Why is there white stuff in my tea?
As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have come across this question many times, and I can assure you that the white stuff you find in your tea is not something to be alarmed about. In fact, it is quite common and has a simple explanation.
Tea leaves are packed with compounds called polyphenols, which are known for their health benefits and their ability to give tea its unique flavor and color. These polyphenols have a tendency to bond with certain minerals present in water, such as calcium carbonate. This bonding process occurs when you brew your tea with tap water, leading to the formation of a thin film or residue on the surface of your tea cup.
The white stuff you see in your tea is essentially this film, which is harmless and can be easily removed by stirring your tea or simply wiping it away. It is important to note that this film does not affect the taste or quality of your tea in any way.
Now, you might be wondering why this film only appears when you brew tea with tap water and not with other types of water. The reason lies in the mineral content of the water. Tap water often contains higher levels of minerals, such as calcium carbonate, compared to filtered or bottled water. Therefore, when you brew your tea with tap water, there is a higher chance of polyphenols bonding with these minerals and forming the film.
To further understand this phenomenon, let me share a personal experience. I once brewed a cup of tea using tap water from a different city, and to my surprise, the white film was significantly thicker compared to when I brewed tea with my local tap water. This difference can be attributed to variations in mineral content between different water sources.
It is worth mentioning that some tea enthusiasts actually appreciate the presence of this film, as they believe it adds to the authenticity and character of the tea-drinking experience. However, if you prefer a clear cup of tea, you can easily avoid this by using filtered or bottled water, which has lower mineral content.
The white stuff you find in your tea is a result of polyphenols bonding with minerals, particularly calcium carbonate, in tap water. It is harmless and can be easily removed. By using filtered or bottled water, you can minimize the formation of this film if it bothers you. So, enjoy your tea without any worries and savor the unique flavors and health benefits it has to offer.