Nuking it: Making Tea in the Microwave
Hey guys! I know we tea lovers like to talk about the perfect way to make tea, and how you should always use loose leaf tea, and all that jazz. Obviously, we are bigtime tea drinkers and want it to be perfect. And we want your cup of tea to be perfect too!
But the reality might be that you can’t always use loose leaf tea. That your supermarket doesn’t carry organic tea. That your tea infuser broke. Whatever the reason, sometimes you have to improvise. And we understand!
For example, the other day I found myself in an office, and when it came time to have a cup of tea, I pulled out my little tea bags (see, even I use tea bags sometimes!), but there was no stove and no teapot! No kettle! Gasp! What did I do?
Well, I remained calm. And I did exactly what I’m going to tell you.
While it’s not ideal, it is possible to make a cup of tea in the microwave. Yes, the microwave.
1. Use a microwave-safe mug.
2. Pour water into your mug.
3. Put your tea bag in the cup. (but REMEMBER TO PULL OUT THE STAPLE ON THE BAG! Remember, this is a microwave! [Also, you must use a tea bag, not a metal tea infuser.])
4. Heat the mug for 1 – 2 minutes, depending on the type of tea.
5. When the microwave goes off, pull out your tea (careful it’s hot) and enjoy!
NOTE: Some say that it’s best to heat the water and THEN add your teabag, which is more like the proper way. I say to each their own. Try both, and make your own decision on that.
OTHER NOTE: I have heard stories about really pure water overheating instead of boiling and exploding. This seems like an unlikely chance, but if you have a wooden chopstick, throw it in there. I don’t know why this helps, but it does!
So now you’re ready to have tea anywhere! As for me, I think I’ll invest in a portable electric kettle and avoid microwaved tea as much as possible. It may be faster than the old fashioned way, but it just doesn’t taste the same.
Tags: electric kettle, hot tea, How-to, Informational, microwave, mug, tea, tea bag, teapot, water
