How to Brew Black Tea: Unlocking the Perfect Cup
Welcome to our world of tea. Many people think brewing tea is complicated, but in fact, making a smooth and fragrant cup of black tea only requires five simple steps. Whether you need a refreshing drink in the morning or want to enjoy a moment of tranquility in the afternoon, this guide will help you achieve it with ease.
Preparation: Practice Makes Perfect
Before you begin, make sure you have the following three essentials on hand, as they are the foundation of a good cup of tea:
1. High-Quality Water: It’s best to use purified or mineral water. Tap water in Europe tends to be hard and may mask the delicate aroma of tea, so we highly recommend using bottled water.
2. The Right Vessel:
○ White Porcelain Gaiwan: This is the standard Chinese tea brewing tool. It does not absorb flavors and perfectly showcases the original aroma of black tea.
○ Glass Cup/Pot: Ideal for observing the tea leaves as they unfold, making it a great choice for beginners.
○ Note: It’s recommended to avoid using Yixing clay teapots, as they absorb aromas and are not suitable for enjoying the complex floral and fruity notes of black tea.
3. Perfect Temperature: Black tea is fully fermented and can handle boiling water. We suggest using water at 95°C – 100°C to bring out the sweet richness hidden within the tea leaves.
5 Simple Steps to Brew Black Tea
Now, let’s get started. Follow these steps to brew a cup of tea that belongs to you.
1. Warm the Vessel
Do not put tea leaves directly into a cold cup. First, rinse your teapot or gaiwan with boiling water.
● Why do this? It not only cleans your tea ware, but more importantly, raises its temperature, preventing a sudden drop in water temperature when boiling water is poured in, which could affect the taste of the tea.
2. Add the Tea
Pour out the warming water. Now it’s time to witness the miracle—add your black tea.
● Recommended tea amount: Generally, 110ml–150ml of water (about a cup) pairs well with 3g–5g of tea leaves (about a teaspoon or a small pinch). If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a little more tea rather than steeping longer.
3. Pour the Water
Lift the kettle and pour boiling water into the tea ware.
● Tip: It’s recommended to pour along the edge of the cup or the tea leaves in a circular motion. This allows the tea leaves to roll fully and heat evenly, releasing a richer flavor.
4. Steep & Wait
This is the most critical step. The substances in black tea extract quickly, so do not steep for too long.
● First brew: Pour out the tea quickly, around 5–10 seconds.
● Subsequent brews: Gradually extend each brew by 5–10 seconds.
● Note: High-quality black teas can usually be brewed 3–5 times, with the flavor changing with each infusion.
5. Taste & Enjoy
Pour the brewed tea into a fairness cup or directly into tasting cups. First, inhale the charming aroma, then take small sips to feel the sweetness unfold on your tongue.
Two Special Ways to Enjoy Tea:
Besides the traditional hot brew, our black tea is also very popular in Europe with two special drinking styles:
☕ English Breakfast Style
If you enjoy a strong flavor, you can increase the amount of tea leaves. After brewing, add fresh milk or sugar cubes according to your taste. We recommend pouring the tea into a cup already containing milk (rather than adding milk to the tea), which is the classic English way.
🧊 Refreshing Cold Brew
Black tea can also be very “cool” during hot summer days.
● Method: Fill a glass with ice cubes and quickly pour in freshly brewed hot black tea.
● Result: The tea instantly becomes clear and bright, with a refreshing and sweet taste – a perfect summer drink to beat the heat.
📌 Summary
Brewing tea is not a complex science, but an art of life. You don’t need to memorize rigid parameters; just remember: high temperature, short brew time, and less tea (compared to strong tea), and you can easily master any black tea in your hand. Now, why not take out the tea you bought and brew yourself a cup by following the steps above?
💡 Tip: Black tea is mild but best not consumed on an empty stomach. Paired with a scone or some chocolate, it will make your tea break even more delightful.
Origin Tea
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