How to Brew and Steeping Tea

Whether you prepare tea by the cup or the gallon there are proper methods to steeping and brewing tea. Read on to learn how to brew and steep tea.

Things You'll Need

• Tea (loose or in teabags)
• Kettle or pot for boiling water (with lid)
• Large glass pitcher or favorite mug

Instructions

1. Understand that brewing and steeping tea means you will bring the water to a boil and then add the actual tea or teabags for a determined amount of time. Steeping tea longer will produce a stronger tasting end result. At the same time, some teas (such as green or white) will burn if they are steeped for too long.

2. The first step to brewing tea is bringing cold water to a boil or near boil, depending on the instructions. Decide on whether you want to steep the tea in a cup, glass pitcher or the pot of boiling water. Once the water is appropriately heated, add the tea and anticipate the steeping time.

3. Steeping tea timing takes some trial and error. You do not want to overstep tea because it can taste bitter. Not allowing tea to steep for long enough will not extract the antioxidants and other benefits of the tea leaves. Covering the container that you steep the tea in will prevent essential oils from vaporizing into the air while the tea brews. The longer you let teas with caffeine steep, the stronger the amount of caffeine in the tea.

4. Cold brewed tea is an alternative to hot brewing that takes very little effort. Simply fill a large glass pitcher with cold water and add the tea or teabags. Place the covered pitcher in the refrigerator for eight to 12 hours and then remove the tea leaves or teabags. Cold brewed tea is a superior alternative to sun brewed tea because it lowers the risk of bacteria forming.

5. Freshness is important when it comes to brewing tea as essential oils that get infused into the water become less powerful over time. Many tea leaves lose their potency so store tea in airtight glass jars if purchased loose or if the teabags are not individually sealed. The finest tasting brewed tea will come from steeping fresh, loose tea leaves. If you purchase tea loose, buy only what you can reasonably use so it will not go stale.

Tips & Warnings

• Try experimenting with your favorite flavors by using teabag combinations such as pekoe black with a few peach or raspberry herbal teabags mixed in for a change.

• Certain teas are best prepared with boiled water while other teas require water heated just below boiling point. Make sure to follow the directions for the specific tea leaf you will be using.