Tea is a comforting and refreshing drink, but in today’s fast-paced world, not everyone has the luxury of steeping it slowly. If you’re constantly on the go but still want to enjoy a good cup of tea, there’s no need to skip your favorite brew. With a few clever shortcuts, you can prepare tea quickly without compromising on taste or quality.
Here’s how you can brew tea faster while keeping its flavor intact.
1. Use Tea Bags for Convenience
Tea bags are your best friend when time is short. They’re pre-measured, easy to handle, and brew quickly compared to loose-leaf tea. Simply place a tea bag in your cup, add hot water, and you’ll have tea ready in under two minutes.
Pro Tip: Opt for high-quality tea bags to get a richer flavor. Pyramid-shaped bags are especially good as they allow the tea leaves to expand better than flat ones.
2. Choose Smaller Tea Leaves
The size of the tea leaves affects how quickly the flavor is released. Smaller tea leaves, like those in finely ground black tea, infuse faster than large, whole leaves. If you’re in a hurry, choose teas with smaller particles.
Examples: Assam CTC tea or finely ground green tea powders like matcha.
3. Use an Electric Kettle
An electric kettle heats water faster than a stovetop kettle. Many modern kettles also have temperature settings, so you can select the ideal temperature for your tea type (e.g., 80°C for green tea, 100°C for black tea).
Pro Tip: Keep water in the kettle throughout the day so you can reheat it quickly for your next cup.
4. Microwave Water for Speed
If you don’t have time to heat water on the stove or in a kettle, you can use the microwave. Heat your water in a microwave-safe mug for about 1–2 minutes, depending on the quantity.
Caution: Be careful when handling the mug, as microwaved water can sometimes overheat.
5. Pre-Boil and Store Hot Water
Boil a large batch of water in advance and store it in a thermal flask. When you’re ready to brew tea, pour the hot water directly into your cup or teapot. This trick saves time during busy mornings or office breaks.
6. Try Cold Brew Tea
Cold brewing may sound like a long process, but here’s the trick: make it in advance. Add tea leaves or tea bags to cold water and let it steep overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, you’ll have a refreshing cup of tea ready to go.
Cold-brew tea is also less bitter, making it a great choice for green and herbal teas.
7. Invest in a Tea Infuser or Strainer
A tea infuser allows you to steep loose-leaf tea directly in your cup, cutting out the need for a separate teapot. Look for infusers that are easy to fill, use, and clean.
Quick Tip: If you don’t have an infuser, you can pour your tea through a strainer after steeping.
8. Use Instant Tea Powders
Instant tea powders dissolve quickly in hot or cold water, providing an almost immediate brew. These are particularly handy for matcha or spiced chai blends.
Note: Check the label to ensure there are no unwanted additives or sugar if you’re looking for a healthier option.
9. Shorten Steeping Time with Hotter Water
Using slightly hotter water can extract tea flavor faster. However, be cautious not to overheat delicate teas like green or white tea, as they can turn bitter. For robust teas like black or chai, this method works perfectly.
10. Multitask Brewing While You Work
If you’re at your desk or busy in the kitchen, let your tea steep while you handle another task. A good timer or an app on your phone will remind you when it’s ready.
11. Keep Tea Essentials Handy
Save time by organizing your tea-making supplies. Keep tea bags, loose leaves, sugar, honey, and cups in one place so you don’t waste time searching. A well-organized tea corner can make your tea routine faster and more enjoyable.
12. Make a Large Batch
If you drink multiple cups of tea during the day, consider making a larger batch and storing it in a thermal flask or insulated bottle. You can reheat it or enjoy it cold, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Brewing tea doesn’t have to be a time-consuming ritual. With these shortcuts, you can enjoy a flavorful cup of tea even on your busiest days. Whether it’s grabbing a tea bag, using an electric kettle, or prepping in advance, a good cup of tea is always within reach.
Tea in a hurry can still be tea worth savoring. So go ahead, take a quick tea break, and enjoy a moment of calm in your hectic schedule!