How to Brew Tea Right: The Importance of Temperature and Time

The Science of Tea Brewing: The Importance of Temperature

The temperature of the water used for brewing tea is crucial, as it affects the extraction of flavors and nutrients from the tea leaves. Water that is too hot can burn the tea, resulting in a bitter taste, while water that is too cold can lead to under-extraction, resulting in a weak or sour taste. This delicate balance is key to unlocking the full flavor potential of the tea.

The Ideal Brewing Temperature for Different Teas

Different types of tea require different brewing temperatures. Here's a breakdown of the ideal temperatures for each:

• Black tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C)
• Green tea: 160-170°F (71-77°C)
• White tea: 150-160°F (65-71°C)
• Oolong tea: 180-200°F (82-93°C)
• Herbal tea: 212°F (100°C)

The Role of Time in Tea Brewing

The brewing time of tea also plays a significant role in the final flavor and aroma of the tea. The longer the tea steeps, the more caffeine and tannins are released, which can lead to a bitter taste. On the other hand, the shorter the steeping time, the more delicate and nuanced the flavor will be. Finding the perfect balance is essential for achieving the ideal cup.

The Golden Ratio of Tea Brewing

The ideal ratio of tea leaves to water is crucial for achieving the perfect brew. A good starting point is one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 oz of water, but this can vary depending on personal preference and the type of tea being used. Experimenting with different ratios can help you find your perfect cup.

The Science Behind Tea Brewing

Tea brewing is a complex process that involves the extraction of solubles from the tea leaves into the water. The rate of extraction is influenced by factors such as temperature, time, and the surface area of the tea leaves. Understanding these factors can help tea enthusiasts optimize their brewing techniques to achieve the perfect cup.

Tips for Optimizing Your Tea Brewing

Here are some tips to help you optimize your tea brewing:

• Use fresh, filtered water to prevent any impurities or minerals from affecting the flavor of the tea.
• Heat the water to the optimal temperature for the type of tea being used.
• Use the right amount of tea leaves and adjust the steeping time to suit your personal taste preferences.
• Experiment with different brewing techniques to find what works best for you.

By following these tips and understanding the science behind tea brewing, you can unlock the full flavor potential of your tea and enjoy the perfect cup every time.

Ditch the Tea Bags

Just don't forget to use only metal tea strainers. One of the largest sources of plastic is unfortunately the plastic tea bags that shed large numbers of microplastics, which contain and release into the body endocrine disruptors.

A recent Newsweek article details the results from a study that found that all three types of plastic tea bag they tested (nylon, cellulose and polypropylene) released millions of plastic particles. In the case of the polypropylene bags, they release 1.2 billion plastic particles PER DROP of tea. That means on average a person consumes billions of plastic particles per sip of tea!

These nanoplastic particles are even worse than previously detected microplastics because their small size allows easy entry into the cell membranes, even entering the nucleus of cells. The scientists reported that these particles can easily cross biological barriers and disrupt mitochondria.

Paper bags are also a concern, due to processing of the material involving chlorine by products and other toxins. 

Best Options:

Ceramic Tea Infuser

Glass Tea Infuser

References

Banaei, G., Abass, D., Tavakolpournegari, A., Martín-Pérez, J., Gutiérrez, J., Peng, G., Reemtsma, T., Marc, R., Hernández, A., García-Rodríguez, A. (2024). Teabag-derived micro/nanoplastics (true-to-life MNPLs) as a surrogate for real-life exposure escenaris, Chemosphere, 368 (143736).