Preparing and storing tea

There is a number of preliminary and important steps to ensure a high quality brew. Firstly, it is important to select the right water.

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Selecting water

Tap water may be suitable if it does not contain too much chlorine, although it is preferable to use spring water with a low mineral content and a high quality teapot which has been brown with age according to the appropriate tea (black, green or scented).

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Warm the teapot

The teapot must be warmed first using hot water. After a few minutes, the water is taken out and the tea placed in the warmed teapot. The correct proportion is two grams (approximately a teaspoon) per cup for black tea – or for greater ease of use, one teabag which has already been measured to contain two grams.

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Allow to infuse

Simmering – not boiling – water is then poured into the teapot. The tea is allowed to brew for three to five minutes. For white tea, allow five to ten minutes.

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Strainer

The tea is then removed to prevent excessive brewing. Teabags make this simpler, although for loose-leaf tea, a strainer is recommended to make the operation easier. A tea strainer is preferable to a tea brewer in which tea leaves do not fully offer their taste.

Storing tea

Tea must be protected from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. An airtight metal tin is perfect for loose-leaf tea and will allow you to enjoy your beverage for several months. Tea available in Oppalyte fresh-sealed teabags are a simple solution to the concern to preserve tea flavours under optimum conditions.