A GUIDE TO TEA
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A Brief History of Tea
The origins of tea can be traced back nearly 5,000 years to the time of Shen-Nung, a legendary
emperor of China known as the “Divine Farmer.” He was a prolific herbalist and is still
revered today as a pioneer of modern agriculture. Legend has it that leaves from some twigs
he was burning floated into a boiling kettle of water. Upon tasting the water, Shen-Nung was
pleased; he had invented tea.The hot beverage flourished throughout Southern Asia until the
early 17th century when the Dutch East India Company introduced it to Europe. From there
it spread to the American colonies and the rest of the world!
Types of Tea
There are four main types of teas: 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 which are real teas with spices or other flavourings blended in. Earl Grey, for
instance, is black tea with bergamot peel or oil added.
All teas from the camellia sinensis form their identity by the way they are processed and
their level of oxidization. Whether they are rolled, dried, fired, or steamed (and in which
order) depends on which tea is desired. Since great care has been taken to produce a specific
type of tea, each tea should be brewed according to its unique properties so all the natural
flavours and benefits can be properly savoured and appreciated.
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Tea Classification Chart
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Tea Name
Type
Origin
Typical Taste/Flavour
Gunpowder
Green
China
Light-bodied, nutty to earthy
Jasmine
Green
China
Soothing, scented aroma (flavoured with
jasmine flowers)
Oolong
Oolong
China/Taiwan
Mild, fruity and sweet
Sencha
Green
Japan
Fresh, notes of sea or newly cut grass
Darjeeling
Black
India
Brisk, pungent, either malty or citrusy
Ceylon
Black
Sri Lanka
Brisk and pungent, floral
White Peach
White
China
Delicate, smooth, blended peaches and
white tea
Chamomile
Herbal
Egypt
Honey-sweet infusion
Earl Grey
Black
India and
Sri Lanka
Light-bodied with a citrous flavour
Brewing Tips
Each tea has a specific brewing temperature that will reveal its optimum flavour. The tea
brewing chart that follows provides the ideal temperature and depending on your preferred
strength, the recommended steeping time. You’ll notice the big difference between the
brewing temperatures for black tea and green tea. Green tea won’t maintain its flavour or
therapeutic properties if the water is too hot, and black tea will never reach its peak if the
water is not hot enough. The precision thermometer built in to the PerfecTemp Teakettle
makes sure every cup is enjoyed properly.
You should always use good quality tea, whether in a tea bag or loose, and it should be stored
at room temperature in an airtight container. Ensure you fill the kettle with fresh water each
time you brew and follow the recommendations on table below for the best results.
The Art of Brewing
Type
Temperature (0C)
Brewing Time
White
80
2-3 minutes
Green
80
2-3 minutes
Oolong
90
2-3 minutes
Coffee
93
2-3 minutes
Black/Herbal
100
3-5 minutes
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Benefits
Tea is more popular than ever and every cup is brimming with benefits, ranging from natural
vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help create a healthy and satisfying drink.
The PerfecTemp Teakettle allows you to brew your selected favourite tea to perfection and
experience its fullest flavour.
A cup of tea can be an invigorating start to every morning, a soothing break from a busy
day, or a comforting way to unwind and relax each evening. It all adds up to a healthy mind,
body, and spirit.
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Soothing Hot Tea Recipes
Moroccan Mint Tea
A lot of mint and sugar make this tea both sweet and soothing.
Makes one serving
Water
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 bag black tea (or 1 serving loose tea)
Bring at least 295ml of water to the proper temperature according to the temperature
gauge on your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle.
While water is heating, place the mint and sugar in a mug. Using a spoon, crush the mint and
sugar together to release the mint’s oils. Add the tea. Pour 235ml of the hot water over the
tea and stir to combine.
Let tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
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Ginger, Lemon & Honey Tea
A perfect blend of soothing ingredients for anyone who is feeling under the weather.
Makes one serving
Water
3 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ tablespoon honey
1 bag green tea (or 1 serving loose tea)
Bring at least 295ml of water to the proper temperature according to the temperature
gauge on your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle.
While water is heating, place the ginger, lemon juice and honey in a mug. Add the tea. Pour
235ml of the hot water over the tea and stir to combine.
Let tea steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
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White Tea with Fennel
Fennel is a great aid for digestion. This tea is light and fragrant.
Makes one serving
Water
1 ½ tablespoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon honey
1 bag white tea (or 1 serving loose tea)
Bring at least 295ml of water to the proper temperature according to the temperature
gauge on your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle.
While water is heating, place the fennel and honey in a mug. Add the tea. Pour 235ml hot
water over the tea and stir to combine.
Let tea steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
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Chai Tea
While this tea is best prepared with full fat milk, reduced fat or soy milk may be
substituted.
Makes one serving
3 black tea bags
Water
235ml full fat milk
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 star anise pods
1 piece of peeled fresh ginger (1cm x 1cm)
Pinch orange zest
1 ½ teaspoon honey
Place tea bags in a mug. Bring at least 235ml water to the proper temperature according to
the temperature gauge on your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle.
Pour 60ml of the water over the tea bags and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Once steeped,
fully squeeze out water from tea bags, reserving the tea and discarding the bags.
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While water is heating, bring the milk and vanilla to a boil in a medium saucepan set over
medium heat. Once the mixture comes to a boil, stir in the spices, ginger and zest. Let the mixture simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Add the reserved tea once it has steeped.
Strain mixture into the mug and stir in honey.
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Refreshing Ice Tea Recipe
Iced Sweet Tea
A staple in any household, this recipe is a perfect companion on a hot summers day.
Makes one serving
Water
3 bags black tea (or three servings loose tea)
1 cup ice cubes
60g simple syrup*
Place tea in a small bowl. Bring at least 295ml of water to the proper temperature according
to the temperature gauge on your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle. Pour 235ml of the hot
water over tea and let steep 3-5 minutes. Strain.
Place the ice in a tall glass. Pour the steeped tea over the ice and stir in the simple syrup.
Adjust sweetness to taste.
*While you can purchase simple syrup at gourmet shops, it is very easy to make at home. To
prepare, add equal parts granulated sugar and water to a small saucepan set over mediumlow heat. Let mixture heat until all of the sugar has dissolved. Cool mixture to a room
temperature.
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Sweet Dessert Tea Recipes
Earl Grey Chocolate Sorbet
This rich dark sorbet has just a hint of the “flowery” bergamot oil of Earl Grey tea.
Makes 5 cups sorbet
12 Earl Grey tea bags
Water
380g unsweetened cocoa powder
380g granulated sugar
300ml water
Place tea bags in a medium bowl. Bring at least 470ml of water to the proper temperature
according to the temperature gauge on your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle. Pour 300ml
over the tea. Let tea steep for 5 minutes – you will have a strong but not bitter tea. Strain
and reserve.
Place cocoa powder, sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Stir with a whisk until smooth.
Place over medium-high heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a simmer,
about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir into bowl of brewed tea. Cover with a
sheet of plastic wrap placed directly on the chocolate mixture. Refrigerate until completely
cooled.
Churn in a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker according to the model’s instructions.
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Green Tea & Honey Sorbet
Makes 4 cups sorbet
4 green tea bags
Water
460g granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Place tea bags in a medium saucepan. Bring at least 470ml water to the proper temperature
according to your Cuisinart PerfecTemp Teakettle. Pour 830ml over the tea. Let tea steep
for 5 minutes – you will have a strong, but not bitter tea. Discard the tea bags.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Strain through a fine mesh
strainer and cover. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
Churn in a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker according to the model’s instructions.
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