Making a cup of tea
Probably one of the most important tasks that can be carried out when undertaking diy. A simple yet crucial journey—making the perfect cup of tea. With patience and precision, you too can master the art of tea brewing, turning a simple beverage into a warm, soothing experience. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Boil Water
Firstly, we must heat our water.
- Fill your kettle with 235ml (1 cup) or 300ml (1 Mug) of fresh, cold water. Cold water carries more oxygen and will provide a fresh taste to your tea.
Step 2: Preheat Your Tea Cup or Pot (optional)
Never underestimate the power of a pre-warmed cup or pot. This step assures that your tea remains at an ideal temperature for longer.
- Pour a bit of the boiling water into your tea cup or pot.
- Swirl it around to thoroughly warm the inside, and then discard the water.
Step 3: Add Tea Leaves/Bags
Next, let’s move on to the tea itself.
For those using loose leaf tea:
- Add about 3 grams (a tablespoon) to your pot or infuser.
For bagged tea:
- Simply place one tea bag into your cup.
Step 4: Pour Water over Leaves/Bags
Now, pour the rest of your hot water directly over the tea leaves or bag.
- Aim to fully submerge the tea in water, enabling all the leaves to unfurl and release their flavours.
Step 5: Let It Steep
This is where patience truly becomes a virtue. Each type of tea has its specific steeping time:
- Black tea: 3-5 minutes.
- Green tea: 1-3 minutes.
- White tea: 2-5 minutes.
- Herbal teas: 5 minutes or more.
During this time, the water is absorbing all the flavours from the tea. Be patient and let nature take its course.
It’s possible to mash the tea to speed up the process however you run the risk of releasing too many tannins which could turn the tea bitter.
Step 6: Remove Tea Leaves/Bags
After your tea has steeped for the desired time, remove the tea leaves or bag from your cup. Leaving it in for longer will result in tannins being released which will create a bitter taste.
Step 7: Add Your Desired Milk and Sugar
Now, add any additional flavourings such as milk, lemon or sugar. Remember, the key is balance, so add to taste and carefully not to overwhelm the natural gifts of the tea.
Congratulations! You’ve now got a perfectly brewed cup of tea.
Making a satisfying cup of tea is a simple process, but every step counts. As with many things in life, the art is in the detail. So, steep carefully, sip slowly, and savour every moment. Enjoy!
