How To Get The Best Results Making Tea

Welcome to the adventure of making tea. To make a pot of tea, certain utensils are important.  A teapot is a must.  There are so many varieties of teapots that choosing one (or two) can be quite an adventure.  The famous Yixing teapots of China to the British Betty Brown – there’s something for everyone out there.  It’s important that your teapot is the right size for your needs and that it pours well – and last but not least, that you really like its color and design.

The next item on your list is a water jug or kettle.  Again, there are so many different varieties of kettles on the market.  An electric one is very useful, especially the ones where the heating element inside the kettle is covered – this makes it way easier to clean the insides.  A jug is taller, a kettle is wider – a consideration when room on your kitchen counter is an issue.  As with the teapot, buy a jug or kettle which meets your size, color and design requirements. A measuring spoon is nice but no doubt you have one in your kitchen drawer.

Ultimately we come to the tea itself.  Many tea connoisseurs swear by loose tea and turn their nose up at tea bags.  However, there are now some wonderful tea bags out there.  It’s important that the tea leaves have room to expand (up to 5 times their size) so that their full aroma and taste can best develop.  Therefore, it’s a good thing when a teapot has an infuser in it.  Small tea eggs are really not the way to go.  Some special tea bags are made to make sure the tea leaves have room to expand.   The choice of tea is a very personal matter –buying a good quality tea us important.  It’s also a great thing to experiment with different varieties of teas. Whether your tea is expensive or cheap, brewing it correctly brings out the best taste.

Now we’re set to go.  Always use fresh cold water for tea.  Most teas need boiling water.  Pour a little into your teapot and swirl it around to coat the sides.  Then discard it.  Now it’s time to put the tea in.  The basic measurement is one teaspoon of tea per person and one for the pot.  So if you have four people for tea, then you need to put five teaspoons of tea into your teapot.  Now pour the boiling water onto the tea leaves of tea bags. They should stay infused in the water for 3-5 minutes, depending on the choice of tea.  The longer you leave the leaves in the water, the stronger – and often more bitter – the tea becomes.  After the correct time, take out the leaves (the tea egg, tea bag(s) or tea infuser).  Your tea is ready to drink.  Put the teapot on a nice tray with your favorite cups and saucers, a jug of lemon or fresh cold milk (not cream), a sugar bowl.  This is an impressive and great way to serve tea.  Of course, you can include small sandwiches, or a cake, tart or buns for added pleasure.

You will soon appreciate the benefits of making tea the best way.  It is an experience in itself, but most importantly, have a good time and enjoy and savor your tea.