Preparing Tea

Tea is only as good as its preparation. When making black tea, first warm the pot with boiling water, and then discard this water. Place the tea leaves in the empty warmed pot, then pour fresh, boiling water over the leaves. Using stale, less then boiling, or reboiled water can adversely affect the taste of the tea. Begin by using one teaspoon per cup (8 oz.) of water, and brew for 4-5 minutes, being careful not to over brew. The bitterness some people associate with tea typically results from over-brewing. Over time, you may adjust these directions to suit your own tastes. Preparing tea properly is not hard, but timing and temperature are crucial.

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
-Henry James