Can You Over Steep Tea?
Many of us are guilty of letting a cup of tea steep for too long, but can you actually over steep tea? The answer is yes! When brewing your tea, it is important to be conscious of the steeping time and tea to water ratio in order to attain the desired flavor profile.
What Happens When You Over Steep Tea?
Over steeping your tea can lead to astringent, bitter and harsh notes in the cup. A bitter taste and smell that is much too strong can be an indication that the leaves were steeped for too long or with too much water. Not only can over steeping make your cup taste unpleasant, but it can also prevent you from simmering the nuances and complexities of your tea.
What Should You Do?
In order to avoid over steeping your tea, follow these simple steps:
- Know Your Tea: Different types of tea require different amounts of tea to water, temperature and steep time in order to get the desired flavor.
- Watch the Clock: Most quality teas should steep anywhere from 1-5 minutes. Be sure to steep your tea the suggested amount of time and not a minute more!
- Create a Steep Method: As you steep, take notes and adjust your parameters in order to get the desired cup.
In conclusion, over steeping your tea can lead to a bitter cup of tea that masks the desired flavor profile. Use these techniques to ensure your cup contains the nuances and complexities of the tea!
