3 Tips for the Perfect Cup of Tea

Brewing the perfect cup of tea is an art form that requires attention to detail. At Nerada Tea, we understand that water quality, temperature, and the cooling process all play a crucial role in achieving the perfect brew. Here are our top three tips for brewing the ultimate cup of tea:

Pay Attention to the Water Quality

The water you use can significantly impact the flavour of your tea. To ensure the best taste, use filtered water and a clean kettle. Even when flavour differences are subtle in plain water, the mineral content of the water used to brew can change the process of extraction.

Always use water freshly drawn from the tap or a filter jug: the higher levels of oxygen in fresh water give your cup of tea a cleaner, brighter taste.

P.S. Let this be your sign to descale your kettle if it is overdue! 

The Ideal Water Temperature

Getting your water to the correct temperature is crucial—if the water is too hot, it will burn the tea. Too cool, and the tea will barely steep. To complicate matters, different teas require different water temperatures. 

Here is a general guide: 

• For black tea, bring the water to a boil, then take it off the heat and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds (you're aiming for water around 90-95°C)
• For green, white, and oolong teas, bring the water to a boil, take it off the heat, and wait for a minute or two, aiming for tea somewhere in the 70-85°C range
• Finally, for any tea that's really delicate, for instance a particularly subtle white or green tea, wait even longer. You want water that's at about 70°C

Water temperature is commonly overlooked in the process of everyday brewing, but many teas, especially delicate, lightly oxidised styles like green tea or white tea, can produce radically different flavours when brewed at different temperatures. 

Experiment with variations to find what works best for your favourite teas.

Let the Tea Cool Slightly Before Drinking 

If you’re drinking black tea especially! You don’t want to down your cup as soon as it’s boiled, rather, let the tea cool slightly to allow you to taste the tea's subtle and delicate flavours. Plus, you’ll avoid nasty mouth burns. 

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to brewing the perfect cup of tea every time. So, go ahead, grab your favourite Nerada Tea blend, and savour the moment. Cheers to great tea!