Brewing the perfect cup
There are so many ways to brew a cup of tea. To make things simple, I have included the 3 different ways I brew tea and tips that I have learned through the years to ensure not only do you get the tastiest brew, but the one with the most nutritive benefits. Each tea that I create will be attached to the preferred method of brew. I have also included a chart which indicates what method should be used for what tea.
Hot cup of herbal tea
This is the most common and probably the one you are most familiar with. A hot cup of tea is lovely for a snowy day, a rainy evening and that first sip of something in the morning. The ritual of creation to the act of simply enjoying the taste as you bring it into your mouth and let it sit there for a moment before swallowing is a beautiful thing. Below is the steps that I have found work to best bring out the flavors in my tea.
Brewing Instructions:
Measure about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to every 8 to 10 oz of water.
Place dried herbs in a tea bag/diffuser & add to your empty cup.
Pour hot water (just under boiling), cover and let sit for 5 to 6 minutes.
Steep for longer for a stronger brew.
Cool herbal infusion
Herbal infusions take the longest of the 3 methods, but the best things in life we are patient for correct? Sometimes we don’t want to something hot or some teas just lend themselves to tasting better when they are a bit cooler or more concentrated. There is a reason why we choose herbal infusions, but I will write a blog that goes into more detail about this method at a later time. Just know that hot herbal tea is nutritive, but long cool herbal infusions can pack a nutritive punch.
Brewing Instructions:
Measure about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to every 8 to 10 oz of water.
Place dried herbs in a tea bag/diffuser & add to your empty cup.
TIP: Double the recipe and use a quart mason jar or French press!
Pour hot water (just under boiling), cover and let steep in the boiling water for at least an hour.
After an hour you can let it finish seeping the fridge. Let seep for an additional 3 hours up to overnight.
Decoction of roots
Decoctions are needed for when we have roots in our tea blends. Roots take longer to break down so they need a longer simmer time. Root teas are nice as we can often brew them once, strain them and utilize the roots once again for another cup. However, once the flavor starts to go, the roots you need to compost.
Brewing Instructions:
Measure about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to every 8 to 10 oz of water.
On your stovetop combine your water with your tea blend.
I do not use a diffuser or tea bag as I strain out the tea when I pour it into the cup, but you can use a diffuser/reusable tea bag to prevent this step!
Bring to a boiI.
Once you have brought it to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain your tea if needed.
Add honey, milk, sugar, anything you want and enjoy!
TIP: Feel free to double, triple or quadruple this recipe and store it in your fridge! Just reheat on the stovetop (and drink within a few days of brewing).
Questions about what method to use?
Below is a chart to help you find which method to use for each tea!
