A great cup of tea

Making a great cup of tea

Occasionally I make myself a cup of tea, life distracts me then that cup is put into the microwave, “sapped” and I carry on with my day. The record for “zaps” on a cup of tea is  5. I must say that the taste is just not there when the water is heated in the microwave. For some reason it just does not taste the same as a fresh cup of water heated in the kettle.

You can heat your water in the kettle but does it not take away form the ritual of taking tea.

There is some comfort in the romantic act of putting the kettle on , while you wait for it to boil you prepare you teapot,  favorite cup or mug is chosen, sweetener and cream gathered perhaps slices of lemon if you like.

Why would we “zap our water in the microwave? My first thought is busy. We are all to busy to take time to prepare tea with intent. I do hope that during this time of slow down, you will take time to enjoy your tea the way the first tea master LuYu instructs.

Here are simple steps to make a great tea experience. I have said it before and  I will state it here again, I have learned so very much during my first year of business related to the tea experience. It is my hope that you will sit in a comfy space with your cuppa while reading these words. Slow down and reset.

First, Tea kettle, teapots, coffee makers are all created for a different purpose. I Recently purchased a kettle that allows me to set the boil temperature. This is necessary for a perfect dup of tea as some loose leaf blends require a hotter water than others. If too hot the leaves will actually burn thus spoiling the tastes of your tea.
 
There are teamakers similar to a coffeemaker, I have never used one nor will I ever purchase one, As I adore my ritual of making tea. A coffeemaker used to make both coffee and tea will not do at all. Tea takes time to steep, a coffeemaker is not able to perform this task. Oils in coffee will contaminate the maker after one use leaving a properly made tea impossible. I am not a coffee drinker at all. I can taste immediately if coffee has been in a pot prior to my tea residing there.
 
Next, Take your time to choose a teapot for yourself. I have many teapots but always use a favorite one. It is small and whimsical. It makes me happy to look at and is just the right size for me to have an afternoon tea. Too big and the leaves are lost to small and I am boiling water all over again. Choose a teapot that allows the tea plenty of room to infuse. Choose a teapot that suits you, your character, loves, needs. Different pots are best for different types of tea as well. Asian iron and clay pots hold heat well, the best choice for making green, oolong and white teas. I have teapots all around the house on shelves, ledges, china cabinet, mantle and buffet. When company joins us conversation is sparked. I learn much about a person by which of the tea pots that they comment on.
 
Then be sure to enjoy different and experiment with different teas. I am currently enjoying a combination of a loose leaf mint tea rooibos along with a chocolate black tea. Also try different brands, suppliers. Each tea manufacturer chooses tea leaves from different altitudes, countries, ingredients with a different origin thus producing a different flavour. The age of a tea will influence the taste immensely. Of course, fresh is best. Consider how long something has been on a shelf, buy in small quantities, buy often. Anything older than 9 months should be ignored. Tea storage will also affect the flavour. Tea is like a sponge, keep it away form odors, heat, moisture and light. Do not store tea in the freezer and I have read it is suggested to store only green tea in the refrigerator
 

 Also consider water temperature when brewing a great cup of tea. The blacker the hotter the water.  Know your tea. I have seen on many packages, suggestions for water temperature. A common guideline is as follows white tea, 165°;  green tea, 175°;  oolongs, 200°;   black teas and herbals, 212°.Many encourage filling the teapot with hot water to warm it is good practise. but remember to discard that water before adding the tea leaves and the final water. Also filtered water is best, water that has been filtered to remove impurities and contains plenty of oxygen.

Steep time will also vary according to tea blend, be cautious of this. Years ago, I liked my tea weak, Today I enjoy a stronger brew with richer flavour. Most steep times are 3-5 minutes.

Dragonfly Delights Tearoom is in the business of creating memories through the experience of sharing tea. Part of that experience is the ritual of making and serving the tea as well.

Tea making should become an enjoyed ritual of everyone who enjoys tea. Like anything it requires repetition, consistency and attention to details. Slow down take your time learn the basics to a great cup of tea. These efforts will result in a calmer spirit within you that will in turn be shared with your guests.

Enjoy!

Joanne