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WHY NOT TEABAGS?

Teabags are the convenience food of the tea world. The tea inside is broken into finer pieces to maximise surface area and speed up the infusion process. However, some subtleties of flavour are sacrificed during this forced process and can be masked by the flavour of the teabag paper itself.

Tea brewed from teabags is often very bitter which is one of the reasons why many people add milk and sugar. While astringency is an important part of a tea's flavour, too much can be a sign of lower quality and become unpalatable.

At specialtea.co.uk we have selected a range of high quality teas, full of flavour and perfectly balanced astringency, ensuring that no additives are necessary.

BREWING THE PERFECT CUP

Quality of Water

Water quality has a significant effect on the overall flavour of the tea. It is preferable to use bottled spring or mineral water, which has a good balance of natural minerals and is freer from impurities and added chemicals than tap water.

Water Temperature

As a general rule, black teas are best brewed with water at around 90-100 degrees Celsius. Green, Oolong and Scented teas should be brewed at about 80 degrees to avoid "burning away" some of the subtler flavours.

How Much and How Long

Using too little tea or not brewing it long enough will lead to an unrewarding cup of tea lacking in the full spectrum of flavours the tea has to offer. Too much, or overbrewing, can result in an overpowering and bitter experience.

Trial and error "to taste" is the recommended method and, to a certain extent, is part of the pleasure of "discovering" a new tea. Generally though, 1-2 teaspoons per person (or half a mini Tou Cha in the case of Pu-Erh) and 4-5 minutes is a good starting point.

With most of our teas, and the amounts specified above, you can reuse the leaves at least once and still get a satisfying cup of tea.

The Pre-Brew

This is not necessary with most of our teas but refers to a process whereby you perform a short brew of the tea before pouring the water away and brewing it properly. This can serve two purposes: 1) to reduce the astringency 2) to reduce caffeine levels. This technique can be employed as preferred.

Equipment

Glass cups and teapots are a great way to enable you to fully appreciate and monitor the brewing process. They also provide one of the cleanest and purest brews. Ceramic teapots provide a good alternative. See our range of teaware in the Extras section.

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Whatever brewing medium is chosen, ensure there is room for water to circulate around the tea and for the leaves to expand.

Tidying Up

Brewing loose tea needn't be a hassle. Teapots with infusers provide an easy way to remove the tea from the pot, however even regular teapots needn't be troublesome. One quick and easy technique is to place a piece of kitchen towel over the sink hole, swill some water in the pot and then empty (via the lid aperture) into the paper towel. The towel can then be gathered up along with the spent leaves.

TEA STORAGE

All our tea is supplied pre-packed in sealed foil sachets to maintain freshness. Once opened it is generally recommended the tea be consumed within 3-4 months.

Tea should ideally be stored in opaque moisture-proof containers and away from sources of heat. See our Extras section for suitable tins.