Tea Brewing

Tea brewing is quite a simple process.  Did you know that the amount of caffeine in your tea depends on how long you brew it?  The shorter the brewing time, the less caffeine there will be in your tea. 

Infusing tea leaves in hot water for three minute results in a caffeine content of 40 to 100 mg, while infusing for just one minute results in 20 to 40 mg of caffeine

Tea brewing is best done in China, glass or stainless steel and never in plastic or aluminum.  don't use an aluminum kettle for boiling water for tea brewing either.  Always fill your teapot with hot water to preheat it.  Always use purified water for brewing, tap water often contains chemicals that alter the taste of the brew.

Tea Brewing for Green Tea, Rooibos Tea, or Herbal Tea

Steep in water in the first boil.  Water at the first boil (the first appearance of bubbles) should register 160 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is better to steep delicate teas a little longer using water at a lower temperature than it is to force the leaves to give up their essence with high temperatures and end up with a bitter brew.

Tea Brewing for Oolong Tea, White Tea, or Chai Tea

Steep in water at the second boil, that is when the water is dancing and hissing with impatience.  Water on the second boil should be between 180 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tea Brewing for Black Tea

Steep in water at a full boil.  Water at a full, rocking boil is what's necessary to release the full flavors of heavy traditional teas.

When the brewing water is ready, empty the teapot (or cup) and put a suitable amount of tea into it the pot (or cup), typically one tea bag or one rounded teaspoonful of loose tea per cup.  Add the boiling water, cover and steep for 3-5 minutes.  Three minutes for light flavor and five minutes for a full rich flavor.  Flavor increases with the length of the steeping period.  Some teas product color quickly but don't judge a tea by its color.  You may need to take a sip to test the flavor.  A full rich flavor of tea requires a full five minutes of steeping time.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green Tea Reviews and Health Benefits

The benefits of green tea in a human body are so remarkable that it is believed that the key to a longer and healthier life may be brewing in your cup!

Black Tea or Green Tea -- Which is Healthier?

Until recently, tea research has focused on green tea.  Green tea is loaded with the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a pwerful anti-oxidant.  Since the fermentation process used to black tea converts EGCg into other compounds, researchers assumed black tea had less health benefits that green tea.  However, more recent studies indicate that the compounds contained in black tea -- theaflavins and thearubigens -- do more than contribute to its dark color and distinctive flavor.  They also provide health benefits orginally attibuted solely to green tea.

It's important to remeber that tea research is still in the early stages.  Jane Higen, a research associate with the Linus Pauling Institue, states in a recent article:  "although numerous observational studies have examined the relationships between tea consumption and the risks of cardiovascular diease and cancer, there is no conclusive evidence that high intakes of tea are protective in humans."  Still, it looks like there is no need to worry about depriving yourself of possible health benefits if black tea is your beverage of choice.