Snuggling up on the sofa, browsing through a book - and a cup of tea that is healthy and warms us from the inside: that's how we like to spend Sunday afternoons when it's cold and uncomfortable outside. But not all teas are the same. Each variety has a different brewing time, but the general rule is: the longer it brews, the stronger it becomes. And: you need about 3 to 4 grams for one cup.

We particularly like these types of tea

We Germans are "black drinkers". On average, we consume a good 20 liters of black tea a year. The most popular black tea varieties are Darjeeling, Assam and Earl Grey. Herbal and fruit teas are in second and third place. The trendy drink matcha - a Japanese ground green tea that is healthy, is considered a pick-me-up and is good for the metabolism - has been on the rise for some time.

Tea varieties: prefer loose or in a bag?

This form of tea preparation is already practical: just hang a bag in your cup and you're done. However, critics complain that the bags are only filled with inferior tea. But this is not true: the plant leaves are simply smaller than in the loose variety. Nevertheless, it has two advantages: It is usually available in higher quality varieties and it is cheaper. Tea blossoms in the shape of balls are a nice alternative: when hot water is poured over them, they unfurl impressively - a great sight.

Tea is healthy and delicious

Tea is a natural remedy and, depending on the variety, is full of vitamins, essential oils and plant substances that strengthen the immune system. Green tea is particularly healthy as it contains substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect, lower blood pressure and can protect against cardiovascular disease. If you want to be sure that tea has the best possible healing properties, you should look for organic quality or use products from drugstores and pharmacies.

Make your own tea

From peppermint to sage - if you have planted herbs, you can simply blend your favorite tea. To do this, pour hot, no longer boiling water over fresh leaves and leave to infuse briefly. For storage, dry the leaves in the air or in the oven. It will keep for several weeks if stored in a dark place. For a strong infusion, you need about a handful of herbs to one liter of water.

Tea preparation: How to make the perfect infusion

White tea

Approx. 75 degrees
Use between 8 and 12 grams of tea leaves per liter.
Leave to infuse for approx. 5 minutes

Green tea

60-75 degrees
Approx. 15 grams per liter is ideal.
The optimum infusion time is 1 to a maximum of 3 minutes

Oolong tea

75-85 degrees
A good 10 to 14 grams per liter is recommended.
It should steep for 2 to 3 minutes

Rooibos tea

Approx. 90 degrees
Use 12 to 15 grams of tea leaves per liter.
Does not become bitter, can infuse for 8 minutes

Black tea

Approx. 95 degrees
Depending on the desired intensity, 10 to 15 grams per liter.
3 to max. 5 minutes infusion time