Making a perfect cuppa tea can be as easy as 1,2,3. Following these three steps will insure a perfect pot every time.

Step 1: Heat The Water

Quality bottled water or filtered water is key to great tasting tea. As you heat the water, make sure it does not over boil, because it will loose oxygen and make the tea taste flat. ( An electric kettle with automatic shut-off will help prevent this from occurring.) The type of tea that you choose will determine the water temperature.

Black Teas: Just coming to a boil – approx. 212 degrees
Oolong Teas: A little less than boiling – approx. 195 degrees
Green Teas: Just before boiling – approx. 180 degrees
Herbals/Tisanes: Boiling – approx. 210 degrees

While the water is heating, make sure to heat your teapot with warm water and drain just before making the tea.

Step 2: Use Tea Infuser Sock

Place a tea sock or infuser into your warmed teapot. The tea sock is best because it allows room for the leaves to expand during the steeping process. Metal infusers have a tendency to give the tea a metallic taste.

Step 3: Use Quality Loose Leaf Tea

Measure the amount of tea, and add to the tea sock. Pour hot water over the tea and place teapot lid on top of tea sock. Set tea timer for specific infusion time. As a guideline use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup, or 3 tablespoons per teapot.

Steeping Times:

Black Teas: 3 to 4 minutes
Oolong Teas: 1 1⁄2 to 2 1⁄2 minutes
Green Teas: 1 1⁄2 to 2 minutes
Herbal Teas: 5 to 7 minutes
Tisanes: 7 to 8 minutes
Chai Teas: 5 minutes

For stronger tea, add more tea leaves, but do not increase the infusion time.

When the timer rings, remove the tea sock and place the lid on the teapot. Now you are ready to enjoy that perfect cuppa tea.