How to Prepare a Great Cup of Tea

Simple techniques for steeping whole leaf tea can make the difference between a good cup of tea and a great one. That said, feel free to adjust all the rules to your personal preferences! The most important thing is to enjoy your tea and enjoy the company in which you drink it.

* Use fresh, cold water rather than hot tap water or microwaved water. Microwaving affects the oxygen in the water and can lead to a flat-tasting cup of tea.

* Heat the water to the proper temperature for the tea you are preparing. Each of Keria Teas' selections includes this information, but in general boiling water is recommended for black teas, darker oolongs, and most herbal tisanes. Lower temperatures, between 160° and 195°, are suggested for white, green, and light oolong teas.

* While the water is heating, use a little of it to preheat your teapot and/or teacup. Discard this water before adding the tea leaves.

*Measure about 1 teaspoon of whole leaf tea per 6 ounces of water. Use more or less according to your personal taste preferences.

* Whole leaf tea likes to have lots of room to move around while it is steeping. Leaving it "loose" in the teapot will often give you the most flavor, and the leaves are easily separated after steeping by pouring through a strainer. However, for easier clean-up, you could also use a filter ball, basket, or sack.

* When your water is ready, pour the hot water over the tea and allow to steep for the appropriate length of time.  Each of Keria Teas' selections includes this information, but the general rule of thumb is 3-5 minutes for black teas, 1-3 minutes for oolong teas, 1-2 minutes for green teas, 4-10 minutes for white teas, and 4-10 minutes for herbal tisanes.

* When your tea is done steeping, remove the leaves and stir lightly.

ENJOY!

*Oolong teas are best enjoyed using the gong fu method of preparation. Try this relaxing and easy to do method for yourself !