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Do you know the secret to brewing the perfect cup of black tea? It's all about the details! Let's dive into the tips from a national tea artist to make sure you never ruin a pot of tea again.

Should You Put Tea Leaves First or Pour Water First?

Many people habitually put tea leaves into the cup first and then pour boiling water over them. But is this really the best way? The answer is no.

The correct method: Pour water first, then add tea leaves (especially when using a glass cup). Why? Because pouring water first allows the tea leaves to gently unfold and release their aroma gradually, resulting in a smoother and more balanced flavor.

If you put tea leaves in first and then pour boiling water, the leaves get shocked by the heat and release all their flavors at once. This often leads to a bitter and astringent taste, especially with delicate black teas like Keemun or Golden Monkey.

Remember: "Water first, gentle release; leaves first, bitter taste."

What's the Ideal Water Temperature for Black Tea?

While black tea is more robust than green tea, it doesn't mean you should use boiling water. Many people make the mistake of using water that's too hot, which can ruin the tea's flavor.

The ideal water temperature for black tea: 85°C - 95°C.

• Delicate black teas (like Golden Monkey, Lapsang Souchong): 85°C - 90°C. These teas have tender buds, and lower temperatures help preserve their sweetness.
• Full-leaf black teas (like Yunnan Black): 90°C - 95°C. These teas can handle slightly higher temperatures to bring out their rich aroma, but avoid boiling water to prevent bitterness.

Tip: Let your boiling water sit in a kettle or cup for about 30 seconds to cool down to the perfect temperature.

Remember: "Warm water makes great tea; boiling water ruins the cup."

The Correct Steps to Brew Black Tea

Follow these steps to brew the perfect cup of black tea:

1. Warm the Cup: Use hot water to warm your teapot, glass, or cup. This helps maintain the tea's temperature and enhances the flavor.
2. Pour Water First: As mentioned, pour water first to let it cool slightly.
3. Add Tea Leaves: Use about 3 grams of tea leaves for every 200 milliliters of water (a ratio of 1:50). Adjust based on your taste preferences.
4. Steep the Tea:
   • First infusion: 10-15 seconds
   • Second infusion: 15-20 seconds
   • Subsequent infusions: Increase by 5-10 seconds each time
5. Enjoy the Aroma: Swirl the tea gently to release the aroma, then savor the sweet, smooth flavor.

Remember: "Brew it right, and it's sweet; brew it wrong, and it's bitter."

Common Mistakes When Brewing Black Tea

• Mistake 1: Steeping for too long. This releases bitter compounds and ruins the taste.
• Mistake 2: Using water that's too hot. This can destroy the tea's delicate flavors.
• Mistake 3: Leaving tea to steep for hours. This can lead to oxidation and spoilage.
• Mistake 4: Adding sugar or honey. Good black tea is naturally sweet, and adding sugar can mask its true flavor.

Conclusion: Don't Waste Good Tea!

Brewing tea is an art. A small mistake can turn a great tea into a bitter cup. Follow these tips to unlock the full potential of your black tea:

• Pour water first, then add tea leaves.
• Use water at 85°C - 95°C.
• Control steeping times carefully.

Try these tips, and your next cup of black tea will be a delightful experience!

What's your usual method for brewing black tea? Share your tips in the comments below!