I guess this may have been asked already, but I just read the excellent answers to the question on the best way to make a cup of tea and didn't see an explanation. Several people specified the need to warm the mug or teapot with boiling water before brewing tea, but none stated their reason for doing this. I've nothing against the practice, mind you, but I've always wondered why people do it...
2006-07-04 04:57:06 · 8 answers · asked by sapscribbler 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
That totally sounds like an old wives tale. I doubt there's any real point to it other than wasting energy and having to wait longer. As long as you get your water up to temperature (boiling), it'll be fine. The reasons people have given don't seem to make any real sense (no insult to them) and it actually seems like a bad idea since most cookware doesn't like to be heated without anything in it.
2006-07-04 05:38:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
You put the hot/boiling water in the mug or teapot first to pre-warm it so it keeps the tea hot longer. If you just poured the hot tea into the mug or teapot, the mug or teapot would cool it down some. Just like putting a tea-cozy around a tea pot; it is the keep the tea hot longer.
2006-07-04 05:05:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it keeps the tea hot longer.
It could keep the ceramic teapot or mug from cracking when you add a lot of hot water all at once to make the tea. By warming the container with a little hot water, the temperature difference isn't so great.
2006-07-04 05:03:11 · answer #3 · answered by Nosy Parker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the teapot is already warm, the tea water will stay hotter while the tea is brewing. For black teas, you need boiling water. For green teas, the temp should only be about 180 degrees.
2006-07-04 05:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tea needs really hot water to get the flavor out while steeping. Preheating the cup or teapot keeps the water from cooling down.
2006-07-04 05:02:23 · answer #5 · answered by myste 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it aids in the steeping process. By making the pot warm before adding the tea and boiling water it keeps the temperature of the water constant thus allowing the tea to steep at the proper temperature.
MeOw!
2006-07-04 05:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It helps the steeping process and keeps the water warmer longer I believe.
2006-07-04 05:03:11 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Nina♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you talking about... you make tea with hot water. It wouldn't really work with cold water.
2006-07-04 05:01:22 · answer #8 · answered by Katlyn ♥ Disney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