At Farmer Brothers, we pride ourselves on not only mastering the art of coffee but also delving into the intricate world of tea. In this feature, we explore the nuances of brewing and tasting tea, from the importance of water quality to equipment maintenance.
The importance of water in your tea
Water comprises 99%of the finished product and plays a pivotal role in brewing tea. While coffee standards suggest a certain level of hardness, for tea, the ideal water hardness is closest to zero. This ensures the highest quality tea, as hard water can lead to bitterness and reduced aroma. In iced tea, high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) can result in cloudiness, but it can also often be remedied by water softeners.
Hot tea fundamentals
Proper water temperature is critical for tea extraction and the optimal steeping temperature and length of steeping varies by tea type as shown in the chart below. The correct distribution of oxygen and minerals is defined during this step when oxygen is displaced.
Iced tea fundamentals
Traditionally brewed iced tea involves steeping tea bags in hot water of at least 195 degrees, cooling the concentrate, diluting it with fresh water and adding ice. The ideal tea-to-water ratio is one-to-one – if you use 64 ounces of tea, you should also use 64 ounces of water. For those using commercial brewers, brewing tea is even easier as the machine takes care of the first two steps and customers or servers add in ice at the time of serving.
Tea tasting
Tea tasting parallels the steps of coffee tasting – look, smell, taste and evaluate. Hot tea should entice with its aroma and offer a delicate, traditional flavor. Iced tea’s appeal lies in its refreshing appearance, with color and clarity key factors. Regular maintenance of equipment and accessories is essential, ensuring optimal taste and safety.
Equipment and product maintenance
Maintenance is paramount in ensuring the quality and safety of brewed tea. Dirty equipment and accessories can taint the flavor of tea, making it imperative to clean all components in contact with the brewed tea, including spray heads, brew baskets, containers, faucets and spigots. Establishing a preventative maintenance schedule is essential to minimize equipment malfunctions and brewing the best cup of tea.
Whether it’s the delicate aromas of hot tea or the refreshing clarity of iced tea, mastering the art of brewing and tasting tea is an essential skill for us to understand and pass to our customers. From understanding the role of water quality to meticulous equipment maintenance, every aspect contributes to the perfect cup of tea.