HOW TO BREW TEA WITH A TEAPOT

What You’ll Need:

• Electric kettle
• Teapot
• Tea bags or loose leaf tea
• Tea strainer or tea filter (for loose leaf tea)
• Teacups

Brew Time:

3-7 Minutes

Brewing tea properly is an art form. Many cultures around the world have their own traditional methods of brewing tea, but this is the bog standard version, for new comers to the wonder that is good tea.

Steps

1. First, what kind of water are you using? Only use filtered water so your tea flavor is fully realized. While tap water will do, tap water additives like chlorine and fluoride can mess with the balance of a great cup of tea
2. Boil water with an electric kettle, boiling more than you will need for the actual teapot. Once the water is boiled pour some water into your teapot and into your teacups to heat them up. This prevents the temperature of your tea from dropping so rapidly when you serve the tea. After a couple of minutes (once your cups and teapot are warm) dump the water.
3. Add the tea to the pot. The old rule used to be of one for the pot, and one for each person. If using tea leaves, measuring out the leaves with a teaspoon. Otherwise use a tea bag for each person. Nowadays we drink tea somewhat weaker. Experiment, and discover your own preference.
4. Add the boiling water - Always use freshly boiling water for a superior brew. Using re-boiled water gives a peculiarly lifeless taste to the brew.
5. Allow the tea to steep for the amount of time indicated on the packaging. We recommend the following. Set a timer for the best results.<
   • Herbal Infusions: 7 minutes
   • Black Teas: 5 minutes
   • Oolong Teas: 4 minutes
   • Green Teas: 3 minutes
6. Pour it in.If using leaves, remember to put a strainer over the cups - tea leaves taste foul!
7. Put a tea-cosy over the pot between cups,to keep the tea warm. Don't let it stand around for too long or the tea will end up tasting very strong. Hardened tea drinkers like this strong bitter taste which comes from the tannins released - but most tea drinkers prefer the subtlety of the fresh brew.
8. Finished. When the timer goes off, pour your tea into a cup or remove the tea bag and enjoy!

Can You Add Milk or Creamer to Tea?

This is a question of personal preference. Many people enjoy their black or oolong teas with a splash of milk — go ahead and add an amount you enjoy! But avoid adding milk to lighter teas, including white, herbal, or green teas. These are best enjoyed with their natural flavors, and milk can override and muddle the complexity already present in the tea leaves. Avoid adding creamer to tea. Creamer is intended for darker, bolder drinks like coffee. Stick to milk and sugar when brewing tea at home.

How Do You Make Strong Tea?

Contrary to what may seem logical, you should not steep your tea longer than the recommended time in order to produce a stronger flavor. This will only increase the bitterness, or astringency, of your tea. Instead, add another tea bag or more tea leaves to your teapot (try an additional half-teaspoon at first) to increase the strength or potency of your brewed tea.

Why does tea taste better from a teapot?

"If you're using loose leaf tea, then the tea has a wider surface area," Woollard says. "This means it needs space to brew. If you give it that space (in a teapot), then it gives it a rounder and more easy going flavour.

How long should tea sit in teapot?

three to five minutes

Allow to steep for three to five minutes – as a general rule, the smaller the leaf, the shorter the brew. Stir, and if your teapot doesn't have a built-in strainer, use one to serve in your poshest teacup.

Is it OK to put tea bag in kettle?

Do you put tea bags in the kettle? No, you should never put tea bags or loose leaf tea in the kettle. The water should be poured over the tea leaves or tea bag in a cup or teapot. Boiling tea can bring out bitter polyphenols, which can be avoided by pouring the boiling water over the tea and letting it steep.