Here is a how-to guide for brewing herbal, black, green, and white teas. Preparing your tea is simple and quick and can be served based on your liking. Our teas can be used for a nice warming drink or used practically for any of your magickal purposes such as potion making or divination.
Steps to Brew Herbal Tea:
Boiling Water:
Bring the water to a rolling boil. The temperature depends on the type of herbal tea:
For delicate herbal teas like chamomile or mint, use water just below boiling (around 200°F or 93°C).
For heartier herbal teas like hibiscus or ginger, boiling water (212°F or 100°C) is suitable.
Adding Herbal Tea:
Place the recommended amount of herbal tea leaves or tea bags into the infuser or teapot. Usually, 1 teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag per 8 ounces of water is a good starting point.
Pouring Hot Water:
Pour the hot water over the herbal tea leaves or tea bags. Ensure that the water fully covers the herbs.
Steeping Time:
Allow the herbal tea to steep for the recommended time. Steeping times vary based on the type of herbs:
Delicate herbs (e.g., chamomile, peppermint): 3-5 minutes.
Hardier herbs (e.g., hibiscus, ginger): 5-7 minutes.
Remove Tea Leaves or Bags:
Once the steeping time is complete, remove the tea leaves or bags to prevent over-steeping, which can result in a bitter taste.
Sweetening (Optional):
If desired, add sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia/sugar to taste.
Enhancements (Optional):
Enhance the flavor with a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or a cinnamon stick.
Enjoy Your Herbal Tea:
Sip and savor your freshly brewed herbal tea. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and flavor.
Tips:
Experiment with Brewing Times: Adjust the steeping time based on your preferences. Longer steeping times can intensify the flavor, but be cautious not to overbrew.
Water Quality Matters: Using high-quality water enhances the overall taste of your herbal tea.
Storage: Store your herbal teas in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness.
Steps to Brew Black Tea:
Boiling Water:
Bring the water to a rolling boil. Black tea requires boiling water (212°F or 100°C).
Adding Black Tea Leaves:
Place the recommended amount of black tea leaves into the infuser or teapot. Typically, use 1 teaspoon of loose tea per 8 ounces of water as a starting point.
Pouring Hot Water:
Pour the boiling water over the black tea leaves. Ensure that the water fully covers the leaves.
Steeping Time:
Allow the black tea to steep for the recommended time. Steeping times can vary:
Assam and other robust black teas: 3-5 minutes.
Darjeeling and lighter black teas: 2-4 minutes.
Remove Tea Leaves or Bags:
Once the steeping time is complete, remove the tea leaves or bags to prevent over-steeping and bitterness.
Optional Additions:
Add milk, sugar, honey, or lemon to taste, depending on your preferences.
Enjoy Your Black Tea:
Sip and savor your freshly brewed black tea. Appreciate the rich color and full-bodied flavor.
Tips:
Experiment with Tea Amount: Adjust the quantity of tea leaves based on your preference for a stronger or milder brew.
Water Quality: High-quality water enhances the flavor of black tea. Avoid using water with strong odors or impurities.
Milk First or Last: If you prefer to add milk to your black tea, you can add it either before pouring the tea or after, based on personal preference.
Explore Varieties: Explore different black tea varieties to discover your favorite. Each type offers a unique flavor profile.
Steps to Brew Green Tea:
Water Temperature:
Heat the water to the correct temperature for green tea. Ideal temperatures range from 160°F to 180°F (71°C to 82°C). Avoid boiling water, as it can make the tea bitter.
Adding Green Tea Leaves:
Place the recommended amount of green tea leaves into the infuser or teapot. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of loose tea per 8 ounces of water.
Pouring Hot Water:
Pour the hot water over the green tea leaves. Ensure that the water fully covers the leaves.
Steeping Time:
Green tea requires a shorter steeping time compared to other teas. Steep for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the variety. Japanese green teas often require shorter steeping times than Chinese green teas.
Remove Tea Leaves or Bags:
Once the steeping time is complete, promptly remove the green tea leaves or bags to prevent over-steeping and bitterness.
Optional Additions:
Green tea is often enjoyed without additions, but you can add honey, lemon, or a slice of ginger if desired.
Enjoy Your Green Tea:
Sip and savor your freshly brewed green tea. Appreciate the light, grassy, and sometimes floral flavors.
Tips:
Controlled Water Temperature: Use a thermometer or an electric kettle with temperature control to ensure the water is at the correct temperature.
Experiment with Steeping Time: Adjust the steeping time based on your preference for a stronger or milder brew.
Reuse Tea Leaves: Some high-quality green teas can be steeped multiple times. Experiment to find the optimal number of infusions.
Store Properly: Keep your green tea in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and strong odors to maintain its freshness.
Steps to Brew White Tea:
Water Temperature:
Heat the water to a low temperature, ideally around 160°F to 185°F (71°C to 85°C). Avoid boiling water, as it can damage the delicate flavor of white tea.
Adding White Tea Leaves:
Place the recommended amount of white tea leaves into the infuser or teapot. Use approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose tea per 8 ounces of water.
Pouring Hot Water:
Pour the hot water over the white tea leaves. Ensure that the water fully covers the leaves.
Steeping Time:
White tea requires a gentle steeping. Allow it to steep for 4 to 7 minutes. Longer steeping times may be suitable for certain white tea varieties.
Remove Tea Leaves or Bags:
Once the steeping time is complete, promptly remove the white tea leaves or bags to prevent over-steeping.
Optional Additions:
White tea is often enjoyed without additions to appreciate its natural flavor. However, you can add a touch of honey or a slice of lemon if desired.
Enjoy Your White Tea:
Sip and savor your freshly brewed white tea. Appreciate the delicate and nuanced flavors.
Tips:
Low Water Temperature: White tea is delicate, and using a lower water temperature helps preserve its subtle flavors.
Experiment with Steeping Time: Adjust the steeping time based on your preference for a stronger or milder brew.
Multiple Infusions: Some high-quality white teas can be steeped multiple times. Experiment to find the optimal number of infusions.
Storage: Store white tea in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and strong odors to maintain its freshness.