1. The first consideration is to ensure you fill your kettle with freshly drawn cold water with no additives. If your water is chlorinated, use a filter that removes this and other additives. This will allow you to get the full flavour of your tea.

2. To draw out the full flavour from tea, it is essential that there is plenty of oxygen in the water being used to brew the tea. (Never use water that has been previously boiled, as it has lost most if its oxygen and, therefore, tends to be flat tasting.)

• Black and oolong teas should be infused in water that has just come to a rolling boil, so that it is at the correct temperature (203° F), but still holds its oxygen content (do not allow the water to boil for too long).
• White and green teas generally prefer water at a temperature of between 158° and 203° F (just below boiling point).
• For temperature recommendations for individual teas, refer to the tea instructions on the back of the tea package.

3. Fill the kettle with enough water for the amount of tea you wish to make, plus approximately one (1) cup extra to heat the teapot. When the water is almost boiled, pour a small amount into the pot. Once the pot is heated, pour this water out. (This water can be used to heat your teacup or mug.)

4. Measure your tea into a defuser (teaball, etc.) at one (1) teaspoon per cup. Place this in the heated pot and, once the proper temperature of the water has been reached, pour the water over the tea.

5. Timing of the infusing of the tea is important. The best tea is made by infusing for a short time, rather then steeping for a longer period. You want to get the full flavour of the tea without the sharp bitter taste of tea that has been steeped too long. Set the timer for five (5) minutes. (You should also refer to applicable tea profiles for any special timing adjustments.) A longer time is not necessary, as the flavour and the tannin come out early in the infusion.
If you want stronger tea, use more leaves, not more time.

6. Once the infusion has reached the desired strength, remove the tea leaves, stir the tea and cover the pot with a tea cozy to keep the tea hot.