How to Make the Perfect cup of Tea

Water

A good cup of tea starts with good tasting water. If you don't like the taste of your drinking water you won't like the tea you make with it. It would pay you to invest in a filter or use bottled water.

Tea

Next, buy a good quality tea, bagged or loose leaf. With so many on the market it can be difficult to choose, but don't be put off, if you try a tea you don't like try another. Just like trying wine or beer it takes time to find one that you really enjoy. If you're confused about which tea to try take a look at our guide to tea types from around the world.

If you choose to use loose leafed tea it's easiest to use a tea ball or other infuser which must be big enough to let the leaves expand during brewing (the time during which the tea releases its flavour into the water).

Heating the water and the pot

The water must be freshly boiled not just warmed and no second boilings please. Each time the water is boiled it will lose oxygen and affect the taste of the tea.

Be sure to warm the pot by swirling a little hot water around the pot before putting in the tea and water.

How much tea do I use?

If you are trying a tea for the first time it is wise to follow the directions on the box for the amount of tea to use and brewing time. The tea companies have spent many hours researching the best way to enjoy their teas. If there are no instructions the best formula to use is 1 teabag or one rounded teaspoon of loose tea per person taking tea.

Brewing time

If the instructions for brewing tea are not on the box the table below should help:

Black tea

Kenya	2-3 minutes
Ceylon	3 minutes
Darjeeling	2-3 minutes
Assam	3-4 minutes
Lapsang Souchong	4-5 minutes

Green tea

Jasmine	2-3 minutes
Sencha	2-2 1/2 minutes
Genmaicha	3-4 minutes
Gunpowder	3-4 minutes

Other teas

Oolong tea

5-7 minutes

Milk, first or last, and sugar?

Yes, there is a difference. Personally we add the milk first. Some teas are best enjoyed with no milk at all. As for sugar — again personal choice.

Please, please, please use a teapot. Do not even attempt to make tea in a cup or mug.

Storing Tea

Tea should always be stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Never place tea next to anything with a strong flavour or scent.

Let's cut to the chase:

Buy a good quality tea.
Use a teapot.
Make sure the water is boiling before putting it in the teapot.
Brew for the recommended time, and to stop your pot getting cold use a tea cozy or cosey.
Pour, relax, enjoy.