14 July 2023 , 11:30
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As a nation of tea lovers, it's no surprise we're quite particular about how we like our brews. Some people like to put the milk in before the hot water, while others like to brew it for a very specific amount of time.
You might think there's no right or wrong way to brew tea, but it turns out there is, according to the Chief Executive of the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA) Dr Sharon Hall.
She has put together a guide to ensure you make "the best brew" possible - and one special trick that will not only save you money, but ensure a very "good flavour".
First, Dr Hall recommends using a "good quality teabag or loose-leaf tea" and storing it in a "cool, dry place", preferably away from strongly-flavoured or perfumed foods. When it comes to the water you use, Dr Hall recommends always using freshly drawn water and preferably filtered.
She added: "In some parts of the country the tap water is hard or soft and this can affect the taste of the tea." After you've picked your favourite mug or cup, the expert recommends using one teabag or a rounded teaspoon of the loose-leaf kind per person.
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To save money, which is increasingly important as the nation continues to grapple with the cost of living crisis, Dr Hall shared her "smart boil" trick. This involves using your mug to only measure out the water you need, and boil that.
For example, if you're making two cups of tea, fill two with cold water, then pour that amount into the kettle. Dr Hall added: "This will help save on energy costs and will ensure a good flavour tea which develops best when made with freshly boiled water. The lack of oxygen bubbles in re-boiled water can give the tea a flat taste."
When it comes to how long to brew the tea, Dr Hall recommends leaving black tea for three to four minutes, while Lapsang Souchong black tea tastes better after four to five minutes. If you're making green tea, try three to four minutes, and for oolong tea, three to five minutes. She recommends always reading the instructions on the pack.
It's bad news for those who add milk first, as according to Dr Hall you're doing it wrong. She explained: "If you're brewing tea from a bag in a mug, adding milk last is best". Remove the teabag before adding milk, then put your feet up, relax and enjoy.