Tea is the second most popular beverage on the planet after water, and even coffee cannot surpass it. It is no wonder that for centuries humanity has been inventing new brewing methods to enhance its flavor.
Recently, chemist Michelle Francl, a professor at Bryn Mawr College in the U.S., offered some helpful tips. She analyzed hundreds of scientific studies and even examined ancient manuscripts to determine what the perfect tea should be like.
The scientist's recommendations are divided into two categories, depending on the type of tea: bagged or loose-leaf.
How to Properly Brew Bagged Tea
So, we have just a few grams of finely ground tea in a bag and boiling water. How should we brew bagged tea correctly?
Choose larger tea bags — they are always tastier, as the tea leaves can move freely and better interact with the water.
Quickly immerse the tea bags in hot water and immediately squeeze them — this will help reduce the amount of tannins that form due to the slow dissolution of caffeine (yes, tea also contains caffeine and can invigorate just as well as coffee; we have a separate article on this). Without excess tannins, your drink will be less acidic.
To fully enjoy the tea, remove the lid from the disposable cup if you are taking it “to go” and drinking outside. The aroma is just as important as the taste, reminds Michelle Francl.
And, of course, do not steep the bag again!
How to Brew Loose-Leaf Tea
There are specific recommendations for loose-leaf tea.
Do not steep the drink for too long (remember the tannins).
It’s better to drink from a not-too-deep mug with sturdy walls — this will help maintain the temperature of the drink longer.
You can pre-warm the cup — this will also help retain heat. Additionally, hot dishes contribute to the release of the maximum amount of aromatic compounds from the tea.
Before adding milk, it should be warmed — this will reduce the likelihood of curdling. Again, the tea will stay hot longer.
Add a pinch of salt to the cup — sodium ions will help eliminate bitterness. This also works with coffee, so give it a try!
If you sprinkle the drink with lemon juice, it will prevent the formation of foam on the surface, the chemist explains.
Use the tea leaves only once.
Never reheat tea in the microwave.
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