The Basics:

Tea Types                         Preparation

White                        185ºF / 85ºC    (Steep 1-2 min)

Green                                     175ºF / 80ºC    (Steep 1-2 min)

Oolong                                   195ºF / 90ºC    (Steep 2-3 min)

Black                                      212ºF / 100 ºC (Steep 3-5 min)

Herbal                                    212ºF / 100 ºC (Steep 3-6 min)

How to Brew the Best Cup of TEA

• Start with fresh-drawn cold water and bring to a rolling boil. Remember the hotter the water the better as only boiling water will bring out the maximum flavour from the tea leaf.
• Warm the teapot to help keep your tea hot longer
• Use one teaspoonful of loose tea or one teabag per cup (5-8 oz.) of water
• When the water has boiled take the warmed teapot to the kettle and pour over the tea
• Cover and let steep for times suggested above
• Strain tea or remove the teabags. Enjoy!

If you prefer your tea less strong, add more water after the steeping period.

Hot Green Tea

Green teas are usually a bit more delicate and do better when steeped in water that is a few degrees below the boiling point.

• Start with fresh-drawn cold water and bring to a rolling boil.
• Allow water to cool for five minutes.
• Warm the teapot to help keep your tea hot longer
• Use one teaspoonful of loose tea or one teabag per cup (5-8 oz.) of water
• Take the warmed teapot to the kettle and pour water over the green tea leaves or bags
• Cover and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure maximum flavour is released
• Strain tea or remove the teabags. Enjoy!

Fresh Brewed Iced Tea

• Insert 6 tea bags into a one litre pitcher.
• Pour 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) of freshly boiled water over tea bags. Steep for five minutes. Remove tea bags. Fill pitcher with fresh cold water.
• Pour over ice. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
• Once prepared, fresh brewed iced tea should be stored in the refrigerator.
• A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice.

Chai

• Start with good quality tea! 1 tea bag or 1/4 tsp (1 mL) loose leaf tea
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) EACH ground ginger, ground black pepper, ground cardamom
• 1 tsp (5 mL) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) milk
• Sugar to taste
• In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup (175 mL) water to a boil.
• Add tea and let simmer 1 to 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine spices.
• Add milk to tea and let simmer for 15 seconds.
• Add 3 pinches of spice mixture to tea and continue simmering for 15 seconds.
• Using a strainer, strain tea into a mug and add sugar to taste.
• Makes 1 cup (250 mL).