How to Brew a Pot of Tea Just Right

Tea is the #2 Beverage consumed around the world. #1 is Water! A cup of tea or "spot" of tea has been an important element of cultures and events for centuries. You can enjoy drinking a pot of tea that is just right-- to enjoy yourself or to share with others.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• water
• teapot
• loose tea or tea bags
• teaspoon
• infuser (if desired)
• source of heat
• your favorites, if desired, to add to tea:milk, sugar, lemon, artificial sweetener, etc.

1. If you are using water directly from the tap, allow the water run for 30 seconds or so in order that to have fresh water to start your tea.
2. Warm your teapot:
   Fill your teapot with hot tap water to prevent it from cracking when you pour boiling water into the pot that would otherwise be a room temperature pot. You can pour out the water heating the pot once the pot is warm.
3. )Measure Your Tea:
   Using loose tea? Put about teaspoon of tea leaves per cup into the pot. Using an infuser? The amount of tea to use depends on the type of tea and how you like your tea. Place the infuser in the teapot.
   Using tea bags? Use one tea bag per 1-2 cups, depending on how strong you like your tea.
4. Heat Water to a boil (in a kettle or pan):
   When the water comes to a boil, remove it from the heat right away because continuing to boil the water will lower its oxygen content and your tea could end up tasting flat.
   Immediately pour the water into the pot, cover, and let stand.
   Using green or white tea?, allow the water to cool slightly before pouring onto the
5. Let your tea steep:
   The length of time will vary by tea and by your preferences.
   Tea leaves that are small brew faster.
   Different teas brew to a dark color, others to a light color
   How long to steep depends on how strong you like your tea and the type of tea you're using.
   Even if you like stronger tea, don't let the tea steep for longer than six minutes as it may getter bitter.
   Remove the infuser or tea bags if you are using them- when your tea has steeped to the desired strength.
   Using loose leaves? Hold a strainer over each cup as you pour from the teapot.
6. Keep Your Tea Hot:
   A tea cozy will keep your teapot hot for a while if the teapot will be sitting for a while-but remove loose tea leaves if you are going to use the cozy.
7. Follow these simple tips and you will have a perfect pot of tea from one of the finest brewers of tea...you!
   Now would be a good time for a tea break.

Tips & Warnings

• Tips for adding milk, sugar, and/or lemon-
• Adding lemon and sugar to your tea? Add the sugar first, because the citric acid from the lemon can sometimes keep the sugar from dissolving if you put the lemon in first.
• Cream can affect the taste of the teaso use milk if you like a creaminess to your tea. Pour your milk in, then your tea.
• Taking care of your Teapot: Follow manufacturers guidelines to clean your teapot. If you don't have the directions, follow these general guidelines: a)Don't put your teapot in the dishwasher b)Don't use soap c)Rinse your teapot with hot water and set it to dry, inverted. d)Stains? Fill your teapot with 2t baking soda and boiling water and soak your teapot overnight. Then, be sure to rinse your teapot very well and let it air dry.