Earlier than my mother was my mother, she biked round Saigon making deliveries for her mother and father’ tea roasting enterprise. They specialised in jasmine tea and after my mother and father and I immigrated to the US, they despatched us rigorously packaged luggage of jasmine tea that might fill our tiny house with probably the most delicate floral aroma. Whereas my grandparents’ tea enterprise has since closed, tea remains to be an enormous a part of my life. Day by day begins with Bellocq Breakfast with milk and honey and ends with Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime—bless that little bear!
After I began constructing out my tea assortment at residence, I found the tea world could be simply as nuanced because the espresso world with its number of water temperatures and brew instances—to not point out the seemingly infinite array of blends and flavors. Whereas this checklist is certainly not exhaustive, we spoke to workers and consultants to get 18 picks that might make worthy additions to your tea cupboard. We’ve flavorful bagged blends for the rising tea fanatic and robust, advanced choices for the aficionados within the crowd— in different phrases, slightly little bit of one thing for everybody.
A few of Our Favourite Teas, at a Look
Black Teas
Natural Teas
Inexperienced Teas
Different Teas
What We Realized
What Is Tea?
Whereas most of us could hear “tea” and assume “something you possibly can soak in sizzling water,” tea is historically understood to come back from the plant Camellia sinensis. The numerous styles of this plant present us with our beloved white, inexperienced, oolong, and black teas. When the leaves are picked, they bear an oxidation course of, deepening their aroma, taste, and energy. The diploma of oxidation is dependent upon the kind of tea and its meant taste profile. For instance, white teas aren’t allowed to oxidize an excessive amount of for the reason that taste is supposed to be extra delicate and floral. Conversely, black teas are sometimes absolutely oxidized, which ends up in a wealthy, daring taste.
What about natural teas, you ask? These are technically tisanes—that’s, herbs, spices, or different vegetation, akin to mint, chamomile, rooibos, honeybush, or hibiscus (to call a couple of!) that may be brewed to impart their flavors and fragrances.
When choosing out high-quality teas, Rishi Tea president Jeffrey Champeau says, “Tea may be very very like wine. It has a personality and a way of place. I’d hunt down manufacturers that may articulate that direct commerce, that sense of place, and what that does for the flavour profile of the tea.”
What’s Pu’Er Tea?
In Chinese language tea custom, Pu’er is “true” black tea, and what Western tea drinkers know as black tea (English Breakfast, Assam, or Keemun) is definitely crimson tea. For our information, we’ll use black tea and Pu’er, respectively. Pu’er is a tea that undergoes fermentation, additional intensifying its earth taste. These teas usually come pressed right into a brick or cake, and alter in taste over time as you chip away bits of tea for every brew. For the reason that course of is extra time and labor intensive than making a sachet, good high quality pu’er is usually fairly expensive.
What You Have to Brew a Good Cup of Tea
The enjoyment of tea is that it may be loved by anybody, anyplace, with almost any taste choice. All you really want are these 4 essential parts: sizzling water, a vessel, a strainer, and the tea of your alternative. Whether or not sitting at a ceremonial tea desk or balancing a thermos mountainside, tea is finest loved in no matter vessel works finest for you.
However the primary tip that every one tea consultants we spoke to agree on? Getting water temperature proper. Amber Jackson, proprietor of The Black Leaf Tea & Tradition Store in Windfall, RI, places it finest: “Temperature! If the mix is generally tea leaves, you wish to make certain that you are steeping on the proper temperature. Scorching the tea leaves could cause the tea to be bitter.” For tea drinkers seeking to get extra technical in regards to the tea brewing course of, there’s a whole world of instruments and devices (each new and conventional) that you would be able to discover to deliver out one of the best flavors out of your teas. Listed below are a couple of we suggest:
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Totally different teas require completely different brewing temperatures (extra on that later). The Breville Good Kettle Luxe topped our electrical kettle evaluation due to its correct preset temperatures and for its speedy heating instances.
