As temperatures rise, nothing beats a refreshing glass of iced tea – whether it’s classic, sweetened, or infused with fresh fruit. But achieving the perfect brew depends on a crucial yet often overlooked detail: water temperature. Jordan G.L. Hardin, Director of Food & Beverage at Alfred, shared his expert advice on the subject with Daily Meal, revealing that water temperature can make or break the flavor of your iced tea.
“When brewing any tea, avoid using fully boiling water. Let it cool slightly to bring out a smoother taste,” Hardin explains. He adds that for tea bags, cooled water is essential to avoid a bitter, over-steeped flavor. Tea bags typically contain finely ground tea particles, which release flavor quickly. The right water temperature allows for a balanced, bold taste without bitterness – especially important for iced tea.
Hardin further explains that loose leaf tea offers even more flexibility. Since it’s made from whole, unevenly sized leaves, loose leaf tea can handle a wider range of temperatures and steeping times without compromising on flavor. For a truly smooth iced tea, he suggests cold-steeping loose leaf tea, which produces a naturally sweet and refined taste.
The expert tips shared by Hardin cater to both tea aficionados and casual drinkers, offering the keys to a perfect glass of iced tea every time. From tea bags to loose leaf, and from traditional brews to innovative flavor blends, these simple steps promise to elevate every glass.
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