Why, every time I attempt to make tea, does it taste like dirty water?

Question

Everyone seems to love tea, so I've recently decided to try it for myself, but I just can't seem to make it right! I've tried making different flavors of green tea and black tea, with teabags and loose leaf, following the instructions exactly as they're written, but every time I try, it comes out tasting like dirty water. Even after adding sugar or honey, it still tastes disgusting. Could I be doing something wrong, (what??), or is it likely that I just have bad taste or something?

Answer 1

you could be using cheap tea too... there is a WIDE variety of choices, from the cheep stuff for like $1 for 200 packets or something, up to the specialty teas that even have special filter bags.

make sure not to squeeze your grounds, i used to when i wanted a more potent tea, but it does make it much more bitter.  make sure you use hot enough water, i use boiling water from my electric kettle.

if you still can't do it compared to a restaurant... ask them what type of tea they use, most places would likely tell you.

Answer 2

Hot water.

Leave the packet of leaves still in the drink while drinking it.

If you leave it in for only 1 or 2 minutes, well obviously it wouldn't have any taste.

Answer 3

Hi

My thought is that you possibly prefer your tea stronger. You do not mention a bitter taste, so I assume you are brewing or steeping the leaves for the proper timing. (over steeping causes a bitter taste)

I suggest you use more leaf tea than is called for and steep it for the correct time according to directions that come with the teas.

You can find general instruction on brewing tea here http://www.your-cup-of-tea.com/brew-tea....  This site will also have information on each tea type in more detail.

Answer 4

Assuming that the pan or container you're boiling the water in is clean and not leaching metal into the water, then it's probably the water itself.  If you live in the US-municipal water treatment facilities add a lot of extra chemicals to the water supply during summer to counteract the increased growth of algea and microbes. Try making tea with commercially bottled water-it's available in gallon jugs and larger in grocery stores.

Answer 5

Have you had tea out in a restaurant?  Did you like it there?  It may be you are not letting it "steep" long enough.  Are you picking a leading brand?  Numi makes great teas and you may be able to find it at a health food store or coffee shop.  Go to a coffee shop and try their brand, if you like it you can probably buy a box from them.

Answer 6

tea has an expiration date, it may be that the tea is bad, especially if it is instant. Always check the date on the container. Also it may be the water you are  using. I know, everything to me taste nastier, when the Local lake turns here every summer, and it turns the drinks rancid.

Answer 7

i think your not going wrong but you just don't like the taste of it.

Answer 8

get an iced tea maker use:7 normal sized tea bags,1 cup sugar,the setting for strength should be almost half,3 quarts water.

Answer 9

Let's face it. Tea is really dirty water. It is made by soaking rotted tree leaves in boiling water. No matter what variety you try it still comes back to sipping the runoff from a compost pile.

I think you should look for something more refreshing. I did and only drink tea when I have a sore throat that needs soothing by a hot drink with honey and lemon in it. At that point the dirty water aspect makes no difference to me.