THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA

	How tea is meant to be served* ! “Tea is offered by the women of the house. One pours the tea into the cup, another will pass this cup on to the guest, holding the sugar bowl complete with sugar tongs in the other hand; while a third woman follows her with the milk jug and the plate of cakes. Brandy, Rum or Kirsch is brought for those who do not take milk.” – Baronne Staffe *(remember, it was 1894 – but we like the Brandy and Rum ideas)   TIP If you feel your tea is too strong then you should add water to your cup as opposed to the teapot

TEA 101

Although there are many different kinds of tea, they can be divided into 2 major categories, Black (Orange Pekoe) and Green Teas. Both types come from the camellia sinensis plant, but they differ in flavor and color because Black Teas are allowed to ferment, while Green Teas are steamed to arrest fermentation.

The basic “recipe” for making tea has remained largely unchanged for many years. While the basic recipe may not have changed there are many variations on this classic beverage.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA

The formula may look rather scientific but the instructions are easy-to-follow – so why not give it a try.

The good news is that you need only spare a few minutes to make the perfect brew.

Instructions:

1. Boil freshly drawn and freshly boiled water to more than 98.5 degrees centigrade.
2. Pour the freshly boiled water onto the bag (in the cup) and brew for two minutes.
3. Squeeze the bag against the side of the cup with a spoon for two seconds.
4. Stir once, then squeeze for a further two seconds.
5. Remove bag.
6. (optional for milky tea) Add milk to tea last. For standard 270ml mug, optimum amount of milk is 16ml.

The key things to remember are to make sure you boil fresh water to more than 98.5 degrees centigrade, as it’s only temperatures in excess of this that can efficiently extract flavour from the leaf. Water should be fresh and not previously boiled to maximise the oxygen content. Also, despite a common misconception which dates back to when we all used tea leaves brewed in pots, milk should be added after the tea bag has brewed, otherwise it will lower the temperature from the optimum level and affect the brewing process.

TEA FLAVORS & RECIPES

It used to be more complicated to change the basic flavors of Tea but now our grocery shelves are filled with flavor and style options, and the choices are as tasty as they are numerous.

For more on tea visit the experts at TETLEY.CA »