4.1 Tea
Objectives
- To prepare various teas using loose tea, a tea ball, or tea bags.
- To describe differences in appearance and flavor of various types of tea: black, oolong, green, flower, and spiced.
- To identify the factors affecting the optimum extraction and retention of tea constituents in the prepared beverage: tea quality, type and temperature of water, material of teapot, and preparation techniques.
General directions for preparation of teas:
- Use a clean teapot. Preheat by filling it with boiling water.
- Measure freshly drawn cold water. Heat just to boiling. As soon as measured water reaches boiling, drain the preheated teapot; place tea leaves in pot; add the freshly boiled water.
- Cover pot and steep appropriate length of time for the tea used. Remove tea bag or tea ball, or strain out tea leaves.
- For evaluation, serve tea in pot in which it was prepared. (If a ceramic pot was used, display a sample of tea in a small clear glass beaker.)
Tea Treatment Directions
- Tea ball – Prepare black tea according to the general directions. For each serving, use ½ tsp. tea leaves per 6 oz. water. Place tea leaves in a tea ball large enough to allow water to circulate freely. Steep for three minutes.
- Tea bag – Prepare black tea according to the general directions, using 1 tea bag for two servings (12 oz. water). Steep for three minutes.
- Loose tea – Prepare black tea according to the general directions. For each serving, use ½ tsp. black tea and 6 oz. water. Place loose tea leaves in teapot. Steep for three minutes, then strain tea into preheated serving pot.
- Iced tea – Prepare double-strength black tea according to general directions for hot tea, using 1 tsp. tea or 1 tea bag per tea cup (6 oz.) water. Pour prepared tea into serving pitcher filled with ice.
- Instant black iced tea – Prepare according to the directions on the container.
- Oolong tea – Prepare oolong tea according to general directions, using 1 tea bag or 1 tsp. tea leaves per 2 teacups (6 oz. each) water. Steep for 3 minutes.
- Green tea – Prepare green tea according to the general directions, using 1 tea bag or 1 tsp. tea leaves per 2 teacups (6 oz. each) water. Steep for 3 minutes.
- Flower tea – Prepare according to package directions.
- Spiced tea – Prepare according to package directions.
- Decaffeinated tea – Prepare according to package directions.
Terms
- Oolong Tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its dried leaves and leaf buds are used to make several different teas, including black and green teas.
- Green Tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.
- Brewing Techniques: Percolated, French Press, Drip, Vacuum, & Pour Over
Characteristics of the standard product:
| Appearance | Flavor |
| Bright and clear; free from oily film.
Color appropriate for type: Green tea – a pale straw color Black tea – a deep amber color Oolong tea – a light golden brown |
Subtle aroma
Delicate flavor with astringency appropriate for type. (Green tea is more astringent than black.) |
Evaluation
| Sample | Appearance | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Black, tea bag | ||
| Oolong | ||
| Green | ||
definition
Made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its dried leaves and leaf buds are used to make several different teas, including black and green teas.
Made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.
