Buy the best quality tea you can afford. Try different varieties
of tea to make a change; some of the most interesting types are listed on
the " types " page.
Tea loses flavour when exposed to the air, so when you open a packet
transfer the tea to an airtight container. Teabags should be treated
the same way.
Always take fresh water from the cold tap; this makes a surprising
difference to the taste of the tea.
Just before the water comes to the boil, pour some into the teapot
to warm it. Pour out all the water when the teapot is thoroughly
heated.
Add the amount of tea required; the old saying " one teaspoon per
person and one for the pot " is generaly right, although some tea experts
recommend one teaspoon per cup.
Pour the water over the tea as soon as it comes to the boil and wait
for three minutes, or a little longer if using tea with a fairly large
leaf.
The tea is now ready to pour. You can strain it into the
cups or pour straight from the teapot.
Serve with milk or lemon and sugar, or try the tea by
itself.