By Ujjainee Roy
May 23, 2024
Infusing tea is not as straightforward as it seems. Most teas have delicate profiles and infusing them with flavours can be quite an intricate process. The best way to infuse them with other flavours is to not mess with their core flavour notes. Let's explore some ways to infuse teas.
Place loose tea leaves in a teapot with an infuser or use a tea strainer. Pour hot water over the leaves and let them steep for the recommended time. Pour the tea into cups through the strainer. It's ideal for brewing multiple servings at once.
Place loose tea leaves in an infuser ball or basket, which is then submerged in a cup or teapot of hot water. Let it steep for the desired time. This method is easy to use and minimizes mess, making cleanup a breeze.
A French press, commonly used for coffee, can also be an excellent tool for brewing tea. Add loose tea leaves to the French press and pour hot water over them. Place the lid on without pressing the plunger down and let the tea steep. Once the tea has steeped for the desired time, press the plunger down to separate the leaves from the liquid.
Using tea bags is one of the most straightforward and mess-free methods of brewing tea. Place a tea bag in a cup and pour hot water over it. Let the tea steep for the recommended duration, then remove the tea bag. Tea bags are convenient and come in a wide variety of flavors and blends.
Add loose tea leaves or tea bags to a pitcher of cold water. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it steep for 6-12 hours, depending on the type of tea and your taste preference. Cold brewing produces a smooth, less bitter flavor compared to hot brewing methods.
The gaiwan is a traditional Chinese brewing vessel consisting of a small bowl with a lid and a saucer. To use a gaiwan, add tea leaves to the bowl, pour hot water over them, and cover with the lid. Let the tea steep briefly, typically for a shorter duration than other methods. The gaiwan allows for multiple infusions.