Tea experts have joined together to reveal their tips on making the perfect cup of tea, and the mistakes people often make.
Specialists from Wren Kitchens, Taylors of Harrogate and Whittard have settled the age-old dispute over how to make a ‘proper’ cup of tea. Here’s what they had to say, reports Bristol Live.
What goes in first milk or water?
The most heated debate seems to revolve around whether milk or water should be added first to a cup of tea. However, one method could help you achieve your perfect taste.
Angela Pyrce from Whittard advises: “I recommend water first, before adding milk. This method will help you get the best from your brew as you can make the tea to your taste and strength, before adding in the milk.”
How long should you leave your teabag in for?
The length of time you leave your teabag in depends on your preferred strength. However, Angela suggests there is an optimum time for black tea. “Leaving your teabag in for around 3-5 minutes is the key to your cuppa reaching the perfect strength. It’s also important that the temperature of your water is 100 degrees,” she explains.
You should also avoid leaving your teabag in for the entire drinking process. The longer you leave it in, the more likely your tea will become bitter as the hot water will extract an intense taste.
Does your choice of water matter?
The water you use for your tea can significantly affect the overall taste. “Always use water, which is freshly out of the tap, and if possible, a filter jug,” Angela adds. “This is because the higher levels of oxygen in fresh water will make your cup of tea much cleaner and allow the rich flavours to come through.”
Where should you store your teabags?
It’s crucial to keep your teabags dry and away from moisture, as dampness can quickly spoil the tea leaves, leading to a loss of freshness. Angela recommends: “Store teabags in a cool, dry place such as a tea caddy or an airtight container, and far away from strong light and odours. This will help to maintain the tea’s freshness and flavour.”
Other common mistakes when brewing a cuppa
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Never squeeze teabags. This can make tea taste bitter due to the release of tannic acids. Instead, lift it out carefully after four minutes of brewing.
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Never hit teabags on the side of the mug – this could cause a tear in the material and the tea leaves escape into your cuppa.
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Avoid using the wrong temperature water for tea – stick to 100 degrees for the perfect blend of milk, water and tea leaves.
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Don’t re-boil the water. Each time your kettle comes to the boil, the oxygen levels in the water reduces. Tea loves freshly boiled, well-oxygenated water and stale water will negatively affect your brew.
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Full-fat milk is best, it will boost the flavours and give the final cup a creamy and moreish taste.
