who converted to a tea lover upon learning how to properly steep tea (time and temperature), Yes, steeping matters.
A General Chart for reference.
Full Boil (Third Boil)- The water is raging. Full ripples and waves roaring. Usually 212°
Second Boil- The water is starting to rumble. Multiple sized bubbles. Usually 180°
First Boil- The water is just getting ready. Few bubbles
Steeping involves first matching the proper water temperature to the type of tea. Then, we look at how long the tea type needs to sit in the water. This process involves the unfurling of the leaves (rehydration) and the release of tannins (flavor).
When tea is steeped, the tea leaves absorb water and release compounds into the water, extracting flavor and nutrients.
Have you ever heard of over steeped (bitter) tea? Or have you ever experienced it?
Over steeping can cause a bitter, murky, burnt, or acidic flavor. Proper steeping helps to avoid this.
Proper steeping also helps us to truly identify whether or not the tea is good to us- in flavor and also in benefit. If we want to truly give the tea a fair shot, proper steeping is an important step to consider. Who knows, you might truly be a tea lover after all! Or maybe you do like Lychee! Or Orchard Peach or Blueberry Jubilee!
Tip: It's usually better to use a good water- spring or purified- for making tea.
Go Ahead, pull out your Tea stuff and try it.
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