Expert chemist's guide: brewing the perfect cup of tea

WHEN it comes to crafting the perfect cup of tea, lovers of the brew know it's as much about flavour and ritual as it is about comfort and connection.

- STAFF REPORTER

From black to green, oolong to herbal, every cup tells a story. But what if we told you that behind the soothing steam and fragrant leaves lies a world of chemistry — one that can actually help you brew a better, more flavourful cup?

According to Michelle Francl, professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, USA and author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, brewing tea is a rich chemical process involving hundreds of compounds that influence the colour, aroma, taste and even health benefits of every cup.

"Tea is the world's most popular beverage. What many people don't realise is how complex the chemistry behind it truly is," she said.

While most South Africans reach for red Rooibos, the green, unfermented version actually has higher antioxidant levels.