Brewing the Perfect Cuppa

1.  Start with good, fully oxygenated water.  Let the tap run for several minutes or use bottled or spring water.  Avoid tasteless filtered water.

2.  "Hot the Pot."  Pour hot water into your teapot to warm it before you make your tea.

3.  For each cup of tea, add 1 teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag.  If you like your tea fairly strong, include "1 for the pot."  Don't overfill the mesh tea balls; the tea will expand on contact with water.

4.  Heat the water until it is boiling.  However, if you are making delicate green or white tea, use water that is almost, but not quite, boiling.  Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves or bags.

5.  Steeping time is critical!  Oversteeped tea will become bitter from the tannins.  For black and flavored teas, steep 3-5 minutes.  Herbal teas may take a bit longer.  For green, white and oolong tea, steep only 1-3 minutes.

6.  Remove the tea or tea bags from the pot.  Resist the urge to squeeze the tea bags - what you wring out will make your wonderful tea bitter.  Please, take the pledge and just say no to squeezing!  You'll just get bitter tannins, not good tea!

7.  Relax and enjoy your perfect cuppa!                                                             Information provided by Lavender Lane Gifts & Tea, (540) 887-7528 / lavender@lavlane.com