How to Make Proper English Tea
Nothing is as English as a proper pot of tea. It's an easy treat, requiring about 15 minutes, and more attention than tools. Tea is a perfect start for your day, leaving you alert and not jittery. Afternoon tea is a great cure for afternoon lag. High tea (or meat tea) is a more substantial meal, usually served as early supper. Finally, a nice cuppa is also a great way to warm up and wind down before bed. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tea pot
- Tea kettle
- Loose black tea
- Tea cosy (optional, but very useful)
- Infuser or strainer (optional)
- Spoons and cups
- Milk
- Sugar
Instructions
-
-
1
Put two to three cups of water in your tea kettle and heat the water to boiling. Pour this water into your tea pot and put the lid (and cosy) on. This will warm the tea pot, which will help your tea to brew well and stay hot.
-
2
Put as much water into your tea kettle as you need for your tea. Start this water heating.
-
-
3
Empty the hot water from your tea pot. Add your tea to the warm pot, or to a removable infuser that will sit inside the pot and allow the tea to expand fully. Use about 1 tsp. per 8 oz. of water, or to taste, plus "one for the pot."
-
4
Pour fully boiling water into your tea pot. Pour the water as soon as it boils and do not allow it to sit and bubble any longer than necessary.
-
5
Place your tea cosy (if using) over the pot. Allow the tea to steep for about 4 minutes, or to taste. Pour it into cups, using the strainer if your tea is loose in the pot.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use good loose tea and keep it fresh by storing it in a tea caddy. Proper English tea is always made by the pot, not by the cup. Heavy stoneware teapots retain heat the best. A tea cosy is traditional. It will keep your teapot and tea warm. Always add milk to your cups before pouring tea. Use milk, not cream. Black tea is traditional, but you might want to try green, white or oolong. Lemon is not proper with English tea.
Use slightly cooler water to brew other tea types, 180 to 185 degrees F for green or white, and 190 to 195 degrees F for oolong. If you put your loose tea directly in the pot, strain and serve as soon as possible to avoid bitterness. Tea bags are neither recommended nor proper. If you must use tea bags, use them in the pot, leave them in for less than a minute, and remove them before leaving the kitchen.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pbr, Upton Tea Imports
