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tea fields

Interesting facts:

Did you know that all tea, white tea, green tea, oolong tea, black tea and pu-erh tea, are made from the leaves of the same Camellia sinensis plant?

 

The difference in the final taste comes down to the soil and weather conditions and the processing of the leaves.

 

The process of oxidation is what decides if a tea will be white, green, oolong, black or pu-erh.

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Loose leaf tea and double walled tea cup
What is steeping??

"Steep" essentially means soak which is what we do when we prepare tea. We take dry tea leaves, add them to hot water, let them soak, pour out the tea and then drink it. So, when someone says to steep your tea, all you are doing is preparing a cup of tea.   

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Tea Types

Loose leaf tea white tea, green tea

White Tea

Is the least processed and the most delicate tea in flavor and aroma, as the leaves are not rolled or crushed in the processing.

Green tea, loose leaf green tea, utopian tea, tea leaves

Green Tea

The tea leaves are harvested and are then quickly heated—by pan firing or steaming—and dried to prevent too much oxidation from occurring that would turn the green leaves brown and alter their fresh-picked flavor.

Oolong tea leaves, loose leaf tea, tea leaves, utopian tea

Oolong Tea

Is semi–oxidized, which places them mid–way between green and black teas. This gives them the body and complexity of a black tea, with the brightness and freshness of a green tea.

black tea, assam tea, loose leaf tea, australian tea, tea leaves, utopian tea

Black Tea

 Is fully oxidized. They brew a liquor from reddish brown to dark brown. They are the most popular type of tea in the Western world.

loose leaf tea, tea leaves, organic tea, utopian tea, puureah tea, tea leaves

Pu’erh Tea

Is very smooth in taste, and can be even darker than black tea. This is a naturally fermented tea, and, if stored properly, the older the tea, the better the flavor.

Brewing Fine Tea

Did you know you can make your experience with tea better by using a few key items!

 

Temperature Controlled Kettle
It sounds like a luxury item but it is amazing how reasonable the prices are! A temperature controlled kettle will be able to heat up the water to a specific temperature which is important depending on the tea you are brewing. Water that is too hot can result in bitter tasting tea as it burns the leaves - who would have thought!! I can guarantee its worth the purchase.

 

Loose Leaf Tea
The best way to brew a good cup of tea is with loose leaf tea leaves. Tea bags are great for convenience, but there is typically a lack of quality in the leaves. You will be amazed at the difference in the taste of loose leaf tea and once you’ve tried it - there will be no going back! 

 

A teapot with a built in strainer - or a teapot and separate strainer

 

Your teapot should make you smile when you look at it! There are a huge range of teapots in varying colours, shapes and sizes - choose one that speaks to you!

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Now that you've got the equipment what do you do??

 

After measuring your tea as recommended on your packet, add the correct temperature water and steep! So what is steeping you ask??? Well you take dry tea leaves, add them to hot water, let them soak, pour out the tea and then drink it. So, when someone says to steep your tea, all you are doing is preparing a cup of tea.

 

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  • White Tea            65-70ºC                 1-2 min.

  • Green Tea           75-80ºC                 1-2 min.

  • Oolong Tea         80-85ºC                2-3 min.

  • Black Tea             100ºC (boiling)     2-4 min

  • .Pu-erh tea           100ºC (boiling)    5 minutes

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