Is there any reason not to heat water for tea in a microwave oven?
Water heated in a microwave oven tastes “flat” and does not brew tea as well as water heated in a kettle. In a microwave water does not reach the boiling point, and in addition, it heats from the outside towards the inside, so only the outside 1″ or so gets really hot.
We strongly discourage brewing tea in a microwave, though we have witnessed such practices. Using a tea bag and microwave is probably the absolute worst way to make tea.
Comments
Comment from Dave
Date: March 22, 2008, 6:48 pm
How about steeping tea with water from a hot water dispenser (like those featured on water coolers in your typical office space)?
Comment from Jana Jopson
Date: May 9, 2008, 12:05 pm
The making of tea is one of the best opportunities to reconnect with the present moment when used to pause from our typically hurried pace. Giving yourself the gift of putting everything on hold just long enough to brew a cup or pot of tea is one of the nicest gifts you can give yourself. The filling of the kettle, giving thanks for the miracle of water, hearing the water begin to respond to the heat, selecting a tea, filling the infuser or do-it-yourself tea bag, bringing the water and tea together to do their (truly) miraculous dance, waiting for the brew time with delightful anticipation, then taking that first sip. Tea is the perfect beverage for beginning to engage with the spreading concept of slowing down in life to find balance, the fulcrum point where life is lived most sweetly. Also in keeping with the Slow Food movement! I treasure my microwave for its convenience, but would never think of making tea with it; the ritual is too precious to lose.
Comment from Richard Schramm
Date: October 23, 2008, 12:20 pm
I just got through testing this contention (using Salt Lake City municipal water processed through a Brita filter). Believe me, it’s true.
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