Celestial Seasonings invites you to explore the world of tea. With a history that’s thousands of years old and stories engrained into cultures around the globe, tea is truly something that brings us all together. Whether you’re a lifelong tea drinker or new to the tea experience, you’re bound to learn something new here about the many types of tea, different brewing methods and much more.
At Celestial Seasonings, we consider making and drinking tea an art form that’s easy to master. Here are some tea-brewing basics to get you started.
While you’re heating the water for your next cup, be sure to think about the three basic principles of brewing tea. Have a plan before you pour.
- Freshness. Try to use fresh, filtered water each time you brew. Repeatedly boiling and cooling water brings oxygen (the “O” in “H20”) out of solution resulting in flat-tasting water and (eventually) tea. In addition, the taste and odor of chlorine in water masks many of tea’s subtler flavors, so filtered or spring water is the way to go if possible.
-Temperature. Most types of tea call for a full, rolling boil to bring out the best aroma, flavor and benefits. The notable exceptions are green tea and white tea, which taste best when cooler water (around 190 F) is used.
- Steeping time. The most common brewing mistake is over-steeping, which can bring out off flavors and increase bitterness. Keep a timer (or a timer app) handy to make sure you remove the tea bag at just the right moment.
Our Senior Blendmaster, Charlie Baden, recommends the following brewing instructions based on type of tea. Remember to check the box for specific instructions for the tea you’re making.
Many Celestial teas taste great served over ice. Making a pitcher of refreshing iced tea takes mere moments. Just pour 2 cups boiling water over 4 tea bags in a heat-resistant pitcher. Steep according to package directions, then add 2 cups cold water. Serve over ice. Makes one quart.
Quality herbal teas start with quality herbs and spices. Celestial Seasonings® purchases more than 100 varieties of the finest quality herbs, spices and fruits from more than 35 different countries to make our enchanting teas. Each herb and spice has its own flavour and taste characteristics and creates delicious natural taste treats when blended.
