Life is like a cup of tea...it's all in how you make it-- in other words use this as a guideline and adjust your cup of tea comme tu désir (as you like it)!
How to make Hot Tea: Bring water to a rolling boil for herbal tisanes, a gentle boil for black tea, but only to a simmer for white & green teas. Ideally spring water or cold filtered water is the best for yielding robust, flavorful tea. If using a tea kettle to boil your water, always refill- don't keep boiling the same water or your tea will taste flat.
Measure preferred amount of tea leaves into desired vessel such as a warmed pot or cup. Generally for every 6 oz. cup of water, use 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and, if making a pot of tea, one extra for the pot. Pour hot water over the tea leaves. Steep for the suggested length of time according to your liking.
The best infusers allow room for tea leaves to unfurl and has a cover so the essential oils don't evaporate, but are forced back down into the infusion thus developing the tea's full flavor. (My Symphony Seasonings sells these premium stainless steel infusers/strainers for $7.50-perfect for steeping loose leaf teas & herbs, just message us with your order.)
Strain and sweeten if desired to achieve your preferred taste profile. Enjoy!
If you like a stronger tea, add more tea leaves. Steeping tea, especially black tea, for longer than suggested will make your tea taste bitter not stronger.
How to make Iced Tea: Bring half of your water to a gentle boil. For instance if making one cup of iced tea, heat 4 oz., then infuse with hot water and 2 teaspoons of tea leaves. Follow the general guidelines in the table above for steeping times according to the type of tea. Strain your tea into an 8 oz glass. Sweeten while warm if desired or use agave nectar in chilled tea in order to dissolve fully. Add cold water and ice and enjoy!
When making a large amount of tea, ideally you would steep the tea leaves without an infuser in order to allow the leaves to fully unfurl and release more flavor. Give the tea leaves a gentle stir once or twice in the pot while brewing to allow the water to fully encompass each leaf extracting more flavor. Strain after the desired steeping time has passed.
Loose tea is not ground fine like the fanning that fills pre-made tea bags so your My Symphony Seasonings' tea will stay fresh longer, but because the leaves are larger they need room to unfurl when steeped. The finer the tea is ground and the longer a tea is steeped, the more tannin is released which results in a bitter taste. So...choose My Symphony Seasonings' fresh, organic, quality loose leaf teas & tisanes and follow the simple table above! To your health!
Want more information? Copy and paste the following in your browser for beautiful photos, a refreshing recipe to make a gallon of My Symphony Seasonings' herbal tisane and more... https://shoutout.wix.com/so/3MBKeN7k#/main
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Health statements regarding herb, spice & botanical dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.