The Best Way to Brew Tea

My new addiction to gourmet tea has sent me on a search to find the best brewing method. If you are going to buy the best you might as well learn to prepare it properly. Rule number 1 is no more heating water in the microwave. At the very least get a tea kettle so you know when the water is actually boiling. Different types of teas require different water temperatures to brew correctly. Black tea requires boiling water which would burn green or white tea. Green and white tea should be made with water that is around 140 to 180 degrees and steeping time should be increased to about 7 minutes.

Tea infusers, tea balls or a tea press are the best way to brew tea. Tea leaves should be loose in the container, not packed tightly like your average tea bag from the store. Some tea balls may be too small for white tea which has larger leaves. A tea press allows you to press a plunger and instantly stop the tea from brewing.

Do you want to make one cup of tea or several for a group. If you want a large pot that will stay warm for awhile look at an insulated stainless steel model as opposed to glass which will cool quickly. Below I have listed some interesting items from various web sites.

The Tea Bag Timer I laughed when I first saw this device. I mean how lazy can you be that you need a machine to lift your tea bag for you? Then I became an addict of gourment tea and realized how important it is not to over steep your tea. I set my timer on my microwave and run around doing other things while I am waiting for my tea to steep. Guess what? I never hear the timer and get back in time. This can result in bitter tasting tea. The tea bag timer is the perfect device! The timer can set from 1 to 20 minutes. When the time is up it lifts the bag or tea ball out of the hot water and an alarm sounds. You can also use the audible timer for your other cooking projects. Tea-Boy Penguin Tea Timer
Heart Tea Infuser 6.75-in Silver-plated and delicately designed, makes a great gift for the tea lover.	Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Sculpted Tea for One	Bodum Columbia Thermal 12-Cup Coffee and Tea Press, Stainless Steel This tea press received great reviews and is made of double walled stainless steel. It will keep your tea warm for up to 2 hours.
Chantal 13-Ounce Tea-for-One		Bodum Assam 2-Cup Tea Press This glass pot gives you the added convinence of being able to tell at a glance when your tea is the right strength.