Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

There really is an art to making a simple cup of tea! Here are some tips to think about as you incorporate herbal tea into your daily routine.

Use filtered water.

Water quality is everything. Using filtered water is key. Filtered water may remove contaminants such as lead, copper, mercury, chlorine, iron, sulfur, and bacteria. Plus it simply tastes better in that it lacks the bitterness these impurities cause.

Boil water in a kettle.

Using a kettle to bring water to a rapid boil oxygenates it, which draws out the flavors of your tea. It is so easy to stick a cup of water in the microwave, but by doing so you increase your exposure to EMF’s. There is a possible link between EMF exposure and central nervous system related issues such as anxiety, headaches, brain fog, etc. We live in an electronically saturated world. When we have the opportunity to choose something different, it can only be helpful to our overtaxed systems.

Experiment with the right brewing time

The right brewing time depends on how strong you prefer your tea. Jubilee Seasons teas are crafted so that each flavor is distinct from the others in any given blend. You should be able to differentiate the flavors as you enjoy your tea. However, because we craft wellness teas, our herbs and adaptogens can taste quite strong. We recommend that our tea blends be brewed to at least a medium strength to get the full benefits of the ingredients. 4 to 6 minutes is the average suggested brew time for each of our blends.

Give loose leaf tea space to expand

Avoid using loose leaf tea infusers that are filled to the brim. Your tea leaves need space to expand so that they release the fullness of their flavor. We suggest using a tea basket that allows for plenty of space for tea leaves to expand, keeps tea leaves from escaping into your water, and sits on the lip of your cup for easy brewing.

Avoid squeezing tea bags

It’s tempting to hurry up the brewing time by squeezing your tea bag, but it’s not recommended. Squeezing tea bags releases tannic acids making your tea bitter, sour, and acidic. Patience prevails in making a flavor-packed cup of tea every time.

Protect your tea

Make sure you keep your tea fresh when storing it. Protect your tea from light, heat, air, and moisture. By doing so, herbal teas can last up to a year without losing their quality. If tea leaves and herbs begin to lose their vibrant coloring, it is likely old. The fragrance and taste are also key indicators of freshness.

Lastly, enjoy your tea!

Drinking a cup of tea should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It allows for a break in your otherwise busy day. Don’t feel guilty by slowing down, experiencing the warmth of the cup, smelling the delightful fragrances, and taking note of the calming effects on your body. Give yourself permission to be fully present while drinking your tea. Everything else can wait!