Simple Steps to Better Tea

For anyone in the "tea world" you will be familiar with the name Bruce Richardson.  He is a tea guru and someone I follow faithfully (theteamaestro.blogspot.com) and read faithfully (The Book of Tea, Benjamin Press 2011).  In the March/April 2012 Tea Time magazine, Richardson gives seven simple steps to set you on the right path to making good tea.

I am asked occasionally if water for tea can be heated in a microwave or a coffeemaker.  The plain answer is yes, however, as Mr. Richardson asks, the leading question to the inquirer is...does the use of a microwave add to your sense of ritual?  In today's hurry-hurry-rush-rush society we need to consider transforming tea making from a utilitarian chore back to a honored ritual.  If you are a tea novice, here are a few simple steps to set you on the right path to making good hot tea.

1.  Teakettles and teapots are not the same.  This may sound basic, but both utensils are necessary to making a good pot of tea.  And a microwave does not replace a teakettle!  You can control the temperature of water only with a stove-top kettle or an electric kettle.

2.  Coffeemakers are not designed to make tea.  Tea takes time to steep, and coffeemakers are unable to perform that task.  Be aware that the oils in coffee will contaminate a vessel after one use and forevermore negate the possibility of making good tea in that container.

3.  Collect teapots in various sizes.  Consider expanding your teapot collection to include a variety of teapots - I use my English or traditional Western teapots for making black tea.  Asian iron and clay pots hold heat well and are the pots of choice for making green, oolong and white teas.  Teapots are also conversation sparks!

4.  Try various tea suppliers.  Just like parents who want to talk about their children, tea merchants are eager to share the pedigrees of their teas, brewing techniques, water temperatures and tasting notes.

5.  Be sure your tea is fresh.  If your tea has been shelved more than nine months, leave it for some else.  Buy in small quantities, and buy often.

6.  Store your tea at home in an airtight container.  Tea is like a sponge.  Keep it away from odors, heat, moisture and light.  Don't store tea in the freezer, and store only green teas in the refrigerator.

7.  Water temperature is key to brewing great tea.  When it comes to water temperature, just remember - the blacker the tea, the hotter the water.  General guidelines are as follows:
white tea - 165 degrees
green tea - 175 degrees
oolongs - 200 degrees
blacks and herbals - 212 degrees
Placing a small amount of hot water in the teapot first to warm it is always good, but be sure to discard that water before adding the tea leaves and the final water.