Tips on Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

Tea brewed in a ceramic, china or glass teapot creates a superior overall taste to teas brewed from teabags. Why is that? Loose-leaf tea steeped in a pot, tea press or permanent open tea filter (cup size or larger), allows the leaves to expand on contact with boiling water and infuse completely. The more delicate the tea or the larger the tea leaf, the more obvious the difference. But regardless of the subtle difference to the seasoned tea drinker, any loose-leaf tea brewed correctly in a pot or large press, is sure to add the "romance" of the occassion and to guest satisfaction.

• Always use fresh cold water. For black teas - bring to a rolling boil, pour over the tea leaves, then cover. For green teas - stop short of boiling the water to avoid killing the more delicate leaf, and steep for a shorter period than black tea.
• Measure approximately one teaspoon for each serving. When preparing more than four servings, an extra teaspoon "for the pot" may be added.
• Generally the larger the leaf, the longer the steeping time required to achieve optimum leaf infusion. Smaller leaf grades will "color" quicker and will become bitter if left to steep too long. Steeping times will vary depending on the type of tea.
• Black teas: 3 - 5 minutes (add an extra minute to loose black teas; black teas prepared in automatic tea or coffee brewers; or black or green tea brewed in the new "air pot" infuser.)
• Ceylon teas and oolong teas: up to 7 minutes.
• Green teas, white teas and yellow teas: 3 minutes.

Many people already recognize that drinking tea promotes a healthy lifestyle. But until now, many did not understand exactly how best to prepare the loose-leaf tea. Now you know. With just these few tips, anyone can brew the perfect cup, making tea drinking not only a healthy, but also a pleasurable experience.

Health Benefits

"Current research shows tea contains specific antioxidants and health promoting ingredients, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer…." (American Health Foundation)

Read more about the health benefits of tea.