A Brief History of Tea

The origins of tea can be traced back nearly 5,000 years to a legendary emperor of China. A prolific herbalist, it is believed that leaves from some twigs he was burning floated into a boiling kettle of water. The results were delicious, and tea was invented. The hot beverage flourished throughout southern Asia; the Dutch East India Company introduced it to Europe in the late 17th century. From there it spread to the American colonies and the rest of the world!

Types of Tea

There are many types of teas, the most popular being black, oolong, green and white. All teas come from the same warm-weather evergreen plant: the Camellia sinensis, or tea plant. Tisane or “herbal” teas can be a mixture of just about anything: herbs, flowers, spices, seeds, etc. There are also varieties of tea that are real teas with spices or other flavourings blended in. Earl Grey, for instance, is black tea with bergamot peel or oil added.

The Benefits of Tea

Tea is more popular than ever. And every cup is brimming with benefits: natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Drinking tea has actually been found to be better for you than drinking water. It rehydrates your body and its healthy antioxidants may offer protection against a wide range of diseases. Tea can be an invigorating start to the morning, a soothing break from a busy day, or a comfortable way to unwind and relax each evening – it all adds up to a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

The Art of Steeping Tea

Great care is taken to create every tea’s unique character. Each tea should be brewed at the right temperature to properly savour and appreciate all the natural and aromatic flavours and benefits. More delicate teas risk burning at general steeping temperatures; this variety should be steeped at a lower temperature to optimize flavours. Below is a chart with our suggested steeping temperatures and times.

Tea Steeping Chart

Type

Temperature

Steep Time

 

 

 

Delicate Tea

75°C

1–2 min

 

 

 

Green Tea

80°C

2–3 min

 

 

 

White Tea

85°C

2–3 min

 

 

 

Oolong Tea

90°C

3–4 min

 

 

 

French Press

95°C

4–5 min

 

 

 

Black & Herbal Teas

100°C

3–5 min

(full boil)

 

 

 

 

 

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Cuisinart CPK-17A manual Brief History of Tea, Types of Tea, Benefits of Tea, Art of Steeping Tea
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CPK-17A specifications

The Cuisinart CPK-17A is a high-quality electric kettle designed for tea and coffee enthusiasts who appreciate precision and versatility. With its sleek stainless steel design, this kettle not only looks great on any countertop but is also built to enhance your beverage brewing experience.

One of the standout features of the CPK-17A is its variable temperature control. The kettle offers six preset temperature settings ranging from 160°F to 200°F, allowing users to choose the perfect heat level for different types of teas and coffees. This feature ensures that delicate green teas are brewed at lower temperatures while black teas and herbal infusions can be prepared at higher settings, maximizing the flavors and aromas of each beverage.

The CPK-17A is equipped with a powerful 1500-watt heating element, which ensures rapid boiling, making it ideal for those with busy lifestyles. The kettle has a generous capacity of 1.7 liters, providing enough hot water for multiple cups of tea or a sizable French press. Moreover, the 360-degree swivel base allows for easy handling from any angle, making it user-friendly for both left-handed and right-handed individuals.

Safety is paramount with the Cuisinart CPK-17A. It features an automatic shut-off function that kicks in as soon as the water reaches the desired temperature or when the kettle is removed from its base. Additionally, the boil-dry protection feature prevents the kettle from operating without water, ensuring longevity and security during use.

The kettle also boasts a convenient keep-warm function, which maintains the temperature of the water for up to 30 minutes. This is particularly useful for those who enjoy multiple servings of tea or coffee without the need to boil water repeatedly.

A simple blue LED indicator lights up when the kettle is in use, providing a visual cue that adds to its modern aesthetic. The removable and washable spout filter ensures that your beverages are free from impurities, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

In conclusion, the Cuisinart CPK-17A electric kettle combines style, functionality, and advanced features, making it a standout choice for any kitchen. Its variable temperature control, rapid heating, safety features, and user-friendly design cater to the needs of both casual drinkers and serious connoisseurs alike. Investing in this kettle means enjoying your favorite brews at the perfect temperature every time.
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