Earl Grey Tea Loose Leaf
Posted on Sunday, July 18th, 2010 at 11:13 am
I thought loose leaf tea was supposed to be better than bagged?
So I bought my first box of loose leaf tea (Twinings Earl Grey). I have had the bagged Twinings Earl Grey before and I loved it so I thought that I’d try the loose tea version. The tea just isn’t strong enough for me. I’ve read that loose leaf tea is supposed to have more flavor but it doesn’t seem to be the case. The teabag one is much “stronger”. I’ve tried using an infuser, i’ve tried using a strainer but I just can’t seem to get it any stronger. It’s not bad, it’s just not as strong as the teabag version which I am used to. Have any ideas on what could be wrong? Does loose leaf tea require a higher temperature to get the flavors out of the tea?
Oh. I was using a measuring spoon. Maybe that is why.
It’s not that loose is “stronger” it’s fresher and has more subtle flavors.
The problem with tea bags is that they usually have what’s known as “sand” or powder from them cutting the leaves to fit the bag. This powder over extracts and adds a bitter bite to tea that can be avoided with whole leaves. Also, since the leaves have less surface area they take longer to release their flavor into the water.
First, make sure the water is right off the boil. If it isn’t hot enough, it won’t extract the flavor compounds properly. White & green teas need a lower temp than black. Preheat the steeping device (iron or porcelain pot or french press) with boiling water so it doesn’t lower the water temp during the steeping process.
Add one teaspoon (actual spoon, not cooking measure) per cup plus “one for the pot” and steep for at least 5 minutes. 7 minutes will make it stronger. Tea needs to expand when wet, so I don’t like the infusers. A french press makes keeping the leaves behind easy, but I pour from my pot through a fine strainer into the cup or a serving pot.
tea time earl grey loose leaf
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