How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea - The Short Version. (The Longer, More Detailed Version is below.)
- Add cold water to the kettle and put it on to boil.
- Warm the teapot or cup by filling it with warm tap water.
- Fill the tea ball or infuser loosely, allowing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup. (If you like a stronger cup, go for 1 tsp. or more. Do not add to brewing time. That will make the tea bitter.)
- Empty the pot of warming water and add tea ball.
- Pour boiling water into teapot. Allow to steep.
- Black tea 3-5 minutes
- Green tea (almost, but not quite boiling water) 3 minutes
- Fruit infusions 5-10 minutes
- Enjoy! (If you prefer pictures to walk you through it, keep scrolling. I'm a visual learner, so I understand.)
Step 1: Choose your favorite cup or pot. (The sunny window and flowers on the sill are a bonus! Please ignore the actual windows.) For best results, pre-warm the cup or pot with warm tap water.
Step 2: Check that you have one of these infusers (or maybe it's a tea ball at your house).
Step 3: Don't worry if you don't have an infuser or tea ball. Use these (or whatever brand of empty tea bag you can find - these, of course are available at Burdett's Tea Shop. Coincidentally, the super cool to-go cup came from Burdett’s too!).
Step 4: If you pre-warmed the cup, pour that water out. Measure out appropriate amount of tea into infuser, ball or bag. How much is appropriate? Per cup, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (or get this handy Spoon Measure at - that's right - Burdett's Tea Shop). The go-cup I'm using is more like 2 cups so I doubled. If you like stronger, use more tea. Do not add to brew time. Adding time makes the tea bitter.
Step 5: Pour boiling water into cup. (Almost boiling if it's green tea.)
Step 6: And this is the hardest one...WAIT.
Black tea 3-5 minutes
Green tea 3 minutes
Fruit infusions 5-10 minutes
I was brewing Burdett's House Blend, so I waited for THREE LONG MINUTES...
Step 7: Remove infuser from water. Do not double dunk.
Step 8: Use whatever add-ins you like and that pair well with your tea...milk, lemon, orange slices, mint, sweetener. Local honey is always a fine choice!
Step 9: Sip. Breathe. Relax. Enjoy.