What Is Over Steeping Tea?
Steeping tea is an essential part of making a great cup of tea. However, it’s not uncommon for some people to accidentally over steep tea, giving them an overly strong, sometimes bitter cup. But what exactly is over steeping tea, and what are the consequences? Let’s find out.
What Happens When You Over Steep Tea?
When you over steep tea, the tea leaves are left in the water for far too long, which can have several consequences. First and foremost, you risk the tea tasting overly strong, bitter, astringent, and even sour. Additionally, over steeping tea can also result in tea leaves leaving a residue in your cup.
What Causes Over Steeping Tea?
People often over steep tea due to lack of experience, or simply forgetting about their brew. If you’re steeping a tea for longer, such as black or Oolong tea, it is important to keep a timer. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to use your senses to make sure you have a great cup, as tea tastes different depending on the tea type, method of steeping, and water temperature.
How to Avoid Over Steeping Tea
Fortunately, over steeping tea can easily be avoided by following the following steps:
- Read the instructions: Before brewing your tea, make sure you’ve read the instructions properly. Different types of teas need different brewing methods and steeping times, so it’s important to follow the instructions.
- Stick to the right temperature: The right water temperature can seriously affect how your tea turns out. Cold-brewed and green teas are usually better with lower temperatures, while most other teas require boiling water.
- Set a timer: If you’re steeping a tea for a long time, it can be very easy to lose track of time. So set a timer for the exact time suggested in the instructions, and make sure to remove the tea when it’s done.
Conclusion
Over steeping tea can be an unpleasant experience, resulting in a strong, bitter cup. Fortunately, by following the instructions and setting a timer, you can easily avoid over steeping tea and enjoy a great cup.
