Tip of the week: How to make a proper cup of tea

Use loose tea. Though most tea comes in bags, that’s often a sign of low quality, “since they can hold broken leaves or leaf dust.” Buy tea loose and tea bags separately.

Brew it right. There is a correct way to heat the water. For black tea, use boiling water. But for “more delicate green and white tea,” let the water cool for a few minutes. “Always add the water to the leaves instead of the reverse.”

Be color-conscious. Bone china is not necessary—you can serve it in anything whose inside is white enough to “discern from the color of the tea that it has been properly steeped.”

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Recycle and store. Good tea can, and should, be re-brewed. “The flavor evolves with each pass.” Tea stored in an airtight container can be used for up to a year. Darker teas fare better than white and green ones.

Source: Portfolio.com