Brewing Hot Tea
If you don’t have a thermometer or instant hot water pot with tea temp function, you can estimate brewing water this way:
Black, rooibos and Herbals (Tisanes): Boiling water = about 212 degrees
Oolong: Simmer to almost boiling = about 195-200 degrees
Green: Light simmer where tiny bubbles are just forming around the edge of the pot = about 180-185 degrees.
White: Heavy steam to light simmer = about 175-185 degrees
Tea is Personal: Once you try the recommended steeping instructions, I invite you to play with the quantity of tea and the length of the steep time to find your desired brew strength. Use a wide mouth infuser to let your tea dance! Varying the water temperature isn’t recommended, as water that is too hot will over-extract the bitter components of tea, while water that is too cool might not fully draw out the aromas and flavors of tea. Always use the purest water possible.
Brewing Iced Tea
1. Iced Tea- Instant:
Brewing iced tea is as simple as brewing the tea per instructions. Increase tea amount by 50%. For example, if the directions say use 1 teaspoon, use 1-1/2 teaspoons for iced tea. Fill infuser with tea as directed – Once steeped, pour over a full glass or pitcher of ice. As the ice melts, add more to your liking and enjoy!
2. Iced Tea Concentrate:
Measure 1 cup of dry loose tea (adjust amount of tea to suit your taste) Follow the brewing instructions on the package and add 8 cups of hot water. Let cool to warm, then strain into another container and refrigerate. Dilute 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water as needed. For example: ½ cup of concentrate to 1 cup of water. Serve over ice. This will make approximately 4 quarts or 2 gallons of finished tea.
3. Iced Tea Cold Brew:
Similar to the old-fashioned way of making sun tea. Using a large gallon sized glass jar, put 8-10 rounded teaspoons of tea in a glass gallon jug, either loose or measure into 2-3 tea sacs. Fill the jug with cold water. Let steep overnight (at least 8 hours). Strain or remove the tea sacs. Serve over ice. This method requires less tea and produces a smooth, light, and refreshing iced tea.