When preparing Yu Lan Hua as a simple infusion, which action is advised against due to the potential for an overly bitter taste?

Answer

Prolonged steeping beyond seven minutes

The method for preparing Yu Lan Hua tea aims to maximize the extraction of beneficial volatile oils while ensuring the resulting beverage is consumable. The temperature requirement is strict—a full boil (100 °C or 212 °F)—but the timing is crucial for flavor control. Prolonged steeping, meaning steeping for a duration significantly exceeding the optimal five to seven minutes, is discouraged precisely because it can lead to the extraction of bitter compounds, resulting in an undesirable flavor profile. While blending with sweeteners like honey is suggested as a practical solution for those who find the taste strong, extending the time in the hot water is the action that directly causes the bitterness.

When preparing Yu Lan Hua as a simple infusion, which action is advised against due to the potential for an overly bitter taste?
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