Storing Your Tea

Tea leaves are perishable commodities which degrade quickly by air, heat, light and moisture. The best place to keep your tea is in an airtight container stored in a cool cupboard or closet. Refrigeration and freezing are not recommended methods for storing tea. Fresh leaves deliver the best flavour, so buy in smaller quantities and buy more often.

Green teas, with only rare exceptions, need under-boiling water, in the 160°-190°F range.

Most green teas taste best when the water is somewhere between the "Fish Eyes" (160°-180°F) through the "String of Pearls" (180°-190°) range. The water for green tea can be poured within a minute or more of the correct moment and still make a deliciously perfect green tea.

If in doubt when brewing any green tea, always use a lower temperature.  

The Standard Pot Method (for a 3 to 4 cup teapot)

You will need the following:

• A teapot

• An infusion basket

• Timer

• Small saucepan

• Loose tea

1. Measure 3 to 4 teaspoons of dry leaf into an infusion basket and place in the teapot.

2. Start heating 3 to 4 cups of cold water in the saucepan.

3. Bring water to the temperature recommended for specific tea.

4. Pour water into the teapot.

5. Set the timer for about 2 minutes.

6. When the timer rings, remove the infusion basket.

7. Pour the tea into your favourite cup.

If you are using a large teapot that can hold 6 to 8 cups or more, remember this: 
1 teaspoon of dry leaf per cup of water.  

The Standard Guywan Method (also know as chung)

The guywan (Chinese covered cup) can be used for all green teas. Many people find using a guywan to be the best way to control the strength and temperature of their tea. Everyone is familiar with the English-style teapot (and green teas can be made that way), but in time most tea enthusiasts change to the guywan.

You will need the following:

• Guywan

• Small saucepan

• High quality loose green tea

1. Cover the bottom of the guywan with a layer of dry leaf.

2. Start heating 2 to 3 cups of cold water in the saucepan.

3. Bring water to Fish Eyes (160°-180°F) temperature.

4. Pour water into the guywan and cover it.

5. Lift the lid and stir the water to stir the leaves for a moment.

6. Take a peek to see if the leaves have settled to the bottom of the guywan.

7. Use the lid as a strainer, letting only the liquor through as you sip.

After the first cup, pour again with the reserved or slightly reheated water. A high-quality green tea can usually be replenished two to three times.