Brewing and Steeping Process of Teas
White tea:
Boil water in a saucer and then turn off the flame and let the water settle down (gas stove not oven).
Put one spoon of white tea in a tea kettle.
When the temperature has reached ~90-92 degree celsius, pour the water on to the tea leaves which is in the kettle.
Let it steep for 3-4 min.
Strain, serve in a tea cup and drink.
You can pair it with cream crackers, cucumber, odourless cheese, basmati rice polau (white – not masala), plain salads.
Green Tea
Boil water in a saucer and then turn off the flame and let the water settle down (gas stove not oven).
Put one spoon of green tea in a tea kettle.
When the temperature has reached ~94 degree celsius, pour the water on to the tea leaves which is in the kettle.
Let it steep for 3-4 min.
Strain, serve in a tea cup and drink.
You can pair it with Caesar salad, Thai green curry, coconut sweets (mildly sweet), baked fish, malai paneer / chicken (not tandoor), Chinese curries, white chocolate, spring rolls, white sandwich, sushi, etc.
If you want, you can add a bit of honey in green tea only.
Oolong
Boil water in a saucer and then turn off the flame and let the water settle down (gas stove not oven).
Put one spoon of Oolong tea in a tea kettle.
When the temperature has reached ~96-97 degree celsius, pour the water on to the tea leaves which is in the kettle.
Let it steep for 2 min if you want a light brew; and for 3-4 min if you want a strong brew.
Strain, serve in a tea cup and drink.
You can pair it with most Indian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese food, chocolate pastries, cookies, kathi rolls, Spanish tapas, muffins, etc.
Black
Boil water in a saucer and then turn off the flame and let the water settle down (gas stove not oven).
Put one spoon of Black tea in a tea kettle.
When the temperature has reached ~97-98 degree celsius, pour the water on to the tea leaves which is in the kettle.
Let it steep for 2 min if you want a light brew; and for 3-4 min if you want a strong brew.
Strain, serve in a tea cup and drink.
You can pair it with almost all kinds of food, but Darjeeling Black tea is best paired with tiramisu, chocolate mousse, dark chocolate (70% and above), and all fine / gourmet food. Not suitable for typical Indian food like Biriyani, but good for polaou, steaks, fish curry, tandoor veg / non veg, Indian sweets like barfi, all kinds cakes.
None of these teas should be taken with milk and sugar.