How many slices of lemon do you need for Hong Kong-style iced lemon tea? 🍋🧊

When it comes to must-order drinks at cha chaan teng (tea restaurants), Hong Kong-style iced lemon tea tops the list. Whether it's a summer treat or afternoon tea, iced lemon tea is a Hong Kong favorite. But have you ever wondered how many slices of lemon are needed to create the perfect cup of iced lemon tea? Today, I'm transforming into a "lemon researcher" to delve into the secrets behind it.

The soul of iced lemon tea: lemon 🍋

Everyone knows that iced lemon tea is black tea with lemon, but details determine its success. The lemon slice isn't just a garnish; it's the soul that defines the tart, fragrant, and refreshing taste. Too little lemon slice and the tea will seem bland; too much and it'll be too sour or even bitter.

Traditional tea restaurants typically slice the lemon thinly and add the skin, often with the lemon peel, to the tea. Why? Because the lemon peel has a natural aroma that adds a freshness to the tea. However, both the peel and the seeds can have a slightly bitter taste, so the brewer relies on experience to balance the two.

How many slices should be delivered first to be the most authentic? 📏

According to a lot of online information and sharing from tea restaurant chefs, the standard method is to use four to six slices of lemon .

• Four slices of lemon 👉 Suitable for those who want the tea flavor to be prominent with only a slight lemon scent.
• Five slices of lemon 👉 is considered the most balanced amount, with moderate acidity, and the tea and lemon flavors blend just right.
• Six slices of lemon 👉 Suitable for those who like a strong sour feeling, you can drink it for a more refreshing effect.

I have been to many tea restaurants and found that most chefs prefer to use five slices, because this taste ratio is the most comfortable for the public.

Why do we need to "squeeze lemons"? ✊

When drinking iced lemon tea, everyone's probably heard the saying, "Remember to squeeze the lemon!" This action actually squeezes out the lemon juice, instantly infusing the tea with a sour flavor. If you don't squeeze it, and the lemon slices simply steep, the tea will taste rather monotonous, with an uneven sour and fragrant aroma.

Some experienced drinkers will even use a spoon or straw to squeeze the lemon slice a few times vigorously to squeeze out all the juice, which makes the drink more refreshing. Of course, if you squeeze too hard, the bitterness of the lemon peel will come out, so this depends on personal preference.

Iced lemon tea tips 💡

1. Use plenty of ice : Iced lemon tea requires a chilled and refreshing taste; if it doesn’t have enough ice, it will lose its flavor.
2. Syrup order : Some tea restaurants will add syrup first and then tea to ensure even sweetness.
3. The thickness of lemon slices : too thick will make the flavor difficult to release, too thin will make it bitter. Usually 0.3-0.5 cm is ideal.
4. Lemon freshness : Fresh lemons are more fragrant than old lemons, and the acidity is more refreshing.

Editor's summary 🎤

How many slices of lemon should be squeezed into Hong Kong-style iced lemon tea? There's no absolute number. Generally speaking, five slices is the most common and balanced number, while four is milder and six is ​​more acidic, depending on your taste. The act of squeezing the lemon is the soul of iced lemon tea, blending the flavors of tea and lemon for a refreshing, uniquely Hong Kong experience.

I think iced lemon tea is more than just a drink; it epitomizes the pace of Hong Kong life. Fast, direct, and refreshing, it's a reflection of the Hong Kong people themselves. Next time you're at a cha chaan teng (tea restaurant), remember to count the lemon slices in your iced lemon tea, then squeeze it and experience the icy charm of Hong Kong! 🧊🍋