A Guide to 9 Common Mistakes When Brewing Tea

Introduction

The art of brewing tea plays a vital role behind the enjoyment of a good cup of tea. The right technique can significantly enhance the flavor and taste of a tea, while common mistakes can completely alter the quality of a tea. This article aims to explore several common mistakes in the tea brewing process and provide practical advice to avoid these mistakes.

Not Knowing the Types of Tea

Each tea has its own unique brewing requirements, which is the first step to brewing a good cup of tea. For example, green tea is best brewed with water slightly below boiling point (around 80-85°C) to avoid burning the leaves, which can keep the tea fresh and delicate. In contrast, black tea can be brewed with water close to boiling point to release its full flavor.

Incorrect Water Temperature

Water temperature has a huge impact on the brewing results of tea. Overheated water will cause the tea leaves to release too much tannin, making the tea bitter, while water that is too cold may prevent the aroma and flavor from being fully released. Using a thermometer or electric kettle can help control the water temperature to ensure that each brew is ideal.

Improper tea-water ratio

The correct tea-to-water ratio is another key factor. Generally, using 2.5 grams of tea leaves for every 150 ml of water is a standard ratio, but it should also be adjusted according to personal taste. Too much tea leaves is not only wasteful, but it may also make the tea too strong and mask the natural flavor of the tea.

Wrong brewing time

The ideal brewing time is different for each tea. Green tea may take 2-3 minutes, while oolong tea may take 5-7 minutes. Too long will make the tea too bitter, and too short will make the tea taste bland. A timer is a simple and effective tool that can help control the brewing time for optimal results.

Using inappropriate brewing equipment

Choosing the right brewing equipment is equally important for making a good cup of tea. For example, sometimes when we brew Chinese black tea, it needs to pour out the tea soup from the first brewing. At this time, it is most convenient to use GAIWAN to brew tea leaves, while you often have trouble brewing in other ways.

Ignoring water quality

Water quality directly affects the final taste of the tea. Hard water or water with higher chlorine content will interfere with the natural taste of the tea. Using filtered or bottled water can significantly improve the quality of your tea.

Failing to store tea leaves properly

Tea leaves should be stored in a dry, dark environment to prevent oxidation and deterioration. Improper storage not only affects the freshness of the tea leaves, but also the quality of the final brewed tea.

Ignoring the importance of cleaning equipment

Residual tea stains or scale can affect the purity and taste of the tea. Clean your tea sets regularly to ensure that you get a fresh and pure taste every time you brew tea.

Drinking caffeinated tea at the wrong time

Drinking caffeinated teas (such as black and green teas) at night can affect your sleep. Opting for low-caffeine or decaffeinated teas (such as herbal teas) as evening beverages can avoid this problem.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common tea-brewing mistakes can significantly improve your tea-drinking experience. Each step deserves meticulous attention, and with practice and learning, you can gradually master the skills to brew a perfect cup of tea.

We invite you to share your experience and tips in the tea brewing process and explore the various high-quality teaware provided by GAICUP to help you brew a more delicious cup of tea. Let us improve our tea brewing skills and enjoy a better tea time.