by Peter Walsh
Introduction – Know Your Brew
Something that we have begun to understand at Stiggins is that we share our passion for tea with a wide and varying customer list. Mostly discerning people who know what the like and how they like it. However, there are many people who are new to loose leaf tea. Including some who have changed their choice of hot drink from coffee. The choice of an artisan specialist leaf, (for which there is a wider selection of tea) than a simple tea bag product. One which has a better taste with more beneficial qualities than the “run of the mill” products available. In this blog we are going to provide information and comment. This is intended to help in knowing your brew and suggest how to make yours the most enjoyable beverage.
Knowing Your Brew
This doesn’t just mean a drink with or without milk or sugar. Knowing how to brew your favourite blend is important. Understanding the terms such as steeping, temperature, quantity in the tasting notes of your choice of blend is essential.
Run of the Mill
This a term that quite literally translates as “average, or not outstanding in quality or rarity” At Stiggins we are proud that we only provide quality artisan leaf and blend products. Unique tastes from farmers operating ecologically, who are small specialist growers, offering rare and unique products. Because of these choices, such a quality product should be brewed properly, so the subtle flavours can be tasted and experienced. In order to do this we need to understand how to get the best from our choices.
Chanoyu
In Japan, this is the ceremony for brewing tea. This translates to “hot water for tea” which seems to undermine the the whole ritualised process of preparation of tea before consumption. In the West, brewing tea is not done in such a revered way. However, the end product is just as valued. So, and like in the Chanoyu ceremony it is important to follow a consistent and easy way of making your favourite brew.
Steeping:- Soaking (food or tea) in water or other liquid so as to extract its flavour or soften it.
Temperature :- Stiggins tea is alwayssupplied with information of the correct temperature for the different choices of types of tea. Suggested for preparation in our tasting notes. Different teas require a different temperature to ensure the best flavour.
Boiling :- This is not just simply the bringing to the boil the water for brewing. The boiling process oxygenates the water, this does not mean that a vigorous boil will make the best tea! Too much boiling will reduce the oxygen and flatten the taste.
Quantity :- The amount of tea needed for a single cup is essentially an individuals choice. Unlike a tea serving in a cafe, where costs and profit determine the quantity. Find your preferred amount for your most enjoyable brew.
Brewing Time :- Understanding the brewing process will be lost if the tea is not brewed for long enough or brewed for too long! Individual tastes reign here, so, be patient, take the time to learn and develop your own preference and most importantly……..
ENJOY YOUR BREW
