Looking for advice on best way to keep temperature of water when preparing tea.
What I tried so far
Electric kettle without infuser
Issue: Because I want to measure amount of water I go from Kettle to measuring cup which brings down temperature (measured 6 to 12 degrees drop) from just pouring the water in the measuring cup
Microwave
Issue: Have figured out duration + amount of water to get temperatures I want, but temperature drops the second I put the tea bag and can’t use loose leaves with this method
Kettle with tea infuser
Issue was more of a specific kettle than the method. The Kettle I first tried was somewhat wide so would have to put about 4 cups of water (32oz of water) for the water to go high enough on the container to get to the level of tea leaves. I think this will likely be the best method, just have to find a better kettle for smaller amounts since it is the only method that can keep the temperature closer to recommended temperature during the steep time. I figure one could probably also use a pot, but probably would be more of a challenge to keep temperature around a fixed level.
Brewing time question: All the temperature recommendations for different teas is that recommended time at start of steep or recommended temperature for the duration?
Reading a few articles online mostly confirmed that an electric Kettle with infuser is probably the best way to go. Any good articles with practical advice, or books, you would recommend? Lots of the articles online are somewhat generic and pretty much most have similar info.
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Is there some reason why you want to hold an exact temperature for the entire steep? You are always going to get some temperature drop pouring from the kettle into your cup/teapot/etc.
I know in the gongfu method, it is standard practice to do a hot water rinse of the cups, which should warm them and reduce the temperature drop somewhat. You could do something similar by filling your brewing vessel with hot water, draining, and then filling it with the tea and new hot water, but you will not eliminate the temperature drop entirely.
I would assume most recommended times/temps from tea vendors are designed with some temperature drop in mind. I think they are more like recommendations than hard, scientific values.
Is there some reason why you want to hold an exact temperature for the entire steep?
That was one of my question. Is that required, or recommended?
I would assume most recommended times/temps from tea vendors are designed with some temperature drop in mind
So take those more as starting points?
a hot water rinse of the cups
Will try that. Thanks.
Not trying to “be exact” on anything… just trying to figure out the best compromise between what is easy to do and what produces the best results. I keep track of my brews (water amount, milk amount when used, etc…) and make notes of how I liked it (bad / medium / good / execellent) and experiment to try and find most enjoyment on my cups.
Although I personally think you’re way overthinking this, the pre-heating of your cup will help keep it warm longer. Otherwise it sounds like you’re looking for a teacosy/teapot warmer (little stand you put the pot on with a tealight underneath) or some sort of sous-vide contraption.
Have you tried pre-warming your measuring cup? Pour in hot water, let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute, pour it out, then add the actual water you want to measure.
That should help reduce the heat loss. Though I don’t know if it will fully eliminate it.
Have you tried pre-warming your measuring cup?
Have not. will do. Thanks.