The flavor of the Darjeeling tea is dependent on more than just the leaves. The tea will taste different at the store compared to when you brew the Darjeeling organic tea at home. If the tea fails to match your expectations, you may end up writing off the entire package.
Some of the infusing tips that you should consider include:
1. Adjust the Serving Size
You should understand that loose leaf tea is quite flexible. The flavor of the tea can be adjusted by increasing or lowering the water volume. Different tea styles will have a different density depending on whether the leaves are finely chopped. If the leaves are densely packed, it means the volume required will be less.
Per ounce of water, you’ll need at least one or two grams of water in the brewing vessel. It is advisable to always weigh your leaves. If the tea you consume at an online tea and coffee shop is vegetal or bitter, it means for a sweeter flavor; you need to use less tea.
2. Consider the Palate
Has any of your favorite flavors let you down? You should know that the flavor of the single-origin leaves will change their flavor from one year to the next depending on the growth process and weather conditions. You should also know that the palate you use is subject to changing conditions. Have you eaten food that has a strong flavor recently? Do you have a stuffy nose? If yes, some of these factors will affect your sense of taste.
3. Adjust the Water Temperature
When brewing tea, the water temperature will be overlooked. You should know that different types of tea, such as white or green tea, will produce a different flavor if brewed at different temperatures. To solve this issue, you’ll need to ensure that the water has cooled to a temperature that is sippable before you go ahead and pour it onto the tea leaves.
For the dark teas, you should ensure the water is extremely hot such that you’ll extract the flavor accordingly. If you use water that has a moderate temperature, the brew will taste watery. Fortunately, you don’t need a precise temperature for dark teas. You can go ahead and experiment to determine what works best in your case.
4. Try Different Teaware
The material used to manufacture the teapot will influence the flavor. Metal and plastic brewing vessels usually absorb the qualities of strong tea, which means delicate brews will be impacted negatively. The most suitable option is glass or glazed ceramic. Such material has a non-porous surface, and the flavor will be natural.
5. The Steeping Time Should Be Adjusted
If you find it hard to manage the water temperature, you can adjust the steeping time first if you want to have a better brew. The liquor should be separated from the leaves fast such that the brew won’t become vegetal or bitter. Similarly, if the water isn’t hot enough, it cannot extract the entire flavor.
For most teas, hot and long infusions are highly recommended such that you can draw out the whole flavor. You can use a large pot depending on the number of people that you’re serving. The main issue is that this brewing style usually draws out bitter compounds. Instead, the infusion should be limited to two minutes when using tea bags.
Final Thoughts
We have looked into five tips to consider if you want to get the most out of Darjeeling tea or any other tea flavor, utilize each of the tips listed above, and you’ll get to enjoy tea with a rich flavor without having to worry about a bitter taste. You may also buy Darjeeling organic tea from tea and coffee shops or from online stores to get your first taste.
