Are Bitter Teas Worth It?
A Japanese saying goes, “Good medicines taste bitter in the mouth.” A pure fact. Every good thing for health has been bitter in taste. From food to medicine, the saying encompasses them all. Tea connoisseurs often face the dilemma of are bitter teas worth it?
People across the world spend a lot on healthy teas. There must be a reason, right? The most bitter tea or the Kuding is bought despite being expensive because of a cause.
It is well-known that teas like green tea, black tea, white tea, etc., have various nutritional properties. In addition, they have a component called EGCG. The component is known for its cancer fighting properties. However, tea lovers still face a bittersweet relationship with sour teas like green tea. They are often not sure whether to fill their tea kettle with green tea or ginger tea.
There is a reason why these teas are bitter. However, the bitterness can turn out to be sweet for your health. Wanna know how? Walk with us to the end of the article.
Why Does My Tea Taste Bitter?
The natural bitterness in teas like green and black tea comes from Theophylline and Tannins. These are polyphenols that naturally occur in tea. Polyphenols are robust antioxidants that can fill your tea kettle up with radical scavenging properties.
These polyphenols will leave the tea leaves in the water when heated. These polyphenols will fill your tea kettle up too much if you heat the tea for an extended period. Resulting in excessive bitterness.
There are other factors that can also add to the bitterness of the tea, including too hot water usage. Green tea and black tea are often criticized more for bitterness. Let us have a more detailed look at both of these teas:
Types of Bitter Tea
Green Tea
Green tea leaves come from a plant called Camellia Sinensis. The young leaves of this plant are plucked to make the green tea. These tea leaves are packed with sub-classes of polyphenols like flavanols and nutrients. These, along with tannin, contribute to the tea’s bitter flavor.
Do not be alarmed; though bitter, these components benefit your health. Polyphenols are nothing but antioxidants. They fight the free-radicals present in your body.
Tannin will give the tea a moderately bitter taste. The taste of tea is an inherited one. Though bitter, a tea kettle full of antioxidants is nothing but a blessing for your body.
Black Tea
Black is also a descendent of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Hence, it is from the same plant family as green tea. The difference between the teas is that green tea leaves are the young ones while black tea leaves are the mature ones.
A cup of black tea gives you the boost of energy needed during the day. Full of caffeine, it has various positive health benefits. The bitterness is naturally acquired. However, do not take the tea if it is too much of an overstep of bitter doze for you.
What Will You Do if Your Tea Is Too Bitter?
There are many factors that can make your tea kettle a little less bitter or even sweet :)
Quali-Tea!
The quality of your tea leaves is a major contributing factor to the taste. A high-quality tea will ensure the right amount of tannin and other substances making the bitterness balanced. High-quality loose leaves are our recommendation. Teabags are more convenient; however, loose tea remains intact. Drying does not take away their original taste. It will steep steadily, giving you that perfect taste.
Steeping it Right!
A tea kettle full of tea will taste right if it is brewed correctly. A hot brew will be the right thing to go for than a cold one. However, the type of tea depends on individual choice. We will recommend going for a hot brew for bitter teas.
The Right Water Temperature
Water temperature can influence the taste of your tea too. Each tea has a specific range of ideal temperatures to come out with its perfect flavors. However, when you use a temperature of a higher capacity than recommended, it can result in too much seeping of tanning and bitterness.
Look Out at the Quantity of Tea
Many people use too much tea in their tea kettle, which results in a bitter taste. This is because a majority of the people have no idea of the right amount. Our recommendation would be to go for 2 teaspoons of tea when making 250ml of tea.
Do Not Over Steep
A majority of people have this misconception that the more you brew, the more flavourful your tea will be. The fact is, each tea has a specific amount of brewing time limit. For example, green tea takes an average of 4 minutes to unfurl and brew, while black one takes about 6 mins. Do not over steep your tea; it will result in bitterness.
Final Thoughts
Brewing the tea right is a task. However, it is a piece of cake with a bit of knowledge and practice. Bitter tea is nothing but a treat to your body. A tea kettle full of nutrition and antioxidants can help you fight against conditions like cancer and maintain your heart health. So are bitter teas worth it? It’s an obvious yes!.