Tea Recipe

Heat the water

Bring 12 fl oz (about 350 ml) of fresh, cold water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan. Use fresh water for best oxygen content and flavor.

Warm the teapot or mug

Pour a small amount of the boiling water into the teapot or mug, swirl to warm, then discard the warming water. This helps maintain proper brewing temperature.

Add tea leaves

Place 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf black tea into the teapot infuser or directly into the warmed teapot/mug.

Pour water over leaves

Immediately pour the just-boiled water (approx 12 fl oz) over the tea leaves to fully saturate them.

Steep

Allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on desired strength: 3 minutes for a lighter cup, 4 minutes for medium, 5 minutes for a robust brew. Cover the teapot or place a saucer over the mug to retain heat while steeping.

Strain

If using loose leaves directly in the pot or mug, pour the tea through a strainer into cups. If using an infuser, remove it from the pot or mug to prevent over-steeping.

Taste the brewed tea and decide on additions. If using milk, warm or add 2 tablespoons to the cup and stir. If using sugar or honey, add up to 1 teaspoon and stir until dissolved. If preferring lemon, squeeze one wedge into the cup (do not add lemon and milk together).

Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy plain or with your chosen additions.

Leftover brewed tea can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours and enjoyed cold or gently reheated. Discard after 24 hours.