Freshly Brewed Tea

Whether you use loose tea or tea bags, the preparation method is the same. Start with a spotlessly clean teapot made of glass, china or earthenware. Add rapidly boiling water, and allow to stand a few minutes to "hot the pot". Pour out just before before brewing the tea.

Heat cold water to a full rolling boil. (use water from the cold-water tap; water from the hot-water tap may contain mineral deposits from water pipes that can affect the flavor of the tea.)

Add tea to the warm pot, allowing 1 teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag for each cup tea. Pour boiling water over tea (3/4 cup for each cup of tea); let stand 3 to 5 minutes to bring out the full flavor. Stir tea once to ensure uniform strength. Do not judge the strength of tea by its color; you must taste it. Strain the tea, or remove tea bags. Serve wtih sugar and milk or lemon if desired.