How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea
Brewing the perfect cup of tea can truly be an art. Whether you are enjoying a cup at home or out for afternoon tea, here are some tips on how to get your perfect cup every time.
The Basics
- Use fresh and pure water. Tap water that has gone through a filter is usually best.
- Use 1 teaspoon of loose tea or 1 teabag per cup of tea.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil and let it rest for 1-2 minutes if you are using green or white tea. Boiling water is usually suitable for black or herbal teas.
- Time it! Let the tea steep for the right amount of time. Generally, that’s 3 to 5 minutes at most. Longer steeps will result in a more robust flavor, with astringency and bitterness.
- Strain the tea leaves for teapots with a built-in infuser or line a strainer with a paper filter.
Extra Tips
- If you are using a teapot, warm it up with hot water first before filling with tea.
- When steeping, cover your mug or teapot with a cozy to preserve warmth and expedite the brewing time.
- For iced tea, double the amount of tea and use half the amount of water than usual.
- If you want a stronger cup of tea, don’t add more tea leaves. Instead, increase the steeping time.
- If you like your tea sweet, add a few drops of all-natural honey.
Following these simple steps will make sure you get the perfect cup every time. Enjoy!