How to brew perfect herbal tea like a pro
What's the story
Brewing herbal tea is an art, and if done right, it can be a soothing experience.
Unlike traditional teas, herbal teas are brewed from a variety of plant parts including leaves, flowers, and roots.
Here, we give you insights into making the perfect cup of herbal tea with precision and care.
Be it a novice or an experienced tea enthusiast, these tips will help you brew like a pro.
Ingredients
Selecting quality ingredients
The foundation of any great herbal tea is quality ingredients.
For the best flavor, opt for fresh or properly dried herbs. If possible, look for organic options to eliminate pesticides and chemicals.
Popular choices include chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus. Mixing different herbs can yield unique flavors, but start with small quantities to find your preferred blend.
Temperature
Optimal water temperature
Water temperature is critical when brewing herbal tea.
Unlike black or green teas that need specific temperatures, most herbal teas can be brewed at boiling point or just below it.
However, delicate herbs like chamomile may prefer slightly cooler water around 90 degrees Celsius to maintain their subtle flavors.
Steeping time
Steeping time matters
Steeping time impacts your tea's strength and taste.
Generally, herbal teas should steep for five to seven minutes to extract maximum flavor without getting bitter. Some robust herbs might take up to 10 minutes for full infusion.
Experiment with different times depending on how you like your tea, but don't over-steep, as it may give your tea undesirable tastes.
Storage
Proper storage techniques
Proper storage ensures your herbs stay fresh and flavorful for long.
Store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture, to avoid degradation of essential oils that contribute to taste and aroma.
Glass jars with tight lids work well, but keep them in a dark cupboard or pantry for optimal preservation.
Additives
Experimenting with additives
Make your herbal tea even better by trying natural sweeteners or sourings like honey or lemon juice.
These do not drown out the original taste of herbs used for brewing. Rather, they enhance the natural attributes of tea, resulting in a balanced and tasty experience without changing the character of the herbal mix.
This way, you can enjoy your tea while keeping it herbal.