This post, which will tell you how to steep loose tea is brought to you by O.co
Steeping loose tea correctly, serving it, and enjoying it really is a fine art. There are tea ceremonies where tea is the centre of attention.
One of my best memories is perusing the tea market in Beijing, China. Hundreds of tea producers and sellers have little shops along a street in Beijing, where you can go in and sample tea in order to select the one(s) you want purchase. I loved watching how the tea was expertly steeped, and noted how the times varied depending on the types of tea.
I have been practicing steeping times and water temperatures with my new Old Dutch Red/Silver Cast Iron Teapot, which I received from O.co. It’s tricky to find just the right steeping time so that you end up with neither too strong, nor too bitter tea. I don’t currently have an electric tea kettle with different temperature settings, but I know that there are quite a few out there that have that capability. I’ve seen a few that even have the type of tea labeled, to make it easy to select the correct temperature.
Tips for steeping loose tea
- Warm up the teapot with boiling pot before adding correct-temperature water to the pot
- Heat water to the correct temperature for type of tea
- Use one level teaspoon per 6 oz. cup of water
- Set a timer so that you do not end up over-steeping the tea
- Use a strainer to remove the tea leaves, or use a stainless steel strainer inside the teapot
Steeping times
Green tea – three minutes
Black tea – five minutes
Green tea is strong so you may decide to steep it for a shorter period of time, as it will become bitter if you steep it for too long. Black tea can be brewed (with continuously boiling water, for chai) or steeped for a longer period of time to increase its strength.
The cast iron teapot that I used for steeping tea has a stainless steel brewing basket and has a porcelain enamelled interior. Though it is made of cast iron, it isn’t intended for stovetop use.
This graceful, cast iron Tetsubin teapot is decorated with a traditional dragon motif. Inspired by highly prized antique Japanese cast iron teapots still in use today, this teapot features a black porcelain enamel coating that helps prevent rust.
You can purchase the Old Dutch Red and Silver Cast Iron Teapot from O.co. ($55 ARV).
I received the above mentioned Old Dutch Red and Silver Cast Iron Teapot from O.co, but have not otherwise been compensated for this post.
