How to Wash, Dry and Care Fresh Leaves.
Always wash leaves with cool water and dry them properly to ensure there won't be excess moisture lingering that could lead to decay. You can simply rinse the bunch under the sink and lay it out in a single layer on paper towels to dry. All Leaves should be stored in the refrigerator covered loosely with a plastic bag, which helps the herbs retain moisture in the dry environment of the refrigerator and keep too much oxygen from browning the leaves.
Preparing for Tea.
Always use freshly drawn, cold water to prepare tea. Purified and spring water are best because they are relatively free from pollutants and other substances that can dramatically alter tea's taste. On the other hand, it is preferable for the water to have some natural minerals content, as they may enhance the tea's flavor. For this reason, distilled water should be avoided since the lack of minerals will leave the tea tasting flat. Similarly, one should never use pre-heated water-as from the faucet, for instance. This kind of water has mostly likely been overheated, thereby losing oxygen content while picking up possibly harmful substances from the water pipes. Traditionally, in Asia, water is always brought to gentle boil before one prepares tea. Boiling water eliminates many harmful germs and bacteria. Though water quality has improved vastly, boiling in the water in this fashion can help to bring out tea's flavor. The water should be heated until a steady stream of air bubbles gently rise to the surface. At this point, the water is sufficiently heated and also has a preferable oxygen content. In contrast, using water that has been held at a fierce, rolling boil can leave tea tasting dull and flat.
General Guidelines.
The following instructions will allow you to make a good cup of any kind of tea ( any leaves). Also included are suggestions for amount of leaves, time of infusion, water temperature, and material of teapot for the general varieties of tea. Of course, there are more detailed instructions for any kind of tea. To find out more on how to prepare a specific kinds of a variety of tea leaves:
- Bring freshly drawn, cold water to a boil in a kettle
- When water is at a gentle boil, remove heat.
- Pour hot water into teapot and teacups and pour off. By warming the cups in this way, the water temperature will be more consistent.
- Add the proper amount of leaves per person to the pot.
- Allow water to cool to the proper temperature, if necessary, and pour over the tea leaves.
- Steep for the proper length of time.
- Strain completely into another teapot or directly into the serving cups.
