How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

A great cup of tea does not need to be complicated. Good water, the right temperature and a little patience are often all it takes to bring out the best in your favourite King Cole blend.

Here are a few tips for making every cup count.

Start with Fresh, Filtered Water

Tea is mostly water, so the quality of that water makes a noticeable difference. Begin with fresh, cold water whenever possible. Filtered or non-chlorinated water will allow the flavour and aroma of the tea to come through more clearly.

Only boil as much water as you need. Reboiling water or letting it boil for too long releases more of its oxygen and can leave your tea tasting flat or bitter.

Bring the Water Just to a Boil

For black tea, bring your water to the point of boiling and pour it over the tea right away.

Green tea prefers a gentler touch. Once the water has boiled, allow it to rest for at least one minute before pouring. Slightly cooler water helps bring out green tea's fresh, delicate flavour without adding unnecessary bitterness.

Give It Time to Steep

Steeping time matters. Remove the tea too soon and the cup may taste weak. Leave it too long and the flavour can become bitter or overly strong.

For King Cole black tea, steep for approximately five minutes.
For King Cole green tea, steep for approximately three minutes.

Set a timer if you need to. A few minutes of patience can make a remarkable difference.

Make It Your Own

Some people take their tea black. Others add milk, sugar, honey or lemon. There is no single correct way to finish a cup, so enjoy it the way that feels most familiar to you.

For a classic Orange Pekoe, try a splash of milk. Add lemon to a bright black tea, or enjoy green and flavoured teas on their own to appreciate their lighter notes.

Store Your Tea Properly

Light, air and humidity can all affect the quality of tea. Keep your tea in a cool, dry place inside an airtight, opaque container, such as a metal tin or ceramic canister.

Avoid storing it near strongly scented spices or foods. Tea can absorb surrounding aromas surprisingly easily.