Brewing Loose-Leaf Tea at Home

A pot of black tea needs three things: the right water temperature, the right amount of leaf and a timer. Most bitter cups come from water that is too hot or leaves left in too long.

Makes a 1-litre pot (4 cups) · Prep 5 min · Steep 3–5 min

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons (8–12 g) loose-leaf black tea
• 1 litre freshly drawn cold water
• Milk, lemon slices or sugar to taste

Method

1. Bring the water to a boil and pour a little into the teapot to warm it, then pour it away.
2. Put the leaves in the pot or in a large infuser basket.
3. Pour the freshly boiled water over the leaves and start a timer.
4. Steep for 3 minutes for a lighter cup, up to 5 for a strong one.
5. Strain the leaves out when the time is up so the pot does not turn bitter.
6. Serve with milk, lemon or sugar.

Leaves unfurling in the infuser basket.

Water temperature and time for other teas

• Green tea: 75–80 °C, 2–3 minutes.
• White tea: 80–85 °C, 3–4 minutes.
• Oolong: 85–95 °C, 3–5 minutes.
• Herbal infusions: freshly boiled water, 5–7 minutes.

A second pot

Many green teas and oolongs can be steeped a second time; add a minute to the steeping time.