A Delta North Tea guide
How Do You Steep Delta North Blue Lotus Tea Bags?
Delta North's directions are one tea bag in 8 oz of freshly boiled water that has cooled for about a minute, covered and steeped for 5 to 7 minutes, then the bag removed.
Delta North’s directions are one tea bag in 8 oz of freshly boiled water that has cooled for about a minute, covered and steeped for 5 to 7 minutes, then the bag removed. That is the whole method, and below we add the small details from Delta North’s own brewing page that make it easier to get the same cup each time. You can find the current code on our Delta North Tea discount code page.
Delta North’s directions, step by step
These steps come from the product page for Delta North blue lotus tea bags and from Delta North’s brewing article:
- Bring fresh water to a boil, then let it rest for about a minute. Delta North puts that at roughly 195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C).
- Put one tea bag in your mug.
- Pour 8 oz (about 240 ml) of the hot water over the bag.
- Cover the cup with a lid or a saucer. Delta North says covering keeps the aroma in the cup instead of letting it escape with the steam.
- Steep for 5 to 7 minutes, then take the bag out.
You may see “5 minutes” in the product page FAQ. The product description and the brewing article both say 5 to 7 minutes, so treat 5 as the short end of the range.
What the cup tastes like
Delta North describes the flavour as soft and floral, with a light honey-like sweetness and an earthy finish. Its brewing article says a 5 minute steep gives a lighter, floral cup and a longer steep gives a fuller, slightly earthier one. If the first cup tastes thin, steep longer next time before changing anything else.
The tea is a single ingredient, sun-dried blue lotus flowers (Nymphaea caerulea), with no added herbs or flavourings, and Delta North lists it as caffeine-free. It contains no Camellia sinensis, the plant behind black and green tea, so do not expect the bitterness or astringency of those.
Delta North suggests drinking it plain or with a little honey. It also sells honey sticks for tea, individually sealed portions that you tear open and stir in after the bag comes out.
Other ways Delta North suggests
- A second steep. Delta North says a bag can be steeped once more, adding 3 to 5 minutes to the time. Expect a lighter cup.
- Iced cold brew. Its brewing article suggests 2 bags in 16 oz of cold, filtered water, left in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours, then the bags removed and the tea served over ice.
- Honey and lemon. Brew the standard cup, then add a little honey and a thin slice of lemon.
One thing to avoid: Delta North says not to boil or simmer the tea on the stove. Pour hot water over the bag instead, as simmering can make it bitter.
Common mistakes that change the taste
- Leaving the cup uncovered, which lets the aroma escape.
- Using much more than 8 oz of water for one bag, which dilutes the flavour.
- Forgetting the bag in the cup well past 7 minutes, which pushes the taste further toward earthy.
- Using stale water from the kettle. Fresh water gives a cleaner cup with any tea.
Delta North’s own cautions
Delta North says its blue lotus tea is an herbal tea, not a medicine. It says not to drink it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, to talk with your doctor first if you take prescription medication, to avoid combining it with alcohol or sedatives, and not to drive until you know how it affects you. Its site also says the product is intended for adults 18 and over.
Blue lotus is banned for human consumption in Louisiana, and Delta North says it does not ship blue lotus there, so check the rules where you live before you buy.
Questions
How long should I steep a Delta North blue lotus tea bag?
Delta North says 5 to 7 minutes, covered, in 8 oz of water that has just boiled and cooled for about a minute.
Can I use water straight off the boil?
Delta North suggests letting boiled water rest for about a minute first, to roughly 195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C). It also says not to simmer the tea on the stove.
Can I reuse a tea bag?
Delta North says you can steep a bag once more, adding 3 to 5 minutes. The second cup is lighter.
How do I make it iced?
Delta North's brewing article suggests 2 bags in 16 oz of cold, filtered water in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours, then serving over ice.
Who should not drink Delta North blue lotus tea?
Delta North says not to drink it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, to ask your doctor first if you take prescription medication, and not to mix it with alcohol or sedatives. It is sold for adults 18 and over.
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