The Perfect Cup of Tea
A little bit of effort can transform the tea-drinking experience
Is there a perfect way to drink tea?
I believe that it is all about personal preference. But there are some key tricks in the preparation that will help you to get the very best from tea.
How should tea be stored?
Tea absorbs moisture and kitchen odours. To keep your tea fresh and avoid spoiling the flavour, store loose tea or teabags in a sealed packet. Store in a cool (but not cold) dry place. Best in your favourite kitchen cupboard but never in refrigerator.
How do I make the perfect cup/pot of tea?
For Darjeeling 1st & 2nd Flush, Green, White, Oolong, Jasmine, Rose and Tulsi teas:
These are the Golden Rules:
- Never use strainer (metal or plastic) - just let the tea leaves play inside your cup . Then will get the flavour coming through.
- Use a little bit more than 1/2 tea spoon for one cup of tea.
- Strictly no milk or sugar .
- Pour on freshly boiled water ( 100 deg) then add a splash of cold water ( this will bring down the temp to 80 or 90 degrees and extra oxygen ) Tea loves oxygen!
- Allow tea to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes . Enjoy!
- Use the leaves twice .
- Please don't through tea leaves into the bin -- they make excellent compost .
- Please clean your favourite tea pot once in a month!
For Masala Chai (tea bags):
These are the Golden Rules:
- One tea bag for each person
- Add honey on top of the tea bags - two squeezes or 1 teaspoon
- Pour on freshly boiled water (100 deg) - honey will melt faster for immediate taste burst
- Add milk (whole milk /soya milk ) for best taste
- Add freshly grated ginger to taste
- Add two twists of freshly ground black pepper
- Allow the teabag to brew for two and a half to three minutes . This allows the flavour to fully develop
- Keep tea bag in cup while drinking
For Assam and English Breakfast teas:
The Golden Rules:
- Use a strainer
- For each person , use 1/2 tea spoon for a cup or one flat tea spoon if using a tea pot
- Pour on freshly boiled water
- Add milk (semi-skimmed or skimmed otherwise the taste will over power ) or serve without milk
- Allow 2 to 3 minutes infusion time
For House Blend:
The Golden Rules :
- Use Strainer
- Measure one flat tea spoon for one cup
- Pour on freshly boiled water
- Add milk (strictly skimmed or semi-skimmed milk otherwise the taste will over power ) or serve without milk
- Add honey to taste (my personal recommendation )
- Brew for two and half to three minutes