Frequently Asked Questions About Tea

Tea seems like a simple beverage on the surface, but there is so much more you can learn to enhance your experience and discover entirely new flavors. These are the most commonly asked questions we get at Silver Tips Tea about brewing, tea varieties, allergens, and more.


Make sure you check out our Tea Basics for a great beginner's guide to everything tea!


Preparing a Cup of Tea

How should I steep tea?

For more detail, read our "Guide to Steeping Loose Leaf Tea."

Do:

  • Use fresh water.

  • Use an infuser basket or filter.

  • Time the length of the steep.

  • Store away from light, air, and moisture.

Don't:

  • Use too much leaf.

  • Microwave the water.

  • Add milk to all teas.

  • Use tea bags!

 

What's the best water/tea ratio for 1 oz. of tea?

An ounce makes approximately 8 - 10 cups, depending on the type of tea. Make sure you read the instructions for optimal brewing.

A teaspoon of tea per 8 oz. cup is standard. For stronger teas, use a heaped teaspoon. For larger leaves, use 2 teaspoons or 1 tablespoon.

Fruit Tisanes are heavier than regular tea, so they will yield fewer cups per ounce.

Green and Oolong teas may be infused multiple times.


Should I add milk to tea?

The flavor of milk does not play well with some tea varieties. Here are our recommendations for adding milk:

  • Milk can be added to most Black teas except early-season Darjeelings.
  • Milk is not recommended for Green or Oolong Teas.
  • Milk should not be added to Herbal Teas.


How can I reduce caffeine?

Here's a simple way to reduce your caffeine intake:

  • Steep regular teas (with caffeine) for 30 seconds, discard the liquor, then re-steep for the recommended time.
  • The second infusion has almost no caffeine. You will lose some of the flavor, but the result will be a stronger cup compared to commercially decaffeinated teas.
  • Teas that have been commercially decaffeinated tend to have less flavor and will usually be smaller in leaf size and will appear lighter in the cup.

You can also choose naturally decaffeinated teas. Rooibos, Fruit Tisanes, and Herbal/Wellness Blends have no caffeine at all because the leaves come from different types of plants compared to traditional teas.


Choosing a Tea

How should I select a tea?

When you start exploring the world of tea, you may find that the many varieties of tea can be confusing. We've put together a simple chart to assist you in choosing tea.


What is a Breakfast Tea Blend?

To lear more about Breakfast Tea Blends - the differences between them, as well as the history behind them, check out our downloadable PDF.


I'm concerned about allergies. What allergens do your teas contain?

Visit our Allergen page for more information on our teas with common allergens. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have.

Benefits of Tea

  • Contains Antioxidants.
  • Has less caffeine than coffee.
  • May reduce the risk of Heart Attack & Stroke.
  • Helps protect your bones.
  • Boosts your immune system.
  • Calorie free!





Quick Links:

If reducing stress is your goal, Tea can help you with that. Click Here to find the right choice for you.


To learn more about Breakfast Tea Blends - The differences between them, as well as the history behind them, Click Here.


To learn about the benefits of Turmeric, Click Here.


If allergens are a concern, Click Here for information on our Teas with common allergens.