Tea Basics

For A Perfect Cup of Tea

    * Rinse a teapot with hot water to preheat.

    * Fill teakettle with fresh cold water and bring to a full rolling boil.

    * Use one teaspoon of tea per 6 ounces of water. Place into teapot or infusing basket.

    * Pour boiling water over the tea. (Wait one minute after boiling for green tea)

    * Steep 3 to 5 minutes. It takes time for the leaves to unfold and release their flavor.

For Iced Tea by the Glass...

    * Follow the rules for making hot tea, but use 50% more tea to allow for melting ice. When tea has steeped, pour over ice cubes.

For Iced Tea by the Pitcher...

    * Bring 1 quart of freshly drawn cold water to a full rolling boil in a saucepan.

    * Remove from heat and immediately add 1/3 measuring cup loose tea.

    * Stir. Cover and let steep 5 minutes.

    * Stir again and strain into a pitcher holding an additional quart of fresh cold water.

    * Server over ice.

·      Yields 1/2 gallon.