yecha

Brewing Guide

The Art
of Brewing

A good cup of tea asks very little of you. A few simple variables, a little attention, and the leaves will do the rest. This is a simple guide to the basics — detailed brewing settings for each tea can be found on their individual pages.

Barrels of dark loose-leaf teas in close-up

Brewing Guide

A Guide to Getting the Most From Your Tea

Water to Leaf Ratio

More leaves brings a stronger, more concentrated cup. Less leaves, something lighter and more refreshing. For most cups, 4 grams (2 tablespoons) is a good place to start. Adjust from there until it feels right for you.

Steep Time

Steep time defines the tea's character. A shorter steep tends towards lightness and sweetness. A longer one draws out more body and depth. For most teas, two to three minutes is a good place to start. Add or shave time from there until the cup feels right.

Water Temperature

Water temperature determines how well the flavor is extracted. Too hot, and delicate leaves lose their nuance and turn bitter. Too cool, and the tea never quite fully opens up. For most teas, water between 85-95°C is a good place to start. Greener and more delicate teas prefer the lower end. Darker, more robust teas welcome the heat.

Cold Brewing

Cold brewing needs nothing more than leaves, cold water and a little patience. The leaf ratio is more forgiving compared to hot brew. We recommend 8 grams to go with a standard 1 liter jug. Combine leaves with cold water, and leave in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. What you get is tea that is smoother, more refreshing and less bitter. We recommend brewing in a larger vessel to make the most of the overnight steep time.

Everything above is a starting point, not a prescription. The best cup of tea is the one that tastes right to you. Experiment freely and trust your palate. There is no wrong way to brew a tea you enjoy.

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