Golden Rules of Leaf Tea Brewing
- Always start with freshly drawn cold water and only heat it the once.
- Tea needs good hot water to brew properly so always warm your teapot with a splash of hot water first.
- Measure the tea carefully. The strength of a tea should be determined by the amount of tea you put in the pot, not by the brewing time.
- Pour on the water at boiling point. Brew for 4-5 minutes to bring out the best flavours.
- Once the tea has brewed, strain and pour immediately.
Strong Traditional Teas
The traditional English cuppa is made from small-leaf black teas to give a really rich brew such as English Breakfast or Assam. These teas are most often drunk with milk and brewed strong.
- 3-4 tsp leaf tea per 6-cup teapot 3-4
- 3-4 teabags per 6-cup teapot 3-4
- Water temperature: Boiling - 100°C
- Brew time 4-5 minutes
- Add milk
Light Traditional Teas
Traditional afternoon tea requires something a little more delicate. Famous blends like Earl Grey and our own Afternoon blend use larger leaf teas that have a softer character.
- 1-2 tsp leaf tea per 6-cup teapot
- 1 teabag per 6-cup teapot
- Water temperature: Off-the-boil - 90°C
- Brew time 4-5 minutes
- Milk optional
Brewing Flavoured Black Teas
Flavoured black teas are flavoured with fruit and flower pieces and can be brewed fairly strong and drunk with milk, or made lighter and drunk without.
- 2-3 tsp leaf tea per 6-cup teapot
- 2 teabags per 6-cup teapot
- Water temperature: Boiling - 100°C
- Brew time 4-5 minutes
- Milk Optional