If your tea tastes bitter, it is usually because the leaves have been over-extracted. This happens when the water is too hot, the steeping time is too long, or the leaves remain submerged after the brewing process is finished.
Here is how to troubleshoot and fix bitterness using the SAKI Turkish Tea Maker Pro:
1. Check Your Brewing Temperature
Different tea leaves are sensitive to heat. If the water is too hot, it "scalds" the leaves, releasing bitter tannins.
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The Fix: Use the Smart Base presets to match your tea type:
- Green Tea: Use the 175°F / 80°C preset.
- Black Tea: If the "Anatolian" preset (212°F) feels too strong, try the "Istanbul" (205°F) or "Ephesus" (195°F) presets for a smoother finish.
- Tip: Always use the lower temperature presets for delicate white or green teas.
2. Manage Your Steeping Time
Steeping for too long is the most common cause of bitterness.
- The Fix: For a standard tea concentrate, steep for 15–20 minutes.
- The Ritual: Once the concentrate has reached its ideal color and strength, it is ready. If you leave the leaves in the water for 30+ minutes, the flavor will turn sharp and astringent.
3. Use the Magnetic Infuser Correctly
The Magnetic Infuser is your best tool for preventing bitterness because it allows you to stop the steeping process without opening the lid.
- The Process: As you pour the tea concentrate out of the top pot, the water level drops. Because the filter is magnetically locked to the lid, the tea leaves are naturally "lifted" out of the remaining liquid.
- Pro Tip: If you aren't drinking the tea immediately, ensure you haven't overfilled the top pot. If the water level stays high enough to touch the mesh filter, the tea will continue to steep and become bitter.
4. Water Quality & Tea Quantity
- Too Much Tea: Using too many leaves for the amount of water can create a concentrate that is overly intense. Try reducing your loose-leaf measurement by half a tablespoon.
- Mineral Content: Hard water can sometimes react with tea tannins to create a bitter "film" on top of the tea. Using filtered water often results in a much cleaner, sweeter taste.
