Jasmine tea can taste bitter primarily due to brewing it with water that's too hot or steeping it for too long.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons why jasmine tea might taste bitter:
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Water Temperature: Using boiling water (100°C or 212°F) extracts more tannins from the tea leaves. Tannins contribute to bitterness. Ideally, jasmine tea should be brewed with water around 80-85°C (176-185°F).
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Steeping Time: Over-steeping allows more bitter compounds, including tannins and other polyphenols, to be released from the tea leaves. A steeping time of 2-3 minutes is generally recommended.
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Tea Quality: Lower-quality jasmine tea may contain more broken leaves and stems, which can release more bitter compounds during brewing.
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Tea-to-Water Ratio: Using too much tea relative to the amount of water can also lead to a bitter brew.
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Pre-existing Bitterness: In rare cases, the tea itself might inherently be slightly bitter due to the specific type of tea leaves used or the jasmine flavoring process, but this is less common.
How to Avoid Bitter Jasmine Tea:
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Use Properly Heated Water: Let boiling water cool for a few minutes before pouring it over the tea leaves. A temperature-controlled kettle is helpful for achieving the ideal temperature.
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Control Steeping Time: Use a timer and steep for only 2-3 minutes.
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Use Good Quality Tea: Invest in high-quality jasmine tea made with whole leaves rather than broken pieces or dust.
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Adjust Tea Quantity: Experiment with the tea-to-water ratio to find the perfect balance for your taste. Start with a small amount of tea and increase it gradually until you achieve the desired flavor.
By paying attention to water temperature and steeping time, you can brew a cup of jasmine tea that is sweet, fragrant, and free of bitterness.
