Black tea, with its mild nature, is suitable for all ages and is loved by many tea enthusiasts. However, some enthusiasts complain that the tea they Brew has a sour and Astringent taste, not as pleasant as they imagined. Is it because the tea isn't good? Or is it the way you're brewing it?
Even the most mild-mannered person can lose their temper sometimes, and similarly, while black tea is easy to brew, when done incorrectly, it can result in an unpleasantly sour, bitter, and astringent taste. To enjoy a good Cup of tea, having high-quality tea leaves alone is not enough; one must also use the correct brewing method to properly bring out the aroma and flavor. Now, let's share the method for brewing black tea.
The Correct Method for Brewing Black Tea
Warm the teaware: Before brewing black tea, pour boiling water into the Teapot and teacups to warm them up. This increases the temperature and ensures cleanliness.
Add tea: Using a tea measure, add 5g of tea leaves to the warmed Teacup, adjusting the amount based on the number of people and the size of the cup.
Brew: Gently pour freshly boiled water into the teacup until it is about seven-tenths full.
Points to Note When Brewing Black Tea
Water temperature: The water temperature for brewing black tea should be around 90°C. If the water is too hot, it can scald the tea leaves, affecting the taste.
Amount of tea: The amount of tea added should be moderate, typically determined by the size of the teaware and the number of people. About 3-5 grams per cup is sufficient.
Brewing time: Do not oversteep the tea, as this can make it bitter and astringent. Generally, the first steep should be around 30 seconds, with subsequent steeps slightly longer.
Number of infusions: The number of times black tea can be brewed should not exceed three, as more infusions can affect the taste and quality of the tea.
Brewing technique: When brewing black tea, first add a small amount of water to the teacup to allow the tea leaves to fully absorb moisture, then pour in hot water. This helps the tea leaves release their aroma and flavor better.
In summary, the correct method for brewing black tea involves selecting the appropriate water temperature and teaware according to the situation, while paying attention to the amount of tea, brewing time, and number of infusions.