Tea Basics

Knowing your tea basics is essential to enjoying the variety of tastes that are possible. Tea comes in many varieties, including herbal, fruity, woody, spicy, and creamy. Its distinctive aroma is often confused with steam, but you can train yourself to appreciate the various layers of flavor. Tea can be very addictive!

One of the most important things to remember when preparing tea is that weight is not the same as volume. A rounded teaspoon of small-leaf tea weighs more than a spoon piled high with large-leaf tea. Also, white tea requires a large mound of tea to create just one cup. The best way to learn how to measure tea is through experience.

The basic types of tea include black, green, and herbal infusions. There are also different varieties based on the growing conditions and processing methods. Each type of tea will have its own unique flavor, and different regions will produce different kinds. Tea is cultivated in several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, China, and the United States.

The history of tea begins in the 16th century when Dutch traders first introduced tea to Europe. The English then established the East India Company, which made tea a worldwide commodity. Since then, tea became a national institution and the most popular beverage in the world. Today, thousands of estates produce tea worldwide. Each one produces a specific type of tea that is completely unique to that region.

The blending of tea is an art. As with any fine beverage, there are certain guidelines for mixing the various ingredients to create a perfect blend. For example, black teas can hold up well to more powerful botanicals, while white and green tea bases can mix well with more delicate flavors. Lemongrass and mint are both excellent herbs to add to less robust teas.

The process of making tea can take anywhere from two to five minutes, depending on the strength you desire. If you’re making large batches, it might take even longer. Once you’ve achieved the desired strength, you can mix it with sweeteners or pour it over ice. Be sure to allow for some cloudiness when brewing tea, but this won’t affect the taste.