Every household has its own style of tea preparation. Some like it strong, some milky and sweet, others mild and fragrant. But the key to the taste and effectiveness of your tea is the right amount of tea leaves.

Healthy Tea Tips

If there's one beverage that's most loved in India, it's tea. Whether it's a morning, a tired moment, a chat with friends, or a cold winter, a cup of tea can set everything right. Every household has its own style of tea preparation. Some like it strong, some milky and sweet, others light and fragrant. But did you know that the key to your tea's taste and effectiveness lies in the right amount of tea leaves? This determines whether your tea will soothe you or ruin it. Adding too many leaves will make it bitter and too caffeinated, and adding too few will make it taste bland and tasteless. So, let's explore the right amount of tea leaves and why the right balance is essential.

How many tea leaves are good for tea?

Generally, one teaspoon, or approximately two grams, of tea leaves is considered the most appropriate amount for a cup of water or milk. This amount is neither too strong nor too light, meaning it provides the perfect combination of taste, color, and aroma. If you prefer a thicker tea, you can add one and a half teaspoons. However, keep in mind that adding more than this can make the tea very strong, bitter, and caffeinated. The type of tea leaves also makes a difference. For example, Assam tea has a strong taste, so use a little less. Darjeeling tea is light and aromatic, so you can add a little more.

How does the amount of tea leaves change the taste and aroma?

When you add the right amount of tea leaves, the tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils are released properly. These are the elements that give your tea its aroma, golden color, and taste. Adding too much tea leaves will increase the tannin content, leading to bitterness and darkening. Adding too little tea leaves will result in a bland and tasteless tea. To achieve consistent tea every time, try to measure the tea leaves, not estimate them, especially when making tea for more than one person.

What happens when you add too many tea leaves?

Adding too many tea leaves can make the tea bitter and pungent, cause acidity or a burning sensation in the stomach, affect sleep, and increase restlessness. Most importantly, over-boiling destroys the tea's antioxidants, reducing its health benefits. If your tea appears too dark, or if a bitter taste remains in your mouth after drinking, you've added too many tea leaves.