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I’m an enormous fan of basket tea infusers, which steep tea leaves whereas conserving them contained. After we examined tea infusers, the Fenshine Stainless Metal Tea Infuser was our high basket infuser choose. Its effective mesh contained even the smallest tea bits, and the folding handles make it a drawer-friendly mannequin.
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Whereas this mug is a high contender in our espresso mug evaluation, there’s no cause to not suggest it for tea consuming. Typically, you need a large mug filled with your favourite tea, and this trendy replace to the basic diner mug hits the mark. It has a flat deal with to your thumb, a sturdy base that retains your brew heat, and a thinner lip for easy sipping.
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In Chinese language tea traditions, slowing right down to benefit from the complexities of a tea occurs via gong fu, a layered course of designed to deliver out the total vary of flavors in a tea. This methodology makes use of a gaiwan: a vessel consisting of a cup, a lid, and a saucer. You brew the tea immediately within the cup, then use the lid to carry again the leaves as you serve the tea. In our tea gear necessities information, we suggest the Moyishi Chinese language Gaiwan, which is easy, straightforward to make use of, and reasonably priced. “It’s like a stick-shift automobile vs. an automated automobile,” says Shunan Teng, proprietor of Tea Drunk, the place tea-experts-to-be can study each nuance about ceremonial tea experiences. “How briskly we are able to separate water and tea is essential to managing the finesse of time in brewing tea. For a talented brewer, there’s no higher option to management the separation of water and tea than with a gaiwan.”
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Whereas I are likely to eyeball a spoonful of tea leaves for my morning brews, for finest outcomes weigh your tea leaves. When you would possibly assume to achieve to your commonplace kitchen scale, it possible received’t be capable to register the featherlight weights of some scoops of tea leaves. On this occasion (and when measuring espresso, too), we suggest this precision OXO mannequin; it’s quick, correct, and straightforward to make use of.
Do Totally different Teas Have to Be Brewed Otherwise?
Severe Eats / Vicky Wasik
Identical to wines and occasional, there are a myriad of various strategies to brew an incredible cup of tea. The great thing about tea is that it’s very forgiving, however there are nuances in taste and perfume which can be simply missed if a tea is over-steeped or over-brewed. Some teas, akin to delicate white or inexperienced varietals, steeping for too lengthy or in water that’s too sizzling usually results in a brew that’s overpowered by the bitter tannins within the leaves. Nonetheless, different teas, akin to herbals, want piping sizzling boiling water to essentially unlock their flavors.
Whereas most unfastened leaf tea manufacturers embody instructions of their directions, we’ve put collectively a useful little desk as a normal information.
Tea Brewing Temperatures | ||
---|---|---|
Tea Sort | Water Temperature | Steep Time |
White Teas | 175° F | 3 minutes |
Inexperienced Teas | 175° F | 1–3 minutes |
Oolong Teas | 180°–212° F | 1–5 minutes |
Black Teas | 212° F | 5 minutes |
Herbals | 212° F | 5 minutes |
Our Favourite Teas
Boisterous Black Teas
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For these particularly groggy mornings, Serengeti Kenyan Safari Breakfast Black Tea helps you get going. This tea is extraordinarily easy, with fruity tones and a touch of malt distinctive to Kenya’s Nandi area the place this tea is grown and harvested. It may be loved by itself or with a little bit of milk and honey.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 215°F
- Steep time: 3–5 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Bug-bitten leaves by no means tasted so good—sure, you learn that proper. Spirit Tea Ambrosia Tea is constituted of black tea leaves grown in Santikhiri, Thailand. When jassid bugs chew the leaves, the plant releases a scent that’s captured when the leaves are picked. The result’s a delicate tea with mead notes and hints of stone fruit, good for sipping when cracking open a brand new guide or taking a break mid-hike.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 205°F
- Steep time: 3 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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For the tea fanatics who love a superbly executed signature mix, Bellocq Breakfast and Bellocq Earl Gray received’t disappoint. The Bellocq Breakfast is a wonderfully easy but brilliant black tea that brings notes of malt and honey, whereas the Earl Gray is a stunning steadiness of perfume and taste with blue cornflowers and only a trace of Sicilian bergamot. A very luxurious tea model, Bellocq additionally carries the White Wedding ceremony Tea, a sublime, romantic tea filled with delicate floral notes that senior editor Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm acquired as a marriage reward.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 195°F
