Turning over a new leaf

Everything you have ever wanted to know about tea.

After water, tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. It contains antioxidant polyphenols, which have been claimed to help sure everything from cancer to heart disease. Regardless of the potential health benefits, there is no doubt a soothing, well-brewed cup of tea is the perfect antidote to a stressful day.


Fresh is Best
Tea will go stale within three to 12 months, depending on the type. Buy small amounts of leaf tea regularly and store it in an airtight, lightproof container in a cool dry place. Avoid porous containers, which can absorb the tea’s flavor and aroma – try tins or dark-coloured glass jars instead. Our mothers had it right with those ceramic tea caddies so evocative of our childhood.

Something’s Brewing
Different teas require different water temperatures and brewing times. Some kettles will measure the temperature for you, but if not, a thermometer is a useful tea-making tool.

As a general rule, leaf size will define brewing time – the larger the tea leaf the longer the brewing time. For best results, pre-warm your pot and cup and gently stir the leaves during infusion to enhance the flavours. How many of us have memories of our mothers and grandmothers warming the teapot and stirring the tea!

Back in Black
Black tea should be brewed with fresh water “straight off the boil” (about 95 degrees celcius) and allowed to steep for 3 – 5 minutes. Stick to the old “one teaspoon per person and one for the pot” rule for quality control. For a stronger tea, add more leaves – don’t brew for longer as it will become harsh and bitter. The colour will vary from rich, golden brown to deep chocolate, and you can serve it straight, or with milk, sugar, lemon or honey.

Be Green
Green tea is best brewed at 70 – 80 degrees calcium for 1 – 3 minutes. If the water is too hot, it will scald the leaves and destroy their delicate flavor, so allow the boiled water to cool for 5 – 10 minutes before using. You will notice the difference in flavor. Also, don’t infuse the tea for too long, or it may be bitter and astringent. Brewed tea should be a white-golden colour, with a slight green-grey tinge.

White Magic
White tea comes from the same plant as the black variety. The leaves are harvested when the buds are still pale and covered with a fine, white fuzz. Brew it the same way as green tea. It should be clear to pale yellow in colour and emit soft, subtle aromas.

Herbal Heroes
Herbal teas and tisanes use dried herb leaves and flower petals. The ideal brewing temperature foremost is straight off the boil. Brew for 3 – 10 minutes depending on preferred strength. Herbal teas go well with honey, but are often sweet enough without it.