Making the Perfect Cup of Tea

Since teabags were introduced into the UK in 1953 by Tetley, the art of making tea has been on the decline for some time. Many tea drinkers haven’t even used loose tea or a tea pot to make their favourite drink, instead choosing to mash a bag of low quality tea into a mug. The difference in taste quality is quite significant and is one of the reasons Victorian tea lovers originally rejected the idea of teabags in 1908.

To make a cup of tea to the old standard loose tea must be used. If you’re going to go to the trouble of making a proper tea it is worthwhile paying a little extra and buying some high quality tea. When buying loose tea make sure to pick up a tea strainer too. Preparing tea without a bag can be a little tricky at first.

Other essentials you are going to need are a tea pot (obviously), cup, milk and sugar to taste. The first step to making a cup of tea is boiling fresh water. Make sure to boil enough water for every cup of tea you’d like along with some extra so that you can warm the pot.

Warming the pot is one of the steps in tea making that has been lost since the introduction of tea bags. Swirling hot water around the pot and pouring away before putting the tea in helps to keep the tea warm.

Adding a teaspoon full of tea leaves per cup of tea you are making is a good target to aim for. Pour the boiling hot water over the tea and make sure there is enough to cover each cup of tea you are making. Place the lid back on the tea pot to keep the heat in and cover with a cosy if you have one. Let the tea brew for up to four minutes and pour.

Find out more about teaware and tableware for your needs.