HOW TO PREPARE TEA
Teas are traditionally steeped in hot water. Growers do steep tea in cold water as well , which is lately also a trend for the public at large.
The longer tea is steeped in water, the bitter the taste for most teas. As general rule you can consider the following rule (differences apply according your personal preferences)
PREPARATIONS IN HOT WATER
General rule:
- avoid using boiling water, as it can alter some ingredients
- tea can be steeped 3 to 4 times
White Tea (hardly fermented tea):
3-4 minutes in 60°C water (140 F)
Green Teas (slight fermentation):
2-3 minutes in 70°C (158F)
Oolong Tea (partially oxidized tea):
2-3 minutes in 80°C (176F)
Black or Red Teas (highly oxidized tea):
3-4 minutes in 90°C (194F)