tea insights

TeaTypes

There are four main types of teas from the tea plant camellia sinensis. The picking and processing methods determine the type of tea finally produced.

1.BlackTea

Black tea is the most common type of tea worldwide. It is made by fermenting the harvested leaves for a couple of hours before heating or drying. This oxidation darkens the leaves and increases the amount of caffeine. Of all the teas, black tea has the strongest colour and flavour.

2.WhiteTea

White tea is the rarest and the most exclusive tea. White tea consists of the whitish buds of the tea plant which are steamed then left to dry naturally. This tea is low in caffeine and has a slightly sweet flavour.

3.GreenTea

Green tea makes up approximately ten percent of the world’s tea. The leaves are picked, rolled and dried before they can go brown. Green tea has a distinctive aroma and has a slight astringent taste.

4.OolongTea

Oolong Tea is semi fermented, which means leaves are processed immediately after picking. They only have a short period of oxidation which turns the leaves from green to red/ brown. Its leaves have a floral, fruity quality and hence have a delicate fruity taste. It is recommended not to drink Oolong tea with milk, sugar or lemon.

5.Herbal infusions orTisanes

Herbal infused teas are not produced from the tea plant, but from flowers, leaves, roots or seeds. Common herbal beverages are chamomile, peppermint, fennel, rose hip, and lemon verbena. Herbal infusions that do not contain tea will generally not become bitter with extended brews. These can often be brewed with boiling water 3 times without jeopardising the taste.

6.Blends

Tea producers make blends by combining different types of teas, often in order to achieve flavour consistency from one season to the next. Common black tea blends include English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, and Russian Caravan.

TIP:

Brewed tea leaves make an ideal garden fertilizer and help condition the soil.

Tea Storage

Teas stored inside a vacuum sealed bag can be stored for up to two years, depending on the quality and grade of tea. Once opened, tea should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a dry and dark place.

Once opened, black teas will last longer than green and oolong teas but all tea needs to be stored in ideal conditions.

You can tell when tea is past its best if it has lost its aroma and will create either a bitter or dull tasting cup.

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Breville BTM800 manual TeaTypes, Tea Storage

BTM800 specifications

The Breville BTM800 is an advanced tea maker that elevates the tea brewing experience from a simple process to an art form. Designed for tea enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of flavor and aroma, this innovative device combines sleek aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to ensure optimum extraction of the tea’s essential qualities.

One of the standout features of the Breville BTM800 is its patented tea brewing technology. The machine utilizes a unique brew basket that rises and falls in the water, allowing for thorough immersion of the tea leaves. This ensures maximum flavor extraction and consistency, making every cup of tea just right. Users can select different brewing times and temperatures for various types of tea, ranging from delicate white teas to robust black teas. This ensures each blend is brewed under its ideal conditions, unlocking the best flavor profiles.

The BTM800 is equipped with precise temperature control, featuring six different temperature settings. This allows users to brew different types of tea at their optimal temperatures, preserving the delicate characteristics of each variety. The machine also comes with a programmable functionality, enabling users to set their desired brew time, which can range from 1 to 9 minutes, ensuring that each brewing session can be perfectly tailored to individual preferences.

Another remarkable aspect of the Breville BTM800 is its stainless steel construction that not only adds durability but also style. The kettle has a generous capacity, accommodating up to 51 ounces, which is perfect for preparing multiple servings in one go. Additionally, the built-in LCD screen displays brewing progress and information, making it easy for users to monitor the brewing process.

Safety is also an essential characteristic of the BTM800. It features an automatic shut-off function that activates when the brewing cycle is complete, as well as when the water reaches boiling point. This gives users peace of mind during operation.

In conclusion, the Breville BTM800 is an exceptional tea maker that combines advanced brewing technology with functional design. Its ability to control brewing parameters, combined with a user-friendly interface and safe operation, makes it a must-have for any tea lover looking to enhance their tea brewing ritual. Whether you are new to tea or a seasoned connoisseur, the BTM800 promises to deliver a perfect cup every time.