A Perfect Cup
From the four corners of the world, Cornelia Bean brings together some of the finest white, green, pu-erh, oolong, black teas, as well as rooibos, spice, fruit and herbal infusions. The flavour of a good tea is similar to the complexity of a fine wine. Each tea, even from neighbouring gardens produces a leaf with its own unique qualities and nuances.
Cornelia Bean has over 300 loose teas and tisanes to offer. When you visit the store you'll see the front counter laden with sniffing jars for each "tea" we carry. It is our pleasure to guide you through the different groupings and help you find teas that will be most appealing to you. The sniffing jars allow you to use the distinct aroma of each tea as part of your buying decision.
Hot Tea
You'll Need
- Vessel
- Tea
- Water
Steps
1. Start with fresh, cold water. Cold water contains more oxygen - a key part in releasing the flavour of the tea. If possible use filtered water or sweet well water for the best results.
2. Measure leaves, generally use one level teaspoon of dry leaves per 8-ounces of water.
3. Steep based on the following suggestions:
Fruit Tea
Steep your tea in water at 210° F for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Herbal Tea
Steep your tea in water at 210° F for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Rooibos Tea
Steep your tea in water at 210° F for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Black Tea
Steep your tea in water at 210° F for a minimum of 3-5 minutes.
Green Tea
Steep your tea in water at 180° F for 2 minutes.
PuErh Tea
Steep your tea in water at 180° F for 4 minutes.
Oolong Tea
Steep your tea in water at 180° F for a minimum of 3-5 minutes.
White Tea
Steep your tea in water at 160° F for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Green, White and Oolong teas are high in antioxidants and other wellness properties. To maximize the benefit of drinking these teas, increase the steep time and lower the water temperature to achieve the best effect.
- Let the water cool for up to 2 minutes before adding the tea leaves.
- Steep the leaves for 8-10 minutes.
Green and White tea leaves can be re-infused two or three times. Oolong tea leaves can be re-infused up to 7 or 8 times.
Cold Brew Tea
You'll Need
- Vessel
- Tea
- Water
Steps
Measurements based on a 1000ml vessel.
1. Measure 2 to 3 tablespoons of loose leaf tea into the vessel, Green, white, black oolong teas are best-suited for cold-brewing.
2. Add cold or room temperature filtered water.
Iced Tea
You'll Need
- Vessel
- Tea
- Water
Steps
Use 100g of tea for every 1L of water. We like to make a concentrated brew; that way when you add ice, the tea dilutes to the perfect taste.
1. Add 1L of cold water to tea leaves.
2. Steep the leaves for 8+ hours. It is easiest to leave the tea overnight in your refrigerator.
3. Strain out tea leaves and pour over ice. Sweeten to taste and enjoy.
Matcha
You'll Need
- Bamboo whisk
- Bamboo measuring scoop
- 2 vessels, one soaking the bamboo whisk before/after, one for the matcha
- Ceremonial grade matcha
- Gooseneck kettle
Steps
1. Soak Whisk to soften bristles and cleanse.
2. Sift 1/2 tsp of ceremonial grade matcha (approx. 2 grams) into whisking bowl.
3. Add 3oz of water (Temperature between 160° F - 180° F).
4. Whisk Matcha until frothy.
Additional Tips
Storing Tea
Air and light are two factors that breakdown the beautiful aroma and freshness of tea leaves. Therefore, tea should be stored in an airtight container that won't let in light. Refrigerating and/or freezing tea is not recommended.
Use a Reliable Steeper such as: