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There are lots of theories about making a perfect cup of tea, heating pots, adding milk before or after, taking the pot to the kettle etc etc. There has even been a scientific formula recently developed that supposedly outlines the precise technique for making tea. However, if like most of us you have a busy life you need a simple, fool proof method that works. There is nothing difficult about making a good cup of tea and if you a couple of basic steps, you'll enjoy a great cup of tea every time.

Water is perhaps the most important ingredient to a good cup of tea. Once boiled, water loses oxygen and tastes 'stale'. So make sure you use fresh water each time you boil the kettle, and if you can use filtered water.
When making black tea, herbal and fruit infusions you need the water to be at a rolling boil. For white and green tea the water needs to be under a boil. Ideally you should watch the kettle until gentle steam starts to rise and you have perfectly heated water. Realistically though you're not going to do that every time you're dying for a cup of tea! So, boil the kettle as normal, but before pouring it on the leaves let it sit for a couple of minutes. Not the perfect situation, but certainly very close!

Strength of tea is a very personal thing, so you may need to experiment a little. One important thing to remember is not to change the brewing time for the tea. If you like strong tea, add more leaves but still brew for the recommended time. If you prefer it weaker, add less tea leaves but still brew for the recommended time. As a general rule a teaspoon of tea per cup is the way to go, for everything except green. With green tea err on the side of caution and use about half that amount you would for black tea.

This method ignores many of the traditions of making tea, which are really fabulous if you have time. This way you will get a really good cup of tea with minimal time and fuss.

1. Add the tea to the pot or infuser (If you are using an infuser try to use as large an infuser as possible. This will give plenty of room for the leaves to swell and for the water to swirl around the leaves).
2. Boil the kettle. If you are making white or green tea, let the kettle sit for a couple of minutes once it has boiled. Pour the water over the leaves.
3. Let steep for the recommended time. Each Tlicious tea carries a recommended brewing time. As a general rule, 3-4 minutes for black tea, 2-3 for white and green tea, 5 or more for fruit and herbal infusions.
4. Add milk, sugar, honey or lemon to suit your own tastes.
5. Enjoy!!