Wild Tree Black Tea Preparation
Wild Tree Black Tea is a very adaptable black tea for infusing either conventionally or using the gongfu approach. Follow proper procedures for whichever method you choose infusing at 194°F to extract the optimum taste profile. Having said this, it is extremely tolerant of infusion mistakes, such as forgetting to set your timer and letting it brew there for 20 minutes like I did this morning!
Water Temperature: 194--205 degrees
Water Quality: Best with Spring Water
Amount of Leaf (per 6 fl oz water): 2 heaping Tbl.(2.5 grams)
Steep Time: 2--4 minutes
Number of Infusions: 3
The above instructions are for the Western traditional method of infusion. When measuring it is best to weigh your tea. (I use a small pocket scale. We have a few or you can get good inexpensive scales at Old Will Knotts) Measuring volume with a teaspoon or tablespoon is not accurate because whole leaf teas take up much more space than broken, graded teas.
We highly recommend brewing your tea in a teapot or mug with a removable infuser so that you can remove the leaves at the end of the steeping time. Whole leaf teas of this quality need room to unfurl and expand in the water in order to perform their "magic." However, leaving the tea leaves in the water will result in an over-infused, bitter tea. If you want a stronger cup of tea increase the amount of leaf rather than the steeping time. If you don't have a removable infuser, you can brew the loose leaves directly in the pot. At the end of the steeping time, pour all of the tea into a warm serving pitcher or pot.