by loeyteaUnderstanding Tannins
To make the perfect cup of black tea, understanding tannins simplifies the process. Tea leaves naturally develop tannins, a defense compound that gives black tea its signature astringency and rich color.
As the tea leaves interact with water, various compounds and flavors begin to infuse. Tannins are no exception. After approximately 3 to 4 minutes, the concentration of tannins increases significantly, darkening the color and intensifying the bitterness. While you can adjust the bitterness according to taste, the balance of the tea starts to falter the longer you steep it. This is why it’s essential to remove the leaves at the right moment.
You’ll often see the recommendation of “90°C” on tea packaging. This temperature is the result of extensive research and experience, ensuring an optimal extraction of tannins and flavor compounds in perfect harmony. At 90°C, the full essence of the tea leaves is preserved, creating a refined balance. Although hitting this exact temperature can be tricky in everyday life, simply boiling water in an electric kettle and steeping the tea for 3 to 4 minutes will still yield a satisfying cup. Remember, the key is avoiding excessive bitterness and understanding why 4 minutes is the sweet spot for brewing black tea.
To brew black tea, understanding tannins makes it simple. Tea leaves naturally produce tannins as a defense, which give black tea its signature astringency and rich color.
As the leaves steep, various compounds are released. After about 3–4 minutes, tannin extraction ramps up, deepening the color and intensifying the bitterness. While you might adjust steeping time to suit your taste, over-extraction disrupts the tea’s delicate balance—hence the need to remove the leaves.
Many tea brands recommend brewing at 90°C. This temperature, honed by research and experience, extracts tannins and aromatic compounds in ideal harmony, preserving the tea’s true flavor without overwhelming it.
In everyday life, precise temperature control isn’t always practical—and that’s partly why we sometimes opt for cola instead. But a simple routine of pouring boiled water from an electric kettle and steeping for 3–4 minutes will deliver a perfectly balanced cup.