Best Cup Of Tea: Ways To Make The Ideal Cup Of Tea

Everyone knows that there are all kinds of tea on the market. What you may not know is that you need to use specific brewing techniques for each type. If you don't use the right technique with the right type, you may end up brewing yourself a cup of BLEH instead of a cup of AAAAH!

Black teas are the most robust. Their rich, astringent flavor can be enjoyed on its own, or with milk and sugar (such as English or Irish Breakfast), or with lemon (such as Earl Grey). Black-teas generally contain about half the caffeine of coffee, but decaffeinated options are very common now and usually quite tasty.

Black-teas are dried and cured leaves, so it takes boiling water and time (three to six minutes steeping time) to unlock the optimal flavor. Be patient when steeping it: if you are using loose leaf, wait until you see the leaves uncurl. If you're using the bagged sort, wait until the water turns a uniform color without stirring.

Green teas are delicious, and have half the caffeine of black. From Gunpowder (a smoky, bold flavor) to the wide range of jasmines (light, flowery flavors), green-tea is definitely for the person with the discerning palate, and a lot of tea-tasting time on their hands.

Green-tea is ruined by water that is too hot, and will lose its delicate green color and wonderful flavor. If the green comes out yellow, the water you used is too hot, and you should start over. Water should be well under boiling (160 degrees F or less). A good rule of thumb is to let your water cool until you just stop seeing steam come off of it. Brew green-teas for 3 to 4 minutes, and you can reuse your leaves to brew another pot.

White teas are a newer option, and have less caffeine than green (almost none) with even more subtlety. White-tea can handle slightly hotter water than green (just below boiling), and should steep for 4 to 6 minutes.

Herbal teas come in all kinds of flavors. Not content to just be a tasty beverage, many claim to have health benefits. Chamomile is good for relieving stress, mint for calming the stomach, and lemon or orange for a quick caffeine-free pick-me-up. You should always brew an herbal tea according to the directions that come with it, but in general these should be brewed longer and a lower temperature.

Tea is a delightful way to enjoy something truly good for you. It takes a little practice, but the best cup of tea is brewed when you slow down and take time to do it for yourself.

You can use a magical cup of this amazing beverage to relax at any time of the day because there is something about it that brings people together. You can give someone a tea gift basket or send them a tea party invitation to be sociable. For all the free information you'll need, please check out our website.