By Maranda Barnes, TWG Tea
At TWG Tea, we are extremely passionate about sharing our knowledge of fine teas and are proud to have become a resource for tea lovers.
Today, tea is no longer just an afternoon staple. The finest teas are savored throughout the day–paired with food or enjoyed on their own–to celebrate a moment, heal the spirit, or indulge in the delicate nuances of a particular variety or blend. The great variety of experiences tea can offer is made more remarkable when you consider that all tea is derived from the same Camellia sinensis tea plant.
Preparing fine teas
To get the best flavor out of your tea, pay attention to the quality of your water (spring water which is low in calcium & sodium is best), the temperature of the water (water should simmer, but never boil), the amount of tea you use, the type of filter, and the infusion time.
Pre-heat your teapot and a 100% cotton tea filter by rinsing them with simmering water. Place a teaspoon of tea (roughly 2.5 g) per cup in the warm filter and let it stand for a few moments, allowing the steam to develop the leaves’ aroma. Pour simmering water on the tea so that all the leaves are covered. Let the tea steep. (See below for steeping instructions according to tea type.) It is then essential to remove the filter containing the leaves. The tea must then be stirred and finally poured.
It is best to drink fine whole leaf teas such as ours after they have cooled for a few moments after steeping, so that your palate can better appreciate their subtle, intricate flavors.
Steeping instructions
Blended specially for Dean & DeLuca, the Dean & DeLuca Tea uses one of the world’s rarest and most expensive teas, white tea, blended with green tea, herbs, fruits and flowers. Because white tea is totally unprocessed, it requires a longer infusion time than other teas, and should steep for 3 to 4 minutes.
Evocative of the sparkling city that never sleeps, our New York Breakfast Tea is a couture masterpiece of inviting whole leaf Assam blended with rich and malty sweetness. Because black tea is fully oxidized, it should steep between 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
Geisha Blossom Tea, transports you. This delightfully fruity tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day and is perfect paired with desserts. Because green teas are not oxidized, they should steep for 3 minutes.
Our 100% naturally theine free red tea blends can be served warm or iced. Red of Africa Tea, for example, combines South Africa red tea with sweet spices and marigold blossoms. Red tea can steep between 3 to 4 minutes and will never become bitter no matter how long it is steeped.
Browse Timeline
Comments ( 1 Comment )
Thanks for the very clear directions. I had not seen the suggestion to preheat the cotton tea bag on other people's posts. I love that there are so many people adding to the tea knowledge in the world. Thanks for sharing.
lelia added these pithy words on Feb 23 11 at 4:46 pm 
