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The Art Of Preparing A Perfect Cup Of Tea!
Preparing tea should never be rushed. The process of preparing the tea gives a feeling of relaxation in itself. So if you take your time and take the proper steps in the preparation you will end up with a “Perfect Cup of Tea”!
What makes tea time so alluring? I think it’s because “Tea Time” evokes a feeling of well-being and contentment. Tea time brings with it friendship, fellowship, beauty, reminiscing, romance, elegance and fun!
"A perfect cup of tea posses the quality of a successful Afternoon Tea”
Since we will be talking about the “perfect cup of tea”, I must engage on the topic of “the tea bag vs. loose leaf tea”!
The difference between loose leaf tea and tea in bags is the size of the leaves. And that difference effects the end results. I also have used tea in teabags. But there is nothing to compare to a heavenly cup of tea made with loose leaf tea! The aroma and taste is beyond compare.
Tea leaves contain chemicals and essential oils, which bring about the delightful flavor of the tea when prepared. Typically tea bags are filled with fannings, which are tiny pieces of broken tea leaves. When tea leaves are broken up, those oils can evaporate, which can leave a dull and tasteless tea.
Loose teas are typically whole leaves or at least large pieces of leaves. Tea leaves need space to “breath”. That is, space to expand, swell, and unfurl. Tea bags do not give the opportunity for this. Good circulation of the water around the leaves is
Now Let’s Prepare The Tea!
1- Use fresh cold water to ensure that the water is aerated (full of oxygen) to release the flavor of the tea leaves. Let the tap water run for a few seconds first to let the water get nice and cold. Remember, good water means good tea. Spring water or filtered water is best if you have those available.
2- Pour water in to the Tea Kettle. Let the water come to a boil.Do not let it boil too long or it will release the oxygen, which results in a bland tasting cup of tea.
3- Preheat or “warm” your tea pot. Fill it with very hot tap water. Let it stand for a few minutes while waiting for the tea kettle to whistle. Then discard the "warming" water. 4- Place the proper amount of tea bags or loose leaf in the tea pot.
Tea Infusers: You may choose to use a tea infuser. It does have several advantages.
Place tea leaves in tea ball. Since it can only be filled half way so the leaves can spread out and infuse. There are different sizes of tea infusers.
Tea Strainer: When placing tea leaves directly into the tea pot use a tea strainer. After proper steeping time, the strainer is placed over the tea cup to strain out the tea leaves.
5- Bring the Tea Pot to the Tea Kettle! Never the tea kettle to the tea pot. Pour the water directly over the tea leaves (or bags).Steep for the appropriate amount of time per type of tea being used.
Steeping Times: Black Tea- 5 minutes Herbal Tea- 5 minutes Oolong Tea- 3-5 minutes Green Tea- 1-3 minutes
After steeping, the hostess should pour for each guest. The Hostess may also ask someone if they would like to be “The Tea Governess”! That is, to help with the pouring of the tea and seeing if refills are needed. In Victorian times to be given the position of “Tea Governess” was an honor! Tip: First ask if they want sugar and /or lemon in their tea. If they want both, have them put the sugar in first. The citric acid of the lemon prevents the sugar from dissolving if you put it in first! Then they can add a slice of lemon. Remember: Never add lemon and milk together- the milk will curdle!
There is nothing to compare to the wonderful flavor that comes from using good quality loose leaf teas.There are many types, tastes, and grades of teas. See “The Essence Of Tea” for this information.
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