How much tea should I use?

Generally to make 1 standard cup (200ml) of tea use approximately

2 grams of tea. This can vary with each individual cup size and the actual

leaf size can have some influence on how much tea used.

Tea brewing is a very personal thing and there is no exact way it should

be done. However here are a few tips to help you get the best flavours

from your tea and maximum enjoyment.

Note: There are NO artifical flavours or colours added to any Tea Centre teas.

Brewing tips

• Warm your tea cup or pot, it does make a difference and only takes a minute.

• Do not overboil the water as it will drain the water of oxygen.

• Do not brew your tea for too long as this is often the cause of a

bitter aftertaste.

White Tea

Brewing – White teas are best prepared like green tea. Their delicate

nature will be destroyed by water that is too hot and cause an

astringent bitter taste. Filtered water is preferred but not essential and

water used should be below boiling point. White tea can be brewed up

to 10 minutes depending on individual tastes. Brew at 60-70 degrees

Green Tea

Brewing – Filtered water is preferred but not essential, and water

used should be below boiling point.With some fine green teas, the

water can be as low as 70 degrees C. If you over brew your tea it will

become bitter. Generally Green tea should be infused for approximately

2-3 minutes. The finer leaf varieties infuse between 1-2 minutes and the

larger leaf 2 -3 minutes. All green leaf teas can be used more than once

and some very high grades can withstand a number of infusions.

Traditional and blended Black Teas

• Brew large leaf black teas for approx 3-5 min whilst finer cuts brew

between 2-4 min

• Milk can be added to all black teas, but we do recommend that you

try our black teas without milk as the milk can mask the delicate

flavour of some teas.

• Sugar and honey is up to the individual person and perfectly ok to

add to your tea.

 

Chai Blends

Chai is a well known Indian blend of black tea and spices. Chai

means tea and comes with a veriaty of spices. In India this traditional blend was

made on condensed milk which made it a very sweet brew. Today it is

generally brewed with milk or soy and honey. It is very similar to a latte

but with tea and spices. Chai blends is perfect for a winter warmer.

 

How to prepare

• Mug size - fill your saucepan with a mug of either milk or soy.

Alternatively you can have half milk/soy and half water.

• Use 1 heaped teaspoon per mug of your favourite blend of Chai.

• Combine the liquid and tea and add to saucepan and stir well.

• Heat liquid until small bubbles appear and remove, do not boil

liquid.

• Add sugar or honey to mixture making sure it dissolves well thru the

mixture. Sugar and honey helps to draw the tea from the leaves.

• Turn off heat and let stand for 2 minutes.

For stronger tea let stand 1-2 minutes longer.

• Slowly strain leaves from liquid into your mug.

• Drink hot and enjoy a warm spicy winter treat.

 

Rooibos

Rooibos is a fine red needle-like leaf from a South African shrub

commonly known as “Red Bush” It is produced in much the same way

as standard tea. Rooibos is totally fermented with a clean aromatic

flavour similar to light black teas.

Health – Rooibos contains no caffeine, artificial colours or

preservatives and is low in tannin, making it a healthy & delicious drink

for adults and children. Rooibos can be drunk all day and is terrific iced.

Rooibos is high in antioxidants - Iron, potassium, fluoride and calcium.

Brew – Like herbal and fruit infusions, Rooibos can be brewed as long

as you like without ever going bitter in taste, unlike tea there is no

tannin.

Iced Tea – Tea or Fruit Infusion

Any tea can be made iced, but fruit infusions are exceptional as they

make a great natural and refreshing drink ideal in the warmer months

and a great thirst quencher.

How to prepare

• Generally you will need approx 1 tablespoon of Fruit or Tea per litre of

water. This will depend on the leaf size.

• Use cold water on tea leaves as hot water will increase bitterness.

• Leave in fridge for at least 4-8 hrs, but for best results leave overnight.

• Serve over Ice, add lemon or citrus slices, fruit or mint leaves.

• Add a little honey or sugar syrup as this brings out the fruity flavour.

• Sugar Syrup – combine equal parts sugar and boiling water.

Herbal Infusions

Herbs can react differently to each individual and it is always best to

check with your health practitioner if you are unsure or have any concerns.

How to Prepare

The rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of dried herbs for each cup.

Add the dried herb to a teapot, plunger or tea ball and add boiling

water. Let the herbs steep for at least 5 minutes to ensure all the active

goodness is released. Add honey or lemon as desired. Some herbal

blends can also be iced.

Disclaimer

Our herbal blends should not be substituted for any advice or treatment that you

would get from your health practitioner. Nor is it intended to directly or indirectly

prescribe the use of various remedies without the consent of your health practitioner.

If you are under medical care for any condition, see the advice of your health

practitioner before drinking these herbal infusions and do not make any adjustment

to prescribed medication or treatment regime without their prior approval.