HOW TO BREW LOOSE-LEAF TEA
Let us start the Vascobelo Tea journey! The first step will be to brew loose leaf tea to get the perfect cup every time. If tea bags are preferred by many in terms of convenience, loose leaf tea will reveal much more complex and subtle flavours. And it is actually easier than you think. Below, we will show you how to make a great tasting beverage in a matter of minutes.
HOW TO BREW YOUR TEA
First, you need to gather your tools. A pot, whether a kettle or a stove, your Vascobelo blend and a mug to drink!
- Boil water
- Scoop tea leaves into your tea infuser (find the perfect amount of grams on the tin)
- Poor over the water into your tea
- Make sure to cover all leaves, let the tea unfurl properly and take advantage of the oils.
- Let it steep. This is the most critical step as it can bring total success or failure to your cup. Too long, and you will get an unpleasant, bitter taste. Too short, and it will result in a weak, flavourless cup of tea. Steeping depends on your personal preference, but the optimal time will leave you wanting more.
|
TEA BLENDS |
QUANTITY OF TEA LEAVES |
WATER TEMPERATURE |
STEEP TIME |
|
DARJEELING FIRST FLUSH |
3g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
3-5 minutes |
|
EARL GREY BLUE FLOWER |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
4-5 minutes |
|
FOREST FRUIT |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
5-8 minutes |
|
KEEMUN LUXUS |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
4-5 minutes |
|
MORNING LIGHT |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
3-4 minutes |
|
ROOIBOS ORIGINAL |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
7-8 minutes |
|
TURKISH APPLE |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
5-8 minutes |
|
WELL-BEING |
2g of tea per 200 mL |
95ºC |
5-8 minutes |
- Serve in your favourite mug
- Sit back and enjoy
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TEMPERATURE
Water temperature is essential when preparing your tea as the aroma, tannins, amino acids, and other components are released during the steeping process. Too hot, and you may burn the tea leaves resulting in an unpleasant, bitter cup. Too cold, and the tea won’t reveal its full flavour. Consequently, you will want to use different temperatures for different types of tea.
If hotter water reveals the aromatics more quickly, the latter also evaporate more quickly. Therefore, using a lower water temperature and a longer infusion time gives a thicker, smoother, and aromatic body that will remain in the cup longer.
The golden rule for making tea is the lighter the blend, the lower the temperature. The stronger the blend, the higher the temperature. Which means :
- Green tea leaves should be poured with hot water ranging from 50–88°C as they are very delicate. Water hotter than that will deliver a bitter and grassy cup.
- Black tea leaves should be poured with hot water ranging from 88–93°C to reveal their complete characteristics.
- Herbal tea leaves should be poured with water when it is at full boil.
NB: when the water starts bubbling furiously, and you notice steam rising, the water is no longer suitable for making tea.
We advise following the steep time recommendations on the tea tins to ensure a tasty cup.
SHOULD YOU USE AN INFUSER?
When brewing loose leaf tea, we often rely on an infuser to avoid sipping unwanted tea leaves. Like a teabag, they will let hot water interact with the tea while preventing the leaves from escaping. Using an infuser is the best way to get a smoother cup with no residues. Deciding not to use one can also deliver a solid and flavourful cup by letting the leaves float around, and you will discover the very best profile of your tea.
Don’t have an infuser? No Problem! We are more than happy to share three simple tips with you.
If you are a coffee lover, you may have a French press or some spare paper filter at home. But this time, instead of adding ground coffee, add one tablespoon of loose-leaf tea, poor hot water and let it infuse for a couple of minutes!
Another way is to look at the tools you already have in your kitchen. What about using a sieve? Simply place it above your cup, mug or pot, pour water and let it rest. This technique may be a bit messy. Therefore we recommend doing so directly in your kitchen sink.
And in the case that you really don’t have a strainer or infuser to hand, do it the Chinese way! Spoon the tea directly into hot water for infusion. Although this method may be unpleasant for those not used to drinking this way, you can avoid the tea leaves by drinking from the clearer side.
WHY LOOSE LEAF TEA IS BETTER
1- It is easy to make.
With a cup, mug or pot, you just need something to brew your tea. Choose your favourite Vascobelo blend, and you are ready to go.
2- It is fresher and tastes better
For tea leaves to fit into tea bags, they have to be gutted into smaller pieces, where the tea loses much of its aromas and flavours. Although they take longer to infuse, the leaves will deliver a more complex cup when kept whole and capture the flavours from the country it comes from. Moreover, a loose leaf tea is versatile, and only you can decide on the perfect strength. Simply play with the quantities and explore your taste buds.
3- It is much better for the planet
Usually packaged in metal tins or cartoon boxes, it massively reduces packaging consumption and waste. In fact, you can either refill it or use it as a decoration.
Also, you can recycle your used tea leaves. Coming from the Japanese culture, which we cherish so much, you can actually dry out the leaves and use them to make a relaxing bath or create a cosy sent at home. Still, one of the simplest and most common ways to reuse your leaves is to put them straight from your teapot to plant ones.
4- it is more than just a drink
For some, it is a way to start the day gently. For others, it is to get some comfort during the day. Tea is a call for warmth, tranquillity, peace and well-being. It is suitable for any occasion, no matter what blend you prefer, where you enjoy your cup and who you are with. Get your mug, sit back, stitch off and savour the moment. Because we all deserve a perfect cup of tea.
