Tea Blog

In a previous

post, I shared my top tips for finding a great tearoom. This time, I’d like to focus on something just as important—how to make great tea at home.

MAYKING TEA

Making Tea
There’s nothing quite like making your own tea—it’s the best way to ensure it’s just how you like it. A common rule of thumb is one teaspoon per person plus one for the pot. However, for larger-leaf teas, such as high mountain oolongs, that extra teaspoon may not be necessary—just allow a slightly longer steep.

All in the Steep
Steeping refers to how long the tea leaves remain in the water. While personal preference plays a role, finding the ideal balance is key. New tea drinkers may find it helpful to follow suggested guidelines at first—but experimentation is the best teacher.

Yellow Liquor
The word “liquor” refers to the brewed tea itself. Some teas—especially green and white teas—produce a lighter, yellow-toned liquor. This is perfectly normal. Avoid over-steeping in an attempt to darken the color, as this can introduce unwanted bitterness.

Know Your Temperatures
Water temperature plays a crucial role in brewing. Green and white teas require cooler water, while black teas can handle boiling temperatures.

A simple approach:

• After boiling, wait ~2 minutes for oolong teas
• Wait 3–4 minutes for green and white teas

Or listen to your kettle: gentler bubbling indicates lower temperatures suitable for delicate teas.

Infusion
Loose-leaf tea often allows for multiple infusions. The same leaves can be steeped several times, with flavors evolving in each cup.

Not Sure? Ask!
There are countless resources—both online and in-person—to help you learn more about tea. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, whether at a tea shop or through tea communities.

Gaiwan, Teapot, Infuser, Mug
There are many ways to brew tea. From traditional gaiwans to teapots, infusers, or simply a mug—choose what works best for you.

Tea to Go
Enjoying good tea doesn’t have to stop when you leave home. A small metal canister is ideal for carrying tea leaves, especially in warm climates where plastic may affect flavor.

Enjoy Good Tea
Travel mugs make it easy to have quality tea wherever you go. For best results, use teas that handle longer steeping times well, such as oolong, black tea, or herbal infusions.

And Finally…
Take time with your tea. Step away from your busy day, enjoy the ritual, and allow yourself a moment to relax. Whether alone or with others, tea is about more than just the drink—it’s about the experience.

Take the first letter of each tip—MAYKING TEA—and you have the essence of these suggestions!

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