5 mistakes you’re making while brewing chai

While some of us make the mistake of adding too much milk, others tend to make the tea too bitter

Most of us are unable to power through a tough day at work without our daily dose of chai. But, the real question is how to make the perfectly brewed cup of tea? While some of us make the mistake of adding too much sugar or milk, others tend to make the tea too bitter and strong by keeping the teabag in for longer than necessary – making it unbearable to drink it in the scorching heat.

Compiled from Hindustan Times, tea expert Vikram Mittal and chef Nishant Choubey, tell us the art of making tea to a tee.

1. When to pour boiling water

PHOTO: HEALTH MAG

Most tea enthusiasts pour boiling water over tea. The recommended way, according to experts, is adding the tea leaves or tea bags after the water has been boiled and cooled a little. However, keep in mind that each tea is different and therefore requires different temperature of water while being brewed or steeped. For example, the ideal way to enjoy green tea is steeping it into not so hot water. Green tea will taste bitter if the water is really hot.

2. Squeezing the tea bag

PHOTO: WOMEN'S HEALTH

If you are making tea without milk and squeezing the tea bag against the side of the cup or teapot, then your tea will taste bitter. However, if you are making tea with milk and the water and milk have been boiled together then you must steep the tea bag for a longer period, for the flavour of tea to blossom.

3. Taking the lid off your teapot/cup

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

According to specialists, it’s better to take the lid off your teapot or cup while steeping the tea. The reason for this is that it allows oxygen, which is essential for tea to reach its best flavour. It also prevents over-brewing of tea. However, this does not work for black tea.

4. Avoid using tap, microwaved or reheated water

PHOTO: HEALTH MAG

Using tap water means there will be a chemical taste to your tea. Microwaved water brings a metallic taste to your tea. Reheated water has already lost oxygen, which means your tea will be flat. Besides, all of them are unhygienic. The water should be cold, fresh and filtered. Also, never reuse tea bags, it’s unhealthy and unhygienic.

5. When to add milk

PHOTO: READER'S DIGEST

Milk should be added after the water has been boiled and cooled along with tea leaves/tea bag. Try to keep the quantity of the milk less if you want the flavour of the tea to be prominent. If the quantity of the milk is more, then it overpowers the flavour of the tea. If you follow these five steps religiously, you are sure to make the perfect cuppa!

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.