Questions
Brewing questions
We've gathered the questions that come up most often once people start paying closer attention to their morning cup. The answers are short and practical; for a fuller explanation, take a look at the sections on techniques and ingredients.
If you're not sure whether something is fresh, smell it. A musty, dusty or sour smell is a reason not to brew it but to replace it.
A question is included if it can be answered in a few sentences and the answer helps you make a drink better or more safely.
Tea
Why does my green tea taste bitter?
Most often it's brewed with water straight off the boil or left too long. Try water at around 70–85 °C and a shorter steep, and separate the leaves from the tea straight away.
Is it true that all types of tea come from one plant?
Yes. Black, green and white tea and oolong are made from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). The differences come from processing, above all the degree of oxidation of the leaf.
Can I brew the leaves a second time?
Oolong and many green teas stand up well to several infusions. With black tea bags, a second brew usually comes out thin and watery.
Is herbal tea really tea?
Strictly speaking, no: it isn't made from the tea bush but from herbs, flowers and fruit. Some herbs have contraindications, so read the pack and, if in doubt, ask a doctor.
Coffee
What's the difference between arabica and robusta?
They are the two main coffee species. Arabica is usually prized for its softer, more aromatic flavour, robusta for its body and pronounced bitterness; in blends they complement each other.
What grind do I need for a cezve?
Very fine, almost powder. The French press and cold brew, on the other hand, need a coarse grind, and pour-over a medium one.
Why does coffee boil over in a cezve?
The heat is too high or the cezve wasn't taken off in time. Heat slowly and remove it from the heat as soon as the foam starts to rise, without letting it boil.
What is cold brew?
It means steeping ground coffee or tea in cold water for several hours, usually overnight in the fridge. The brew is then strained and served over ice or diluted.
Safety and children
How can I protect a child from scalds?
Boiling water is a common cause of burns in children. Keep the kettle and cups out of reach, well away from the edge of the table, and don't pick a child up while holding a hot drink.
Can children drink tea and coffee?
Both coffee and tea contain caffeine. How much of these drinks is acceptable for a child is best discussed with a paediatrician; we don't give recommendations on amounts.
Can I give children herbal infusions?
Some herbs have contraindications, including for children. Read the ingredients on the pack and check with a doctor before offering an infusion to a child.
How hot should a child's drink be?
Warm, not hot. Let the cup cool and check the temperature yourself with a small sip or a drop on your wrist before handing it to a child.
- Techniques
Teapot, short-steep sessions, cezve, French press, pour-over and cold brew.
- Ingredients
Black, green and white tea, oolong, arabica and robusta, herbs, cocoa and water: choosing and storing.
- Drinks
An overview of infused drinks: types of tea, ways to make coffee, herbal infusions and cocoa.
- Recipes
Oat cookies, lemon loaf cake and tea sandwiches: home recipes with no tricky techniques.
- Tips
Short tips on brewing, teaware and storage, plus the magazine's article catalogue.
- Advice check (in Russian)
Archive address: how to tell a tested cooking tip from a tall tale picked up in online discussions.
What our articles are based on
- tea and coffee brewing guides (in general terms)
- manufacturers' recommendations on tea and coffee packs (in general terms)
- paediatricians' advice on hot drinks and safety (in general terms)
The temperatures and steeping times in this magazine are guidelines, not strict rules. Tea and coffee packs often carry their own recommendations, and the taste depends on your water, grind and teaware: experiment and adjust to suit yourself.