You use tea pearls by infusing them in hot water, typically multiple times, to release their flavor. The pearl shape helps retain the tea's flavor through several infusions.
Infusing Tea Pearls
Here's how to infuse tea pearls for the best experience:
-
Choose Your Water: Use filtered water that is heated to the correct temperature for the type of tea pearl you have (e.g., Jasmine pearls typically do well around 170-185°F or 77-85°C).
-
Select Your Teaware: A glass teapot or gaiwan is ideal because you can watch the pearls unfurl. However, any teapot or even a large mug will work.
-
Add the Pearls: Use approximately 6-10 pearls per 8 ounces (240ml) of water. Adjust to your personal taste.
-
Infuse: Pour the hot water over the pearls. Let them steep for 2-3 minutes for the first infusion. Subsequent infusions can be longer, adding about a minute each time.
-
Enjoy: Pour the tea, leaving the pearls in the pot for the next infusion.
Multiple Infusions
Tea pearls are prized for their ability to be infused multiple times. Each infusion will release slightly different nuances of flavor. Typically, you can infuse tea pearls 3-4 times, sometimes even more depending on the quality of the tea.
Tips for Tea Pearls
- Watch the Unfurling: One of the joys of tea pearls is watching them slowly unfurl in the hot water.
- Adjust to Taste: Experiment with the amount of pearls and the steeping time to find what you enjoy most.
- Storage: Store tea pearls in an airtight container away from light, moisture, and strong odors.
