Methods of preparing tea are a matter of personal choice and †preference. †There is
no "right" way to prepare and serve tea, however, there are many customs and rituals
that are associated with drinking tea that have stemmed from many cultures primarily
China, Japan and the UK. †Those who wish to follow these customs and rituals, can
often discover new experiences associated with the long history of drinking tea. †The
Japanese tea ceremony is one of strict practices that takes years to master. †Whether
you're planning a tea party, or simply love a good cup of tea yourself, here are some
helpful tips on brewing the perfect cup of tea.

How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

Choose the Best Water
Use fresh water each time you prepare tea. †Artesian spring water is preferred over
tap water. †Tap water should be avoided due to municipal water treatments which add
chlorine and fluoride and can greatly affect the true flavor of your tea. ††Not all bottled
waters are created equal. †Purified and spring waters differ in mineral content, and
therefore must be chosen based on personal taste. †Never use hot tap water to speed
up the boiling process. †This adds additional impurities from your homes water heater.
Choosing your water is the best place to start if you want to improve the flavor of your
teas. †Prepare cups of tea side by side using different sources of water and taste the
difference.

Choose the Best Tea
Choosing the best tea is not always easy. †Grocery stores generally only carry tea
bags filled with low quality tea leaves. But with the ever growing demand for quality teas, new ones are
spreading throughout the west, such as Two Leaves and a Bud.

How much tea should I use?
As a rule of thumb - - use 1-2 teaspoons per †8 ounce cup and gradually add more
tea to achieve the briskness and body of your choosing. †For best results, be sure to
allow room for the water to circulate between the leaves for best results regardless of
which brewing apparatus you choose.

Water Temperature
Aside from choosing the best water and tea leaves possible, Water temperature is the
most critical element in preparing the perfect cup of tea. †Regardless of which
apparatus you choose to boil your water, remember to follow these guidelines when
starting out. †Heat the water in a glass, ceramic or clay teapot until it reaches a boil
(212 degrees Fahrenheit) then allow the water to cool before brewing your tea.
Guideline: †180 degrees for green tea, 190 degrees for Oolong tea, 200 degrees for
black tea.
This is especially important when preparing delicate green teas. †These temperatures
can be increased following successive brews. †Quality teas can often be steeped 2-3
times. †