Making the perfect cup of tea

It’s important to start with a good quality tea and good quality water.

• Different types of tea require different temperatures of water - black teas need water that is just to the boiling point.  This however is too hot for green or white teas.  Green teas need the water to be just to simmering, and the water for White tea should be slightly below a simmer.
• Spring water or bottled water is recommended because water with additives will produce an off taste.  We do not recommend using distilled water, as it lacks the natural minerals that help produce the perfect cup.
• It’s important not to restrict the tea leaves as they open up to their original size while in the hot water.  Restricting the tea leaves can produce an off flavor or a less than full flavor.  We recommend not using a tea ball to hold the tea; instead you should put the tea directly into the tea pot and add the hot water to the pot.  Never put the tea pot on the burner.  You can however, use a tea warmer.
• Keep in mind that with the good quality tea sold by Your Tea Needs, you get three infusions out of the tea.  Just increase the infusion time by one minute for each subsequent infusion.
• Because you get three infusions from our tea, it’s easy to decaffeinate it.  Simply put the tea in the pot, add the hot water and in 60 seconds pour the liquid down the drain.  80% of the caffeine comes out in the first infusion and you have naturally decaffeinated your tea without using chemicals.  You now have two more infusions you can drink.
• The following is a good method to start with, and then adjust to your taste.

Method

1.      The tea pot should be a good quality glass, clay or ceramic tea pot.  For each cup of tea place one rounded teaspoon in the tea pot.

2.      Add the hot water at the proper temperature for the type of tea you are making.

3.      Infusion times vary depending on the type of tea:

• White tea: 2 minutes.
• Green tea: 3 minutes.
• Black tea: 5 minutes.

4.      Depending on the tea pot being used, pour the tea directly into the tea cup or mug, or pour it through a strainer into the cup.

5.      When you are ready for another cup, repeat the process.

6.      Find a quiet place to enjoy your tea.  Notice its color and clarity.  What fragrance does the finished liquid have?  Enjoy its subtle aftertaste.  This time is for you, so relax and enjoy it.