When most of us think of sitting down with a nice cuppa, we envisage our favourite brand of tea, with or without milk and sugar depending on preference. That’s certainly the type of tea that the tiger in Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea slurps from the teapot. But the reality is that tea is a lot more complex, with hundreds of different varieties available - and each has an optimum way to be brewed. Here’s a brief guide to how to brew four of the main types of tea.

Black tea

Black tea is made from the mature leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and varieties include Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon and Lapsang Souchong - as well as the blends you find in your favourite brand of teabags. It can be mixed with fruit, spices or flower petals to create interesting and delicious flavours. 

The best way to make black tea is by using water heated to 100°C and allowing it to brew for four to five minutes before serving. If you’re making a premium black tea such as Darjeeling, the water should be heated to 96°C and the tea brewed for three minutes. 

Green tea

Green tea is made with the first buds and young leaves of the tea plant. They’re then either pan-fried or steamed to prevent a chemical process called ‘oxidation’ from occurring. Types of green tea include Japanese Sencha and Matcha, and Chinese Long Jing and Gunpowder. 

Green tea is more sensitive to high temperatures, which can make it taste bitter. Water should be heated to around 80°C for Chinese green tea and to 60-70°C for Japanese green tea. One teaspoon of leaves should be steeped for two to three minutes for the best flavour. 

Oolong

Oolong teas are grouped into two categories, resembling either green tea or black tea. The former are delicate and fruity, while the latter are richer and more complex. Oolong is produced in Taiwan, the Chinese region of Fujian, and in Thailand. Varieties include Milk Oolong, Da Hong Pao and Taiwanese High Mountain. 

To brew the perfect cup of Oolong, heat the water to around 90°C and steep the leaves for four to six minutes. The lighter Oolongs that resemble green tea are best served without milk, while those that are closer to black tea can be delicious with a splash of milk.  

White tea

White tea is less well known here in the UK, and is made from the first buds of the tea plant, before they have turned into leaves. It has a delicate, subtle flavour and is full of antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest types of tea. 

Like Chinese green tea, white tea should be made with water of around 80°C. Two teaspoons of the tea is recommended for a single cup, with a brewing time of two to three minutes. The colour is supposed to be a faint yellow - don’t be tempted to steep it for longer to get a brighter shade. 

Tea with the tiger

Whichever type of tea is your favourite, we don’t recommend drinking it straight from the teapot like the tigers in the theatre family show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Currently touring the UK, it’s one of the best theatre shows for under 5s, being perfect for short attention spans at just 55 minutes long with no interval. Search ‘theatre for preschoolers’ and book your tickets today to join the fun.