How to brew tea properly, mistakes to avoid
Infusion plays a vital role in the sensory experience of tea. It's not just a simple gesture: it's a true alchemy between the quality of the ingredients, the water temperature, the infusion time, and the accessories used.
As trivial as it may seem to the uninitiated, each parameter directly influences the notes and benefits of a herbal tea or tea on relaxation, digestion, or concentration. While a poorly prepared herbal tea can lose its subtlety, a tea brewed under good conditions, on the contrary, reveals all its aromatic richness and properties.
To guide you in your quest for the perfect cup, the Betjeman & Barton team reveals the six mistakes to avoid when preparing your infusions. Whether you're a curious amateur or a seasoned enthusiast, these tips and recommendations will help you enhance every moment of your home brewing experience.
Mistake #1: Using the wrong water
Water is central to preparing a hot beverage like herbal tea or tea. Therefore, using water that is too hard or chlorinated can alter the product's aromas and benefits.
We therefore advise you to choose filtered or low-mineral water to optimize your tasting experience, or even spring water.
Mistake #2: Neglecting water temperature
The quality of the water used is not the only determining factor in preparing a cup of herbal tea or tea that meets your expectations: like a good wine served at the wrong temperature, an infusion in water that is too hot or too cold can also result in an unsatisfying taste experience.
In one case, the plants can develop an unpleasant bitterness in the mouth. In the other, the drink may lack flavor due to insufficient extraction of aromas. For a perfect compromise, it is best to respect the temperatures generally recommended by type of tea:
● White tea and green tea: 70°C
● Black tea: 85°C
● Herbal teas: 95-100°C
When in doubt, refer to the water temperature indicated on the product. On betjemanandbarton.com , each product sheet specifically mentions this information to simplify the preparation of your drinks at home. Also equip yourself with a tea thermometer to know the exact temperature of your water.
Mistake #3: Overdosing or underdosing the herbal tea or tea
When making a cup of herbal tea or tea, using the wrong amount of leaves is a surefire way to end up with an infusion that is either too strong or too weak.
For optimal dosage, use approximately 2 to 3 grams of herbal tea or tea for 250 mL of water.
Mistake #4: Steeping too long or not long enough
Just like an unsuitable temperature, an incorrect infusion time is synonymous with bitterness or lack of taste when tasting.
It is then advisable to respect the infusion times recommended by type of tea:
● Green tea: 2-3 minutes
● Black tea: 3-5 minutes
● White tea 4-5 minutes
● Herbal teas: 5-10 minutes
Here again, the Betjeman & Barton product sheets indicate the ideal infusion time for each herbal tea or tea from the House.
Mistake #5: Using the wrong accessories
Choosing poor-quality tea bags or an infuser that's too small can have a significant impact on the taste of a herbal tea or tea. Without the right accessories, you risk poor water circulation or incomplete extraction of flavors during the infusion process.
Choose an infuser, a large filter, and a suitable teapot to prepare a delicious beverage, perfect for a well-deserved relaxing break. Teapots, infusers, and tea filters thus expand the catalog of our specialized House to meet the practical needs of all tea drinkers, without exception.
Mistake #6: Adding too many ingredients
Tea novices sometimes tend to overdo the sugar, lemon, or milk in their hot drinks. While these ingredients allow everyone to customize their herbal tea or tea to suit their taste, they can mask the natural aromas of the plants and/or fruits.
In order to fully experience and appreciate all the flavors of tea in their greatest authenticity, we recommend that you enjoy your tea plain, or with a small amount of sweetener such as agave syrup or honey.
Want to put these tips into practice? Explore our extensive collection of exceptional teas and infusions and transform each cup into a wellness ritual where taste pleasure reigns supreme.
