Brew Craft

Overview

The secret to enjoying tea is being curious. Have fun, experiment and discover what you like. On the back of each Usai box we've shared how we make our favourite brews and here we explain some of the key components that will help you make yours.

A Common Lineage

Most loose leaf teas can trace their origins to a single plant, the Camellia sinensis. Although they share this common lineage, the diversity of teas we get to enjoy comes down to varying oxidation and processing methods.

White & Green Teas

White teas undergo minimal oxidation, preserving delicate flavours and a light, subtle profile. Green teas, with limited oxidation, maintain a vibrant green colour and a grassy, vegetal taste.

Oolong & Black Teas

Oolong teas, positioned between green and black teas on the oxidation spectrum, boast a range of flavours from floral and fruity to creamy and toasty. Black teas on the other hand are fully oxidised and have bold and often malty notes.

Processing Methods

The rich diversity of tea extends further with a variety of post-harvest processing techniques adopted - such as rolling, drying, and fermentation. Each method contributing its own distinct characteristics to the tea.

A Common Lineage

Most loose leaf teas can trace their origins to a single plant, the Camellia sinensis. Although they share this common lineage, the diversity of teas we get to enjoy comes down to varying oxidation and processing methods.

White & Green Teas

White teas undergo minimal oxidation, preserving delicate flavours and a light, subtle profile. Green teas, with limited oxidation, maintain a vibrant green colour and a grassy, vegetal taste.

Oolong & Black Teas

Oolong teas, positioned between green and black teas on the oxidation spectrum, boast a range of flavours from floral and fruity to creamy and toasty. Black teas on the other hand are fully oxidised and have bold and often malty notes.

Processing Methods

The rich diversity of tea extends further with a variety of post-harvest processing techniques adopted - such as rolling, drying, and fermentation. Each method contributing its own distinct characteristics to the tea.

Brew Guidelines

From temperature to steep time, right down to the quality of water - we encourage you to get curious about how you can craft the best brew for you.

  • Quantity

    The volume of tea used is crucial in determining the strength and flavour of your brewed tea. As a general guideline, use about 2g of tea per 150ml of water. 2g of tea can vary in volume depending on how tightly rolled, or not, the loose leaves are. Start with a teaspoon, and adjust according to personal preference.
  • Water Temperature

    Different types of tea need different water temperatures to bring out their unique flavours and keep away any unwanted ones. Here are some general guidelines:

    White tea: 71-85°C (160-185°F)
    Green tea: 80-85°C (175-185°F)
    Oolong tea: 85-96°C (185-205°F)
    Black tea: 93-100°C (200-212°F)
    Herbal tea: 100°C (212°F)

    One way of controlling water temperature is to get a kettle with various preset temperature settings. Alternatively, boiling and letting the water cool, or, adding a small amount of cold water to the tea leaves before adding boiling water will achieve a similar outcome; particularly useful for delicate white and green teas.
  • Water Quality

    The quality of the water used can impact the taste of the tea. Where possible, use filtered or spring water to avoid impurities or chlorine that might alter the flavour.
  • Steep Time

    The steeping time influences the strength and character of your tea. Steeping too short may result in a weak brew, while steeping too long can lead to bitterness. Here are some approximate steeping times for different types of tea:

    White tea: 4-5 minutes
    Green tea: 2-3 minutes
    Oolong tea: 4-7 minutes
    Black tea: 3-5 minutes
    Herbal tea: 5-7 minutes
  • Re-Steeping

    All of our loose leaf teas can be re-steeped multiple times, each infusion offering a slightly different flavour profile. Just adjust your steeping times and water temperature for subsequent infusions based on your personal preference.
  • Leaf Unfurling

    Many of our high-quality loose leaf teas unfurl as they steep. It’s essential to allow enough space for the leaves to expand fully and release their flavours. Using a teapot or infuser with enough room is how to do this best.

With each tea having its own unique characteristics, brewing is as much an art as it is a science. Experiment with different quantities, temperatures, and steeping times to find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences. Have fun and as always, be curious.

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