Why is loose leaf tea better than teabags?
Tea Brewing Guidelines
The Joy of Loose Leaf Tea
Iced Tea
We introduce tea-drinkers to some of the highest-quality teas available--unlike any others they have tasted. High-quality, whole-leaf tea offers tremendous variety, more healthy properties, and a better taste. According to scientific research, high-quality, fresh, whole-leaf teas may be up to 300% healthier than low-grade teabags.
But in this part of the world, when people think of tea, they typically imagine a flat bleached-paper bag filled with a nondescript black powder. Most people haven't had the opportunity to experience the amazing varieties of teas that exist and are popular in other parts of the world. This is unfortunate! Especially considering the complexity of flavor and intoxicating aroma found in a cup of whole-leaf Organic, Fair Trade Tea.
Mass-produced teabags are filled with "fannings" or "tea dust", which constitute the cheapest, lowest-quality grades possible. Fannings and Dust are found at the bottom of the barrels or (as rumor has it) swept from tea-factory floors. Also, because tea-dust has a higher surface-to-air ratio, low-grade teabags go stale very quickly-well before they reach grocery-store shelves. The standard thin-paper box and plastic wrap--which does little to protect the nutritional value of the leaves--only enhances the problem. Nearly all of the teabags found on grocery store shelves are well-past their prime; the small bits of tea infuse unevenly in hot water so the resulting brew may have more caffeine and less healthy benefits. Teas from Storehouse Tea Company are plucked and shipped to us within 3-6 months. The shelf life of loose leaf tea is 24 months. Our customers have optimal time to consume these high quality whole leaf Organic Fair-Trade teas.
Additionally, many companies use cheap, synthetic chemicals to flavor their tea. Unfortunately, these artificial chemicals are not required by law to appear on the labels, so we may not even know what we're drinking!
back to top
The Joy of Loose Leaf Tea
High-quality tea is comparable to fine wine. Teas are often named for the estates where they are grown and have distinctly different tastes based on their country of origin. Tea can be described using wine vocabulary; Words like brisk, citrusy, toasty, fruity, nutty, mellow, subtle, robust, full-bodied, earthy, vegetal, strong, sweet, delicate. . . are some descriptions commonly used. Unfortunately, mass-produced tea bags have taken all of these complexities and flavors and turned them into one, monotonous, bland beverage.
back to top
|
Tea Brewing Guidelines & Tips
Brewing the perfect cup of tea is easy. We’ve outlined simple instructions as well as some tips below. All brewing instructions are also on the back of the Storehouse Tea Company hang tag.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring fresh, cold water to a rolling boil, for green and white teas just below boiling.
2. LOOSE TEA: Add tealeaves to a teapot, fill-your-own teabag or infuser basket. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons, for black teas (adjust to taste) per cup (8-10 oz) of water. Use 1 tablespoon of White and some green teas per (8-10oz) of water.
3. Pour boiling water over black & herbal tea. Allow water to cool slightly before brewing Green Tea and White Tea.
4. Infuse (steep) leaves for suggested time (see chart). Do not oversteep or tea may become bitter.
5. Remove tea bag or infuser from water or strain leaves. ENJOY!
Iced Tea
To make fresh iced tea, follow the directions above but use 1.5 as much tea to account for dilution by ice. Once cool, pour over an ice-filled cup.
back to top
Brewing loose-leaf tea is as simple as brewing a teabag only instead of a teabag, use an infuser or Fill-Your-Own teabag to keep the leaves out of your cup. By replacing your old teabag with an alternate method, you will be rewarded with a much higher quality, better tasting, and healthier brew.
Additional Tips
START WITH GOOD WATER
Even the best tea will taste only as good as the water used to prepare it. Avoid distilled, mineral and soft tap water which will weaken tea's flavor. Bottled, spring or filtered water is best and will provide a much livelier and more aromatic infusion.
NEVER OVER STEEP
Over steeping can make tea taste bitter. If you prefer strong tea, do not over steep; simply use more leaves.
DON’T JUDGE BY COLOR
Different types of tea will yield their own unique hue. For example, White Tea naturally brews a pale, golden color while Black Tea will yield an intense, deep ruby-red or chocolate brown. Instead of using color to tell you when a tea’s done steeping, simply use a timer.
WATER TEMPERATURE
Bringing water to a full boil is the easiest way to gage the water’s temperature. Avoid guessing; otherwise the water may not be hot enough to extract your tea’s full flavor. Pour boiling water directly over Black and Herbal teas. Allow water to cool for a minute or two before brewing delicate teas such as Green tea and White Teas.
ROOM TO EXPAND
Tea expands 2-5 times its size in water. Therefore, we recommend using strainers or bags that allow ample room for the tealeaves to expand. Large strainers (infusers) provide plenty of room for the water to flow around the leaves, yielding a better, more aromatic flavor.
MULTIPLE INFUSIONS
High-quality tea can be steeped multiple times. Increase steeping time 1 minute with each subsequent infusion.
SERVING SIZE
The traditional rule for brewing tea is 1 teaspoon per cup (8 oz) water. However, as White and Herbal teas (which are much lighter and more voluminous than the traditional teas) increase in popularity, this rule has become slightly outdated. In other words, these tea types require larger spoonfuls to equal the same weight. Don't worry! Serving size is more of an art than a science; Experiment until you find the amount perfect for your taste. In general, the larger and lighter the leaf, the more tea you will use.
STORAGE
Store tea tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors.
back to top
|
