How To Make A Perfect Cup Of Tea

By: Sharyl Stockstill

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Impress the ladies by learning how to make a perfect cup of tea. Both green tea and black tea contain antioxidants and are healthy for you. It is comforting to curl up with a good cup of hot tea during the winter with your loved one.

You will need:

good water
tap water
tea

Start with good quality water. The water is a key ingredient in making a perfect cup of tea. Water from the tap may have chlorine, minerals and other impurities that will affect the quality of the tea. The water should be fresh and cold. Water that has been boiled before will also affect the taste of your perfect cup of tea. Set the water to boiling. For black tea, the water should reach the rolling boil stage while green tea is brewed at a slightly lower temperature. Green tea water is ready when it begins to steam.
Preheat your teapot or cup while you wait for the water to boil. Hot water from the tap can be used. The idea is to get the container warm so the temperature of the tea water will not drop when poured into the container.
Place one tea bag for each eight ounce cup of tea into the pre-warmed container. Tea bags are convenient and pre-measured; though check the directions on your brand of tea for the correct amount of water. Loose tea leaves can be used by placing them in a special tea ball or by straining the leaves before serving.
Pour boiling water over the tea bag or leaves. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes. Green tea is delicate and will be ready in about three minutes.
Remove the tea bag or strain the tea leaves as soon as the tea has finished brewing. Leaving the tea leaves in the water will make the tea bitter. Do not squeeze the tea bag as this will produce a bitter aftertaste.