Preparing the perfect cup of tea
This is a process that has been used for hundreds of years, tea is produced by countries all over the world, tea comes in many different shapes and sizes from full leaf O.P. (Orange Pekoe) and T.G.F.O.P (Tippy Golden Flowering Orange Pekoe) to P.F (Pekoe Fannings).
Water
The quality of tea is affected by the quality of water used to prepare it. Using filtered or bottled water is best. If possible, avoid brewing tea with distilled or mineral water, tap water in hard water areas can change the taste of a tea and increase staining effect of teas.
Preheated Pot
Many people think warming the teapot is old fashioned, but infact it helps the tea to infuse as it helps to keep the temperature of the water constant making superior tasting tea. While the water is heating, pour some hot water into your teapot and cups, let sit and then drain completely. If using bone china, before adding water from the kettle warming the teapot or cups by running under a hot tap or putting a teaspoon in the cups or teapot will help to stop your best china cracking.
Whole Loose Leaf
Using a teapot (with or without an infuser), use one to two teaspoons per 12 ounces or cup of water. Many of our teas are good for multiple infusions such as the oolongs. Simply add more hot water to the leaves and increase infusion times. The infusion of tea like coffee, is a very personal thing, which depends on ones individual preference. Although we recommend the proportions and infusion times below, you can experiment depending upon your own flavour and strength preference. With practice, you will discover the right steeping time for each tea and what works best for you.
Suggested Infusion Times
| Tea Type |
per 12oz Water |
Infusion Time |
| Black tea |
1 teaspoon |
3-4 mins |
| Formosa Oolong |
2 teaspoons |
3-4 mins |
| Green tea |
1-2 teaspoons |
3 mins |
| White tea |
2 teaspoons |
3-4 mins |
| Black base fruit teas |
1-2 teaspoons |
3-4 mins |
| Herb tea |
2 teaspoons |
4 mins |
| Fruit pots |
2 teaspoons |
4-5 mins |
Green Tea
For brewing green tea, you can also bring water to a roiling boil, and then let it sit for 1-2 minutes before steeping to attain the proper water temperature.
Storage
Light, temperature, and odours can affect the quality of tea. To maintain freshness tea must be stored properly. Use an airtight, opaque container, tea preferes to be kept in a dark & dry environment, but away from direct sunlight. As excessive heat and strong odours can compromise the tea’s flavour, keep away from stoves or other strong smelling foods.
If stored properly, teas retain their quality for extended periods. The higher quality green teas will loose their freshness within a year, so it is best to drink them more quickly. At The Tea Junction, we work hard to ensure the freshness & flavour of our teas