Dharma Teas Bali

How To Brew



How To Brew Black Tea

Black Tea is the worlds most popular tea. This tea is oxidized 100% which gives it it's characteristic dark red color and more hearty flavor. Because it has been oxidised, it will also store longer than green or oolong teas.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

The water temperature for infusing black tea should reach boiling.
The water should be poured over the tea leaves already placed in the pot. Place the lid on the pot and infuse for 4 minutes. After infusing, remove the leaves from the water - over brewing will cause bitterness and the resulting flavor will not be optimal. Under-infusing will result in a well colored liquor but with a watery flavor. Using water that is too cool will also cause result in a weak flavored brew.


USING SUGAR, LEMON and MILK

Many black teas go well with the addition of other ingredients. Remember to always add the additional elements after infusing the tea otherwise the flavor of the tea can be inhibited.



How To Brew Oolong Tea

Oolong tea sits between black and green tea in production. Oolong tea is oxidized between 20 - 70 percent. The result is an infusion that can approach the flavor of both black and green but possess' its own unique characteristics. Most favored by the Chinese, it is little surprise if most Oolongs and indeed the finest, come from China and Taiwan. Because of the strict processing and its smooth flowery flavor, oolong teas are usually among the most expensive teas.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Oolong teas can be better appreciated when drunk in small quantities using small, traditional Chinese style cups. Some of these cups can be the size of a thumb.
Use one teaspoon of tea per cup of water. Brew for 4-5 minutes using water that has just begun to steam - not yet boiling.
Visit us at our office and allow us to demonstrate! Your attitude towards tea will never be the same!
We highly recommend using the traditional Yixing zisha teapots and small cups to serve oolong tea. The aesthetics of the presentation will provide a memorable experience for your guests.

USING SUGAR, LEMON and MILK

It is forbidden to use sugar, lemon or milk to mix with oolong teas! Well, there is no international law on the subject but we hope you will agree that the tea has such refined and smooth characteristics that it needs no assistance. We hope no additional agents will be served along with this tea.



How To Brew White Tea

White tea is the least processed tea and requires a bit of special treatment to coax the flavor out of the leaves. Since the leaves are neither oxidized nor rolled and shaped, they are more sensitive so do better with cooler water.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

White tea is best appreciated when drunk in small quantities using small, traditional Chinese style cups.
Due to the large leaf shape and volume, use two teaspoons of tea per cup of water. Brew for 4 minutes using water that has just begun to steam - not yet boiling. It is possible to brew longer depending on your taste.


USING SUGAR, LEMON and MILK

We hope no additional agents will be served along with this tea.



How To Brew Green Tea

Besides the rare white tea, green tea is the least processed tea which is one of the reasons this tea has the smoothest flavor. Green tea is becoming more and more popular due to medical findings on the health benefits associated with drinking this tea. Green tea has a clearer flavor than black or oolong teas. Green tea goes well after an oily meal as the tea absorbs the oils left in your mouth leaving your mouth fresh and clean.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Use a cooler water temperature (75-80ºC), or water that has just begun to produce small bubbles. Allow to brew for a brief 3 minutes. Remember to place the lid on the pot to retain the heat of the water.


USING SUGAR, LEMON and MILK

Like oolong tea, we strong recommend against using sugar, lemon or milk to mix with pure green teas! Again, because of the smooth, delicate flavor of the tea it would be a pity to adulterate the characteristics with such harsh additives.
Where there are rules, there are exceptions to those rules! We do recognize the fact that Moroccan Mint is traditionally served with sugar. We do not recommend adding flavoring agents to pure green teas however.



How To Brew Herbal Tea

Actually, not really "tea", herbals are made from the flowers, leaves, roots, berries and fruits of various plants. These mixes do not contain Camelia sinensis thus can not be called true teas. We call them "herbals" for ease. While Indonesia knows many drinks made from various plants, these mixes are almost always made with a medicinal goal in mind. Our mixtures, although having health providing benefits, are designed with a pleasing flavor as the main goal. Aside from our Mate products, all the herbals contain NO caffeine so are safe to drink at any time of day for those sensitive to caffeine.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To extract the essence out of herbal teas, they must be brewed in water that is at the boiling point and for a duration of 5 - 7 minutes.
Since the herbals are colorful and lively drinks, we suggest using colorful and lively pottery to compliment their flavors. Glass "pottery" would be appropriate as well.


USING SUGAR, LEMON and MILK

As a general rule, herbals can be sweetened with sugar, rock sugar or honey. However, as always, we suggest you try them first plain. Milk or a lemon twist will not always work well with these infusions.