Hoyt Tea

What is Tea?

Tea is a hot drink that is made by steeping the dried leaves of an evergreen shrub that is usually cultivated, but is sometimes harvested in the wild. Occasionally, tealeaves are taken from trees in the wild that can grow to heights taller than four story buildings.
Tea is thought to have originated in the general region of China and other nearby Asian countries. The historic Origins of Tea as they evolved in the human experience stem in significant ways from this region of the world.

Steeping leaves of tea in hot boiling water allows the soluble constituents of the plant to be released into the liquid. This process produces distinctive flavors and creates a subtle sensory experience with characteristic aromas and tastes.

Not all teas require the same preparation techniques, so it is essential to know the exact method to use for the type of tea you are preparing in order for your tea to achieve its ideal taste.

Green Tea and White Tea

The use of filtered cold water is best in the preparation of green tea and white teas. First bring the water to a rolling boil. Do not watch the pot. Next, allow the water to cool to a temperature of 165-185 degrees Fahrenheit. Never use boiling water to prepare your white or green tea because it will overcook the leaves and destroy the tea and its flavor, creating a bitter tasting tea. Boiling water usually takes between 30 and 60 seconds to cool to this temperature. Then pour the water over the tealeaves. Approximately 160 degrees is perfect for green teas and white teas taste best at approximately 185 degrees.

The amount of tea needed per pot or cup is less than one might expect. Approximately 2 grams of tea per cup should make a delightful tasting tea (1 teaspoon for a 6 to 8 oz. cup). The leaves can also be used for more than one infusion.

The amount of caffeine can be reduced by pouring just enough hot water over the leaves to cover them. Tea should steep for approximately 20 seconds before the water is poured off.

Green Tea should be steeped for 1 to 2 minutes only; white tea from 4 to 15 minutes, with the leaves immersed. The tea is now ready to be tasted. The tea drinker may wish to experiment with different steeping times, as ideal flavor is a matter of individual preference.

Once the water has been poured over the leaves, they will begin to uncurl, leaving large pieces of tea floating in your pot or cup. Because some teas are denser than others, the tea drinker will want to experiment with the steeping time and amount of tea to be poured in the cup.

When the flavor is to the tea drinker’s liking, the leaves should be removed to avoid overcooking, which may create a bitter taste. Green teas are also excellent iced for cool summer refreshments. Steep green tea for 2 1/2 minutes for a stronger tasting iced tea. These teas should be allowed to cool before ice is added.

Black Tea/Oolong

When brewing a cup or pot of black or oolong tea, use fresh filtered cold water. Then bring the water to a rapid boil for about 1 minute.

Tea should be measured; approximately 2 grams (1 teaspoon) is appropriate per every cup. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and allow the tea to steep for approximately 3 to 5 minutes for black tea, depending on the desired taste.

Leaves should then be removed, or tea should be poured so as not to overcook the tea leaves.

Oolong tea should steep for as little as 30 to 60 seconds for a subtle flavor. Alternately, oolong can steep for as long as 9 minutes to create a more full-bodied cup. Here, tea leaves can be removed and reused for multiple infusions. When steeping green and jade oolong tea, it is best to err on the side of 30 seconds, whereas amber oolong can be steeped for 1 to 9 minutes.

Herbal Tisanes or Infusions and Chai

Herbal infusions can be prepared in a similar fashion to black teas. Boil some fresh water and steep the tea for approximately 5 minutes or more. With this particular variety, the longer the herbs steep, the more intense their flavor. Herbs may be removed when they reach their desired taste, or they may be left to strengthen the flavors. As with green tea, a stronger flavor makes a more delicious iced tea.

Chai is traditionally brewed using tea and herbs, sweetener, and milk. At steeping time honey or maple syrup may be added to sweeten the cup. Herbal chai should be steeped for approximately 9 minutes, or overnight for iced herbal chai. Mayan or vanilla chai is commonly steeped in milk or water for 8 to 10 minutes.