(by Dr. Sharon Hall, head UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA).
- Use a good quality tea bag or loose-leaf tea and store your tea in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid storing tea next to strongly flavored or perfumed foods.
- Always use freshly drawn water and consider using a water filter. Tap water may be hard or soft and this can affect the taste of the tea.
- Use one tea bag or one rounded teaspoon of loose tea for each cup or mug.
- Smart boil. Using your mug, measure out the water you need for the number of cuppas you are making and just boil that. This will help save on energy costs and will ensure a good flavor tea which develops best when made with freshly boiled water. The lack of oxygen bubbles in re-boiled water can give the tea a flat taste.
- Allow the tea to brew for the recommended time before pouring, always read the instructions on the pack and if you're brewing tea from a bag in a mug, adding milk last is best.
- Most black teas should be brewed for 3-4 minutes, while Lapsang Souchong black tea tastes best after 4-5 minutes. Brew green tea for 3-4 minutes and oolong tea for 3-5 minutes, depending on your strength preference.
- Remove the bag after brewing, before adding the milk.
- Put your feet up, relax and enjoy.