How to Use a Tea Press
A tea press (or French press) can be used to make tea with whole, natural leaves. It often is preferred to the more traditional method of brewing leaves in water, as even when a strainer is used, fragments can make it out of the pot. A press allows the user to get distinct tea leaf flavor without risking leaves getting in the cup. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Measure water for the number of cups of tea you wish to make. Pour into a saucepan or kettle.
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Heat water to the required temperature, usually until it steams. Herbal teas often require boiling water, as do white and red teas. Check the packaging.
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Remove the lid (with plunger and mesh strainer attached) from the tea press and pour water into the brewing chamber.
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Add one teaspoon of tea leaves for every cup of water.
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Pull the plunger handle all the way up, so the mesh is against the bottom of the lid.
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Place the lid on the chamber.
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Wait until the tea is the right color -- no more than five minutes -- or for the amount of time suggested on the packet. Redbush (rooibos) tea typically takes three to five minutes; white teas, one minute; and black teas, four to five minutes.
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Push the plunger handle down. The mesh will trap leaves against the bottom of the chamber.
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Serve immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent stains, wash the tea press as soon as possible.
Check serving suggestions for tea. The flavor of some teas, including some fruity varieties, may be enhanced by additional ingredients such as honey.
References
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