TEA 101
► White tea is the least processed - a rare tea originally from China. White tea is not oxidized or rolled but simply withered and dried by steaming.
► Green tea skips the oxidizing step. It is simply withered and then dried. It has a more delicate taste and is pale green golden in colour.
► Oolong tea, popular in China, is withered, partially oxidized and dried. Oolong is a cross between black and green tea in colour and taste.
► Black tea is withered, fully oxidized and dried. Infused black tea gives a golden to dark brown coloured liquid.
► Tea should not be confused with herbal infusions. Herbal infusions are packaged like tea, infused like tea and enjoyed like tea. However, the herbs do not come close from the Camellia sinensis bush and (most of the time) do not contain caffeine.
The secret to the myth of the ultimate fulfilment . . .
How to make the perfect cup of tea:
1. Use one teaspoonful (3g) or one tea bag for each 6 oz. cup.
2, Bring freshly drawn cold water to a galloping boil for black tea and Oolong tea. Be careful that the water is not boiled too long. Over -boiled water loses its oxygen and the result will be a flat brew of tea. However for green and white tea, heat your water only to approximately 75C or let it cool down for 5 minutes after boiling.
3. Preheat your teapot. Warming the teapot is not a meaningless ritual but ensures that the water stays at the right temperature point when it hits the tea leaves.
4. Take the teapot to the kettle! The water temperature is important before it hits the tea leaves. Every moment counts!
5. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes (less time for small leaves, more time for larger leaves). Attention: tea should be brewed and not stewed! It is of utmost importance to time the brew. Never judge the brewing time by the colour of the tea. There are exceptions to the 3 - 5 minute average and we will indicate the correct time on the tea that you purchase.
6. Keep the steeping tea hot while infusion takes place. Do not apply direct heat to the pot but rather use a tea cozy for this.
7. Give the tea a gentle stir and remove the tea Leaves or tea bag.
8. Pour the tea. Drink it just as is or add sugar, milk, honey or even a raspberry jam or a shot of rhum or brandy.
Sniff it, sip it and savour it!
ICED TEA ~ PREPARATION
Create your own version of an iced tea.
As a basic rule, slightly increase the amount of tea you would use for a regular hot tea since the ice will dilute your brew. Do not make the mistake of infusing it longer than the usual time. The tea will only become bitter not better.
From this point, only your imagination sets the limit. Use fruits, spices and juices to enhance and vary your tea.
My friend, Sherry, has a wonderful recipe for her "Special Brew"! She was kind enough to share it with us. Thank you!
Ingredients:
1 cup of orange juice
3/4 - 1 cup of sugar
juice of 1/2 lemon
slices of lemon and orange to decorate
Brew the tea and steep 7 - 10 minutes.
Mix in a large pitcher with the sugar, orange juice and the lemon juice and top with ice.
Add the orange and lemon slices only when serving (remove them if you store the tea; otherwise, it will turn bitter).
Enjoy!
Barbara Herdegen
Proprietor