Q: Why can tea become bitter and what causes this?
A: Tea can become bitter if it steeps for too long or is brewed with water that is too hot. This bitterness is mainly caused by the overextraction of tannins, a type of polyphenols, from the tea leaves. When tea leaves are immersed in hot water for too long, these tannins are released in larger quantities, resulting in a bitter taste. Additionally, using water that is too hot, especially with green or white tea, can break down the catechins, another group of antioxidants, too quickly, which also contributes to bitterness. The chemical reaction involves the release of these compounds that bind to the taste receptors on your tongue, causing the bitter taste to be perceived.
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