Different blends of tea require different brewing techniques to bring out their natural flavour without compromising the tea in any way. No matter the type, it is always advisable to read the label instructions on how to brew your tea, or be sure to ask your tea vendor.
The right brewing technique can make sure that you get the most out of your tea. With the various benefits of earl grey tea, making sure to brew it properly will maximise your antioxidant intake and will create a healthier tea for you and your guests.
Below are 5 easy and simple steps to follow to brew your best earl grey tea yet.
Step 1: Boil the water
Every cup of perfectly brewed earl grey tea starts with a cup of freshly boiled water. Make sure to use cold, clean, and freshwater and bring it to boil using a kettle or a pan depending on your preferred method. Avoid using water that has already been boiled, left to cool, then re-boiled again, as this will spoil the tea’s flavour. Additionally, do not use hot water directly from the tap as this will not give the same flavour that freshly boiled water brings, and will leave your tea imperfect.
Also, make sure to avoid a kettle that is reactive to brewing tea. A stainless steel kettle or a glass pot will make a suitable choice since the material is strong enough needed to withstand the high heat exposure which is what the tea requires to bring out its maximum flavour qualities.
This will also ensure that no unwanted impurities from your kettle will end up in your tea. That means making sure to wash your kettle with boiling water and white vinegar around once a month to ensure your kettle can provide the best water for your earl grey tea.
Step 2: Bringing the water to a boiling point
Bring the water to boil at 200 to 210 degrees for it to steep your earl grey tea leaves. You can also use the water with a degree slightly lower than the boiling point if you’d rather not wait. We suggest, if you like your tea a little cooler than a boiled kettle, try adding a splash of cold water from the tap to cool your drink down, rather than not allowing your kettle to fully boil.
If your kettle does not show degrees, you can let the water boil, then lower the heat to a warm condition as you steep the leaves, this should only take a few minutes or so.
Using the black earl grey tea, you can brew it for a more extended time (3-5 minutes) to allow the loose leaves to unfurl and release their maximum flavour and aroma. However, with flavoured tea with a green base, you don’t have to expose it to such hot temperatures. You can do this for around 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Earl grey tea leaves measurement.
If you sachet or tin of tea includes specifications or measurements on the side for a water to tea leaves ratio, make sure to follow that. If there are no specified measurements, use 2 gram of tea leaves with every 8 ounce cup of water or one teaspoon per six ounce cup of water, depending on your preference.
Of course, the measurements will depend on the desired taste of the tea leaves. If you prefer a stronger taste, try out more tea leaves to water ratio and see how you find it. When it comes to your best tea, it’s all about what you like best, so don’t be afraid to change up your tea leaf ratios, it might leave you pleasantly surprised.
The measurements will also depend on the individual and how you would like the drink to taste, whether that be robust, concentrated, or light. You may wish to add on the measurements to suit your size of cup or taste preference.
Step 4: Steeping your tea
Ultimately, the steeping stage of the process will determine the end taste of your earl grey. Our recommended steeping time for an earl grey tea is around 3-5 minutes for you to enjoy and experience the full effect of the citrus and its fragrant aromas.
Ensure that you cover your kettle or teapot as it steeps the teal leaves to make sure that heat is retained inside the pot. Covering it will also prevent the flavour and aroma from seeping out, so flavour retention can remain high.
Try to avoid over-steeping the tea leaves if you can. Why? The more it steeps, the more the flavour increases, so when you overdo it, the leaves can release a bitter taste, and you will end up with a bitterly flavoured drink. You can taste a little after steeping, then you can decide if you want it to steep some more.
Top tip: you can steep the earl tea leaves many times to produce several cups of tea if it is a high quality, hence value for your money.
Step 5: Seasoning and serving
Traditionally, you can serve your earl grey with sugar and a lemon slice. You may also choose to add some milk if you would prefer. Make sure to sip your tea with no added additives found in many tea bags from larger supermarkets, and opt for tea leaves that you can brew for yourself.
We suggest pairing your earl grey tea with some freshly baked goods, your favourite chocolate, or something spicy to really give your taste buds a kick. Earl grey tea is perfect for those cold winter mornings when the last thing you want to do is leave your bed.
To finish
Now you have brewed your perfect earl grey tea, it’s time to enjoy it. We suggest pairing this delightful drink with some freshly baked goods, your favourite chocolate for a hint of indulgence, or something spicy, to really get your taste buds going.
Or, try these earl grey inspired recipes to take your tea brewing to the next level.
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