A good cup of tea and the pleasure you derive from it depends entirely on the method of brewing.
The best of teas can be ruined if left exposed, brewed with Chlorinated water, or overboiled. Good tea should also be enjoyed with right accessories. Connoisseurs dispute over exact temperature of the water, the quantity of leaf per cup (and for the pot), and how long the infusion should brew.
We give below ways to brew a good cup of tea. However, tea is best appreciated on its own. Personal preferences may permit the addition of small quantities of milk, sugar or lemon to taste. It is always necessary to adjust the quantity of tea per cup, approximately 2 grams, according to type, size and preference. Fine tuning in terms of brewing time (3 to 5 minutes) is often rewarding.
Bring freshly drawn water to boil but do not overboil or use previously boiled water as it will reduce the oxygen content resulting in a flat and dull tasting cup of tea.
Warm the teapot by rinsing with hot water. For each cup of tea required, put one teaspoonful tea and one extra for the pot. In case of tea bags, use one tea bag for every cup of tea or alternatively use one teabag per person plus one teabag for the teapot.
Bring the teapot to the kettle and pour the boiling water on the tea leaves and allow to infuse for 3-5 minutes. Stir well and serve hot or chilled and add milk, sugar, lemon or mint according to personal preference. For flavoured teas, please drink only tea liquor and do not add milk, lemon or mint. Sugar can be added if required.
