FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Tea questions and tea answers to date;

1. How long should I brew my tea for?

2. What temperature water should I use?

3. What water should I use?

4. How should I prepare tea?

5. Can I add sugar to tea?

6. Can I add lemon to tea?

7. Can I add milk to tea?

8. What is the difference between FTGFOP, FOP TGFOP etc.?

9. How much tea leaf should I use for each serving?

 

Q: How long should I brew my tea for?
A: Using a large pot for many people / cups then for most teas a brewing time of 3-5 minutes is optimal.

As with many aspects of tea preparation optimal may be different for each person and tea type, even between 1st and 2nd flush as the first flush is considerably more tender therefore care should be taken over brewing.

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Q: What temperature water should I use?

A:

Green tea: 30-80 degrees centigrade

Oolong tea: 65-95 degrees centigrade

Black tea including pu er: 95-100+ degrees

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What type of water should I use?

A: Ideally spring or mountain water should be used. More practically most European tap water is acceptable, though benefits from filtering in large cities and those places with a strong, unpleasant flavoured water.

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Q: How should I prepare tea?

A: Good question! There are a multitude of solutions, from simplest ones through to those that require more time and skill. At the simplest end of the spectrum is adding tea leaves to a (tall) glass or mug and then adding the correct temperature water.

At the opposite end of the spectrum then the Chinese, Japanese and Korean cha yi or cha dao methods can take a lifetime to refine. More about these can be found on Wan Ling Tea House International website.

Somewhere in between are using a tea pot, which is ideal for those that like a plentiful supply or are entertaining. A coffee press, solely used for tea, is another great way that removes the nuisance of tea leaves but can allow multiple infusions i.e. re-brewing.

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Q: Should I add sugar to my tea?

A: This is very personal, so if you feel you need sugar for flavour then you can. We would recommend that teas are drunk without. Most high grade tea leaves are naturally slightly sweet so normally drunk without any additives.

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Q: Should I add lemon to my tea?

A: This is a traditional European way of drinking tea. Certainly it is a great way to add flavour to average teas, in fact there is some research that points to lemon improving the absorption of certain minerals by the human body that naturally occur in tea.

Due to the natural complexity of flavours in high grade teas we would not normally recommend adding lemon.

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Q: Should I add milk to my tea?

A: If you are a UK resident then in all likelihood you will normally drink tea with milk. Most tea bags are purposely blended with that in mind, hence can seem bitter and astringent without, however the flavour of most high quality teas will become overwhelmed if you add milk.

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Q: What is the difference between FTGFOP, FOP, TGFOP etc.?

A: These terms have been developed over the centuries and were used by Dutch and British traders for the grading of black and oolong teas from India, Africa, Sri Lanka and other tea producing countries. Tea grades cover everything from the finest whole leaf, through broken and small leaf to fannings and finally dust. The best tea grade being FTGFOP, Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, and lowest being BD or Broken Dust. For a fuller explanation please vist our Tea Grades page on our international site.

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Q: How much tea leaf should I use for each serving?

A: Typically you should add between 3-8 grams for each serving. Typically with many teas 5g is an ideal amount.

As you become more familar with your own preferences and the differences in each tea you'll more than likely find an optimium amount that suits you.

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