To brew tea in a teapot, warm the pot with hot water first, add about one teaspoon of loose tea (2 to 3 g) for each cup, pour water at the right temperature, and brew for the right time: black tea at 95 to 100 °C for 3 to 5 minutes, green tea at 70 to 80 °C for 2 to 3 minutes, herbal tea at 100 °C for 5 to 7 minutes. Then lift out the strainer, so the tea does not turn bitter.
Why warm the teapot? A cold pot takes heat from the water, and the tea brews weaker. Swirl a little hot water in the pot for a few seconds and pour it away.
How much tea do I use? About one teaspoon, or 2 to 3 g, of loose tea for each cup of about 200 ml. For a stronger cup, brew a little longer rather than adding much more tea.
Why does green tea taste bitter? Usually the water was too hot or the tea brewed too long. Let boiled water rest for a few minutes until it is about 70 to 80 °C, and brew for no more than 3 minutes.
Why use a teapot with a strainer? A strainer holds the leaves and lets you lift them out when the tea is ready. That stops the brewing at the right moment, and the second cup tastes as good as the first.
How many cups does a teapot serve? A 1 litre pot serves about four to five cups; a 1.2 litre pot about five to six.
Three quick answers
How much loose tea per cup? About one teaspoon, 2 to 3 g, for a 200 ml cup.
What temperature for green tea? 70 to 80 °C, for 2 to 3 minutes.
How many cups is a 1.2 litre teapot? About five to six cups.
