How to Brew Tea at High Altitude

For every 1,000-foot gain in elevation, the boiling point of water dips by about 2 degrees due to the lower pressure found higher in the atmosphere. This cooler temperature of boiling water affects everything from baking cakes to cooking pasta--and brewing tea is no exception. A proper cup of black tea requires sea-level boiling of 212-degree water; for a tasty cup in the mountains, you'll need to make a few adjustments.

Things You'll Need

• Tea (loose leaf or tea bags)
• Infuser (optional)
• Water
• Mug
• Tea kettle
• Stove
• Honey, lemon, and/or milk (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill the mug with water and put it in the tea kettle.

2. Turn the stove on high and heat the water to a rolling boil.

3. Measure slightly more loose-leaf tea into the infuser than you would at sea level. If using tea bags, consider using an extra bag to give the tea extra flavor.

4. Place the tea into the mug.

5. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Be sure it is a rolling boil, and do not allow the water to cool before pouring it over the tee to achieve the highest temperature possible for your altitude.

6. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes. You may want to let it steep a little longer than normal to compensate for cooler water.

7. Add honey, lemon or milk to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• Green and white teas don't require water as hot as black tea does, so you don't need to be quite as careful that the water is as hot as possible.

• Be careful when boiling the water and pouring it into the cup.