How to brew tea properly, mistakes to avoid
Infusion plays an essential role in the sensory experience of tea. It's not just a simple act; it's a true alchemy between the quality of the ingredients, water temperature, 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 regular tea on relaxation, digestion, or concentration. While a poorly prepared herbal tea can lose its subtlety, a tea infused under optimal conditions, on the other hand, reveals its full aromatic richness and properties.
To guide you in this quest for the perfect cup, the Betjeman & Barton team reveals the 6 mistakes to avoid when preparing your infusions. Whether you are a curious amateur or an experienced enthusiast, these tips and recommendations will allow you to enhance every tasting moment at home.
Mistake N° 1: Using unsuitable water
Water is at the heart of preparing a hot beverage like herbal tea or tea. Therefore, using water that is too hard or chlorinated can alter the aromas and benefits of the product.
We advise you to use filtered or lightly mineralized water to optimize your tasting experience, or even spring water.
Mistake N° 2: Neglecting water temperature
The quality of the water used is not the only determining factor for 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 lead to an unsatisfactory tasting experience.
In one case, the plants can develop an unpleasant bitterness in the mouth. In the other, the beverage may lack flavor due to insufficient extraction of aromas. For a perfect compromise, it is best to respect the temperatures generally recommended by tea type:
● White tea and green tea: 70 °C
● Black tea: 85 °C
● Herbal teas: 95-100 °C
If in doubt, refer to the water temperature indicated on the product. On betjemanandbarton.com, each product sheet precisely mentions this information to simplify the preparation of your beverages at home. Also, equip yourself with a tea thermometer to know the exact temperature of your water.
Mistake N° 3: Over- or under-dosing the herbal tea or tea
When preparing a cup of herbal tea or regular tea, using an inappropriate amount of leaves is the best way to get an infusion that is too strong or too light.
For optimal dosing, use about 2 to 3 grams of herbal tea or tea for 250 mL of water.
Mistake N° 4: Infusing for too long or not long enough
Just like an unsuitable temperature, an incorrect infusion time can lead to bitterness or lack of flavor during tasting.
It is therefore advisable to respect the recommended infusion times by tea type:
● Green tea: 2-3 minutes
● Black tea: 3-5 minutes
● White tea: 4-5 minutes
● Herbal teas: 5-10 minutes
Again, Betjeman & Barton product sheets indicate the ideal infusion time for each herbal tea or tea from the House.
Mistake N° 5: Using unsuitable accessories
Choosing poor quality sachets or an infuser that is too small can truly influence the taste of a herbal tea or regular tea. Without the right accessories, you risk poor water circulation or incomplete extraction of aromas during infusion.
Preferably 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 N° 6: Adding too many ingredients
Tea novices sometimes tend to overdose sugar, lemon, or milk in their hot beverages. While these ingredients allow everyone to customize their herbal tea or tea according to their desires, they nevertheless mask the natural aromas of the plants and/or fruits.
To fully experience and appreciate all the flavors of tea in their greatest authenticity, we recommend tasting your tea plain, or with a small amount of sweetener like agave syrup or honey.
Want to put these tips into practice? Explore our vast collection of exceptional teas and infusions and transform each cup into a wellness ritual where gustatory pleasure reigns supreme.
