The question "Why does tea stew?" is often asked when referring to why tea becomes bitter or astringent when steeped for too long. The more appropriate question is: "Why does oversteeping tea lead to a bitter taste?" Tea does not "stew" in the traditional culinary sense.
Oversteeping tea leads to a bitter taste due to the release of tannins. When you steep tea (place tea leaves in hot water), tannins are released from the tea leaves.
- Tannins: These are tiny particles that give tea its astringency. According to Golden Moon Tea, the longer the tea steeps, the more tannins are released, contributing to a bitter and unpleasant taste.
Therefore, the "stewed" taste is essentially due to the over-extraction of tannins. To avoid this, it's crucial to steep your tea for the recommended time, as indicated on the packaging or by your tea vendor.
