We Explain How to Brew the Best Tea!

05.01.2026 - 14:50

Source: https://onedio.com/haber/ulkece-tiryakis...

It's no secret that we lead the world in tea consumption. In our country, tea is consumed not only at every meal, but even without the need for a meal. Our teapots and tea machines are always stocked with tea. However, interestingly enough, everyone has their own unique way of brewing tea.

Some prefer to steep their tea in cold water, while others opt for hot water. Moreover, there are differing opinions on whether or not the tea should be rinsed before brewing.

So, how does one brew the best cup of tea?

Tea, holding a significant place in Turkish culture, can lose its flavor if not brewed correctly.

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Turkey is among the countries with the highest tea consumption in the world. However, everyone has a different method of brewing tea. Some people prefer to brew it with hot water, while others opt for cold water. Consequently, the question 'how should tea be brewed?' often comes up in our discussions.

Let's delve into the preparation stages for brewing the best cup of tea.

Heat up your teapot

Regardless of whether you prefer bagged or loose-leaf tea, always make sure to heat your teapot. Naturally, this involves adding some water to the teapot. Otherwise, your teapot might burn. You can also warm up the teapot by rinsing it with the boiling water you've prepared in the lower section. This method will assist in brewing your tea more effectively and maintaining its temperature.

Let's also address the myth: Hot water or cold water?

Tea should be brewed with hot water. However, if you pour boiling water directly over the tea, you'll end up with a bitter taste. Instead, use water that has been removed from the heat after boiling and allowed to cool slightly.

The Ultimate Method for Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea!

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We've heated our teapot, warmed our water, and now it's time to brew the tea.

First, pour the water into the lower pot and let it boil. After the water has boiled, pour some hot water into the upper pot as well. Once the teapot has heated up, add the tea leaves into the upper pot. This method ensures a more flavorful and aromatic tea.

There are a few more minor points to pay attention to:

Pour Water from Above: Pouring water from the side can lead to a loss of oxygen. Therefore, it's important to pour the water into the teapot from above.

Short Brewing Time: To prevent the tea from becoming bitter, don't let it brew for too long. After the water has boiled, reduce the heat and wait for about 15-20 minutes. Never judge the tea by its color. The color develops more quickly, but it takes a bit longer for the flavor to develop. Wait for the correct brewing time to achieve the best flavor. Adjust the amount of tea you use and the brewing time according to your taste.

Ideal Tea Brewing Times

Black Tea: 3-5 minutes
Green Tea: 2 minutes
Herbal Teas: 3-4 minutes
White Tea: 1-2 minutes

(Note: The time will increase depending on the amount of tea)

So, how should herbal teas be brewed?

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In the particularly cold winter months, we often turn to herbal teas as a means of warding off illnesses. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when consuming these teas.

Professor Münevver Sökmen, a member of the Chemistry Department at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), shared some essential insights about herbal teas in an interview with AA.

'When preparing herbal teas, it's advisable to use high-quality porcelain teapots or cups. We particularly recommend using a cup with a lid when preparing teas made from plants with volatile components. The plant intended for the tea should be placed in the porcelain teapot first, followed by the necessary amount of water. Generally, one teaspoon of dry or a handful of fresh herbs should be used for every 250 milliliters of water. For a casual cup of tea, the herbs can be steeped in boiled water and then consumed. However, if the tea is intended for medicinal purposes, it should be left to steep for a longer period, approximately 15 minutes, to allow the beneficial chemicals in the plants to infuse into the water.'

Sökmen also emphasized that herbal teas should not be consumed on an empty stomach. 'One cup should be consumed in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. Overconsumption can lead to some teas having adverse effects and potentially causing irreversible damage. As with anything, too much can be harmful,' she cautioned.