- Steep time: 4–6 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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A well-balanced chai mix is tough to come back by and plenty of concentrates available in the market could be too cloyingly candy. Editor Rochelle Bilow favors Artwork of Tea Tali’s Masala Chai, which she’s satisfied has superpowers—no less than relating to the mid-morning hunch. She shares, “It is properly spiced, with out an excessive amount of cinnamon, and actually shines with a beneficiant pour of steamed milk.” The mix has all the proper parts for a stellar home made chai: cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves combined right into a base of daring Assam tea. For those who’re searching for a caffeine-free chai mix, we additionally like Flowerhead Tea Rooibos Chai Equipment.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 206°F
- Steep time: 3–6 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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A distant cousin to Earl Gray however with a bit extra pizazz, Bigelow Fixed Remark Black Tea brings a mild infusion of orange rind mixed with a (secret!) mix of candy spices. It’s a go-to for editor Grace Kelly, who says, “It is cozy, comforting, and indulgent when hit with a splash of entire milk and a teaspoon of sugar.” To this present day, solely Bigelow members of the family know the total recipe, however anybody can get pleasure from it.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 2–4 minutes
- Format: Bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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With a whopping three sorts of cinnamon on this tea mix along with orange peel, and cloves, Harney & Sons Traditional Sizzling Cinnamon Spice Tea charges, unsurprisingly, excessive for “aroma” on the official Harney tea score. Riddley, who lovingly calls this tea “Large Pink gum in tea type,” likes to dunk a cookie or biscotti on this tea, and even bought her mother and father hooked on this mix.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 5 minutes
- Format: Bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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For those who’ve ever questioned what sizzling chocolate would possibly style like as a tea, Black Leaf Tea CocoBae is your reply. The mix is tremendous comforting with out the sweetness you’d get with sizzling cocoa, which makes it an incredible various if you would like one thing chocolate-related that’s low in sugar. Cacao nibs deliver a nutty richness to the brew.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Black
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 4–5 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
Delectable Natural Teas
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For individuals who like a non-caffeinated afternoon deal with, the Smith Teamaker Rooibos – Meadow No. 67 is Riddley’s go-to choose: “It is scrumptious. It is calming. It is full of entire leaves and flowers that, when infused, look really beautiful.”
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Rooibos
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 5 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf and bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Beneficial by not only one, however two workers members, the Teapigs Liquorice & Peppermint Tea is of course candy due to the licorice, making it a pleasant deal with for once you need one thing easy and comforting however nonetheless enjoyable. VP Taysha Murtaugh says, “It’s good for cold-weather months and serving to curb my late-night candy tooth because it’s caffeine-free.”
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Natural
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 3 minutes
- Format: Bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Opposite to the tea’s title, there’s no lemon within the mix. The “lemon” really stands for lemongrass, which lends its superbly earthy tones to the ultimate brew. Mingled along with chamomile buds and lavender flowers, this tea is the one I attain for if I’m ever reeling from a very heavy meal.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Natural
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 4 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Pleasantly botanical, this tea is a soothing balm once you’re feeling below the climate. Quince lends a brilliant sweetness to the brew whereas eucalyptus clears the airways. Even in case you’re not combating sinus discomfort, this tea is the epitome of a quiet, breezy second. For those who’re not sure about quince and eucalyptus, dip your toes into one other delightfully fruity tea, Masha Tea Hibiscus, which is slightly tart and tastes nice iced.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Natural
- Brew temperature: 200°F
- Steep time: 5 minutes
- Format: Bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Soba, or buckwheat, is superbly fragrant and easy when its kernels are roasted, leading to a caramelized and toasty brew harking back to Scotch. Naturally caffeine-free, the Kettl Nagano Soba Cha could be had morning, midday, or evening, both by itself or with a splash of milk and a drizzle of honey. The roasted kernels make for a carefully scrumptious topping sprinkled on frosted cupcakes or iced scones. We will additionally vouch for different simply as magical, roasty blends, like Uji Genmaimatcha (Sencha tea with toasted rice) or Jou Yanagi Houjicha (roasted Inexperienced tea).
