If you are a tea lover, there's a high chance that you are familiar with so many different ways to brew tea. But, have you ever brewed your tea in a microwave? Some tea experts and traditionalists would never steep tea in a microwave, however some people find it more convenient and even tastier to prepare tea this way. So, today we are going to share tips on how to make the best cup of tea in a microwave.

What does the Research Say?

Recently, the internet world was overwhelmed with the results of new microwave research. So, what's it all about? According to Dr. Quan Vuong of the University in Newcastle in Australia, brewing tea in a microwave has much stronger effects compared to some other tea brewing techniques. This five-year-old study concluded that microwaving your tea will boost its benefits even more.

As a result, about 80% of theanine, caffeine and polyphenol compounds were activated when brewing tea in a microwave, compared to about 10% using traditional tea steeping methods.

Brewing Tea in a Microwave - Steps

1. Put one tea bag or one teaspoon of loose leaf tea in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Add about 1-2 inches of water (enough to cover the tea bag).
3. Microwave for 30 seconds, take out the mug and let the tea steep 1-7 minutes (see recommended steeping times below).
4. Get another microwave-safe mug, fill it with water and microwave for 45 seconds.
5. Once the steeped tea is ready, add the water from the second mug.
6. Add sweetener (optional), stir and enjoy!

Important Tip: Each category of tea requires a different steeping time. Please follow the steeping guidelines below.

• White Tea: 1-2 minutes
• Green Tea: 1-3 minutes
• Oolong Tea: 2-4 minutes
• Black Tea: 3-5 minutes
• Herbal Tea: 5-7 minutes

Brewing tea traditional way that many of us love may not be the smartest idea according to researchers. Instead, preparing tea in the microwave may be surprisingly better for you. It's straightforward, doesn't require much teaware and may save you time.

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