Leaf Of Faith Refreshing tea options.

Tea drinkers are particular about their brews and brands, but there are always more options to explore, writes Toni Paterson.

Tea is one of life’s small but enchanting pleasures. It’s good for the body, mind and soul, allowing us a moment’s escape from the bustle of life. Plus, the high polyphenol levels give it healthy antioxidant properties.

However, even die-hard tea lovers can be somewhat guilty of not truly understanding their regular ‘cha’, let alone the diversity that exists within the category. I suspect the ubiquitous tea bag is to blame. Its use removes one from the brewing process, detaching us from the congenial art of tea-making.

Tea leaves are harvested from the young shoots of the Camellia sinensis shrub. Anything water-soluble in the leaves will end up in your cup, so the purity and integrity of the tea are paramount. For maximum freshness, it’s best to buy tea in small quantities and use within a few months.

Filtered water is an essential element of the perfect cup, especially if your tap water is high in minerals or heavily chlorinated. The temperature for steeping depends on the type of tea; 95°C is recommended for black and pu’er, 85° to 90°C for oolong and 70° to 80°C for green and yellow. For white tea, which can come as buds alone or buds with leaves, it depends on the specific type. All teas are different, so check the producer’s recommended brew times.

A classic ceramic vessel is best for brewing. A good example is the handfinished metal-lidded, glazed pot by Zero Japan, which retains heat better than a glass diffuser. Be sure to use a cute cosy when it’s cold, and always take a moment to warm the pot and cup.

If this all sounds too hard, there are excellent premium tea bags on the market. Some use cotton pouches or silk pyramids, but in the end the quality of a tea bag is determined by what’s inside. Buy those containing whole-leaf tea and allow ample brewing time.