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Natural
- Brew temperature: 200°F
- Steep time: 2 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Full-flower teas are as lovely as they’re tasty. For individuals who love a little bit of a present with their cup of tea, this one does the job. The dried chrysanthemum flower springs into a phenomenal, golden bloom upon contact with water, filling your cup with perfume and gently wafting petals.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Natural
- Brew temperature: 200°F
- Steep time: 3 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
Inexperienced Teas
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Korean tea firm OSULLOC grows its tea within the volcanic surroundings of Korea’s Jeju Island and makes lovely blends from elements akin to camelia, pineapple, rose petals, or tangerine. Severe Eats’ government editorial director Tess Koman is especially keen on their Honey Pear mix. “Honey Pear has my coronary heart,” she says. “It’s simply beautiful from first sip to final and I all the time stay up for steeping it.” She particularly appreciates that it strikes an ideal steadiness between flora and dulcet.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Inexperienced
- Brew temperature: 158°F
- Steep time: 1.5 minutes
- Format: Bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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Editor Grace Kelly swears by this whole-leaf tea to brighten up a dismal day. She particularly appreciates the sunshine citron observe (assume candied lemon peel), giving the tea a vigorous and recent taste with out being overpowering.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Inexperienced
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 3 minutes
- Format: Free-leaf and bagged
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
Different Teas
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Oolong is semi-oxidized with an earthy and malty high quality that sits between inexperienced and black tea. The Dobrá Tea Honey Oolong is an particularly easy selection due to the bug-bitten leaves (bear in mind our bug pals from above?) that deliver out notes of honey and plum.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Oolong
- Brew temperature: 212°F
- Steep time: 1 minute
- Format: Free-leaf
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
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For extra adventurous tea drinkers who wish to deliver the ceremonial tea expertise residence, this full-bodied Pu’Er is fruity and tannic with mild floral notes. This tea continues to develop its flavors and turn into cleaner with age.
Key Specs
- Tea selection: Fermented black
- Brew temperature: 195°F
- Brewing directions: See guided tasting
Severe Eats / Kevin Liang
FAQs
What temperature is finest for brewing tea?
Optimum tea brewing temperatures differ from tea to tea. Inexperienced and white teas want a decrease temperature (175° F to 180° F) in order to not turn into too bitter, whereas black teas and natural tisanes have to be brewed nearer to 212°F to seize their full taste profiles.
Is loose-leaf tea higher than bagged tea?
Whereas there’s nothing mistaken with tossing a bag of tea right into a mug of water to save lots of time, it’s typically understood that loose-leaf teas are increased high quality since they include entire leaves versus torn or crushed leaves. Complete leaves maintain extra taste and physique, that are launched when brewed. Nonetheless, loads of tea manufacturers right this moment are difficult the stigma of bagged teas by providing high-quality sachets.
What’s the finest tea I can purchase?
The fuller the leaf, the higher the standard. In response to tea trade leaf gradings, the dimensions and wholeness of the leaf will immediately have an effect on the flavour and readability of the ensuing brew. After higher-graded leaves are gathered and offered, what’s left are referred to as “fannings,” or tiny bits of tea leaves which can be then processed into bagged teas we would discover on mainstream market cabinets.
Are bagged teas dangerous?
Not essentially! Whereas there’s a stigma round bagged teas as being “low-quality,” many tea producers and purveyors right this moment put their high-quality teas and tea blends into sachets with comfort in thoughts for the patron.
What are the advantages of tea?
Whereas tea has been consumed for medicinal functions for hundreds of years, latest analysis validates that sure teas have potential constructive well being results, together with cardiovascular well being, metabolic advantages, and most cancers prevention.
Why We’re the Consultants
- An Uong is a information and offers author for Severe Eats.
- Previous to this, she wrote quite a few articles for the model.
- She consulted tea consultants and sourced workers opinions to search out teas for this piece.
- She’s keen on a cup of Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea to finish the day.