Things to Consider When Drinking Tea

When Buying Tea:

The tea you buy should be displayed on shelves far away from scented products such as detergents, perfumes, and cat and dog foods in the store. The initial storage conditions before display are also very important, and the tea should be stored in boxes under the same conditions as those in the display area. That is, it should be stored away from any product that could transfer odors, especially during initial storage (such as perfumes, cat and dog foods, spices, etc.). Otherwise, the tea will absorb odors even if it is in a very sturdy package or even a very sturdy box. This is because, due to its chemical structure, tea is highly prone to absorbing moisture and odors very quickly.

This means that the first step to enjoying good tea is ensuring that the tea you buy has been stored in suitable conditions and sourced from an appropriate shelf.

The integrity of the tea packaging is just as important as the shelf on which it is displayed. A package that has been punctured, torn, or burst for any reason is the second step toward bad-tasting tea. This is because it should be emphasized again and again that, due to its chemical structure, tea is highly prone to absorbing moisture and odors very quickly.

When Using and Storing Tea:

Tea purchased from the correct shelf in intact packaging should be kept in an airtight container in a dry place when opened for use, completely separate from other scented products such as detergents and spices. This means that the consumer's care in storing the opened package is also very important for enjoying good tea. The tea you use should meet the following criteria:

Black tea should have its characteristic appearance, color, and aroma, contain no foreign odors, and have no visible foreign matter. Foreign matter includes all substances other than black tea.

When Brewing Tea:

The most important factor in preparing good tea is the choice of water. If possible, use a porcelain teapot and soft spring water. Do not boil the water for the tea for a long time or over high heat. If you steep the tea for too long, it will become bitter and the caffeine content will increase. At the same time, the oxygen in the water will be lost and its flavor will diminish. Add one teaspoon of loose tea for each cup. The tea should be steeped for 10–15 minutes and drunk within half an hour of brewing. The brewed tea should not be boiled. The convenience and single-use nature of tea bags make the process easier.