How To Brew Tea
Published by SamovarLife on February 09, 2009 under How to Brew Tea
Brewing tea is an art. This art involves the balancing of three variables: amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time. Since flavor is subjective, only you can determine what the right recipe is for your palate.
To begin your experimentation: please follow these guidelines that we use to brew tea at Samovar Tea Lounge.
White Tea
- Boil water and let stand for 3 minutes, cooling to 170 - 180 degrees.
- Pour 16 ounces of water over 1 heaping tablespoon of tealeaves and steep for 3-5 minutes.
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White tea is gentle, delicate, and very refreshing. Named for the gauzy white down that covers most of its leaves, white tea has the least amount of caffeine of all teas and some of the highest reported antioxidant properties.
White tea is ideal for any time of day.
Shop for Exquisite White Teas now. |
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Green Tea
- Boil water and let stand for 2 minute, cooling to 180-190 degrees.
- Pour 16 ounces of water over 1 tablespoon of tealeaves and steep for 2-4 minutes.
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Made from fresh tealeaves that have been steamed or wok fired, green tea yields a savory and, at times, sweet flavor with a range of vegetal notes. Green tea is gently stimulating, ideal for breakfast or anytime of day.
Shop for the Highest Quality Green Teas now. |
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Oolong Tea
- Cover 1-2 tablespoons of tealeaves with boiling water.
- Pour off water immediately.
- Pour 16 ounces of boiling water over the leaves and steep for 1-3 minutes.
- Drink and repeat: oolongs are good for multiple infusions.
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Oolong teas are known for their complex flavors and ability to yield many infusions. Processing takes many steps–withering, rolling, drying, and firing.
Oolong teas offer an eye opening experience to the world of tea, and with their slightly higher caffeine content, they provide a gentle stimulation to keep you energized throughout the day.
Shop for Deliciously Complex Oolong Teas now. |
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Black Tea
- Pour 16 ounces of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of tealeaves and steep for 3-5 minutes.
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Originally from China, black teas have spread throughout the cultures of the world more than any other tea. The most caffeinated of all teas, black tea is a great jump-start to your day.
Shop for you new Favorite Black Tea now. |
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Pu-erh Tea
- Cover 1-2 tablespoons of tealeaves with boiling water.
- Pour off water immediately.
- Pour 16 ounces of boiling water over the leaves and steep for 1-5 minutes.
- Drink and repeat: Pu-erhs are good for multiple infusions.
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A truly illustrious brew, Pu-erh is unique in that it is the only tea that improves over time. Intentionally aged like fine wine, Pu-erh is low in caffeine and delicious any time of day.
Known for its dark, earthy, complex flavor, Pu-erh has traditionally been sipped for its great flavor as well as unique healing and digestive properties.
Shop for deep and earthy Pu-erh Tea now. |
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Herbal Infusions
- Cover 1-2 tablespoons of tealeaves with boiling water.
- Pour off water immediately.
- Pour 16 ounces of boiling water over the leaves and steep for 1-5 minutes.
- Good for multiple infusions.
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Herbal Infusions, also known as Tisanes or Herbal Teas, are actually blends of herbs, spices, and fruit peels, and usually do not contain tea at all. Caffeine-free, Herbal Blends are packed with flavor and can be energizing and soothing, without the side effects of caffeine. The best herbal blends have well balanced flavors and are made with only the freshest ingredients.
Shop for Delectable Herbal Blends now. |
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Masala Chai
- Bring 1-2 cups of water with 1 or more tablespoons of raw sugar to a rolling boil.
- Then add 2 tablespoon of chai mix and 1 tablespoon of your favorite full-bodied black tea.
- Boil for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of whole milk, bring to boil again, and then remove from heat and let mixture sit 5 minutes.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and enjoy!
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Our unique Masala Chai recipe is a complex mixture of traditional Indian herbs, spices, and a blend of black teas. Enjoy playing with this recipe to make your own special chai. Soymilk, honey, granulated or brown sugar can be used to create your own unique personalized Chai.
Shop for the Best Masala Chai blend ever now. |
