Without the correct tea brewing method, even the best tea leaves cannot release its fragrance. Black tea also requires a good brewing method to bring out its rich and mellow flavor. Today, let us introduce the brewing method for black tea.

1. Pour fresh cold water into the kettle and bring it to a boil

Because water from the tap is full of air, it can fully bring out the aroma of black tea. Water that has been left overnight, boiled twice, or kept in a thermos is not suitable for brewing black tea.

2. Pour in water that is just at a rolling boil

Warm the teapot and cups gradually by pouring in water that is at a rolling boil, to avoid drastic temperature changes. The typical teapot has a short, round body that allows the tea leaves to fully expand and move during brewing.

3. Carefully measure the amount of tea leaves

For a strong brew, use 1 teaspoon per person (about 2.5g of tea leaves). However, to brew a good cup of black tea, it is recommended to use 2 teaspoons (about 5g) for two cups, to fully release the rich, mellow flavor of the tea and enjoy the pleasure of a second infusion.

4. Pour boiling water into the teapot to steep the tea

About 30 seconds after the water starts boiling, when the bubbles form a circle the size of a one-yuan coin, it is the perfect time to brew black tea.

5. Patiently wait for the correct steeping time

Rapid steeping cannot fully release the aroma of the tea leaves. Professional tea cans usually indicate the strength of the tea (i.e., intensity), which determines the steeping time. For example, the intensity is divided into 4 levels (1 being the weakest, 4 the strongest), and the steeping time decreases from 2 minutes to 3.5 minutes accordingly.

6. Pour the brewed tea from the teapot into a teacup

Pour the brewed tea into your favorite teacup. Although teacups come in various shapes, they generally have a shallow bottom and a wider rim, allowing the drinker to fully enjoy the aroma of the black tea and appreciate its charming color.

7. Add sugar or milk according to personal taste

Add sugar or milk according to personal preference. If you choose to drink pure black tea, the focus is entirely on the original flavor and character of the tea. Tea used for milk tea is generally stronger and may have some astringency, but when rich milk is added, the astringency is reduced and the taste becomes richer.

Now you know how to brew black tea. On a quiet morning, patiently brew a pot of black tea and fully enjoy its mellow flavor.