WATER: Use fresh, cold water from the tap or spring water. Do not reuse water you have already boiled since the oxygen will have evaporated and this affects the taste of the tea.

WARM THE POT: Warm the teapot with very hot water from the tap then discard that water.

AMOUNT OF LEAF: Measure the tea leaves carefully (according to the instructions on the tea bag) into your infuser. Too much tea will cause a bitter taste.

WATER TEMPERATURE: Heat the water until it reaches the correct temperature: generally, 160-180 degrees for green and white tea, 190-200 degrees for oolong and a full boil for black teas, herbal infusions and fruit blends. Pour it over the leaves immediately and cover your teapot or mug.

BREWING TIME: Brew the tea for the time instructed on the tea bag, generally 3-5 minutes for black teas, 3-5 minutes for oolongs, 1-3 minutes for green and white teas and 5-10 minutes for herbal infusions and fruit blends. Over brewing can also cause the tea to taste bitter.

REMOVE LEAVES: After the brewing, remove the leaves immediately.

REINFUSION: Most green teas and oolongs can be infused 3 or more times so reserve your tea leaves if you wish to reinfuse.

Pour your tea into your favorite mug or china teacup, sit down, relax and enjoy your "cuppa." Cover teapot with a cozy to keep the tea warm for 1-2 hours.

TO DECAFFEINATE TEA
Caffeine is water-soluble and therefore, 80% of the caffeine is released into the water in the first thirty seconds. To decaffeinate, simply follow the instructions above through the step of pouring the heated water over the leaves. Allow the tea to brew for 30 seconds, discard that water and reinfuse with fresh heated water for the full time recommended for that tea.