| Black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The | | | | boiling water over the tea leaves or bag and allow to |
| leaves are fermented and dried to make the tea | | | | brew for approximately 4 to 6 minutes. |
| black. Black tea is usually stronger in flavor and | | | | During brewing, keep the pot hot by covering it with |
| contains more caffeine than other teas. | | | | a tea cozy or a folded towel. You want to keep the |
| There are many varieties and blends of black tea | | | | water as close to boiling as possible for the full time. |
| that you can choose from. Experiment with different | | | | When the brewing time is up, pour the tea |
| varieties until you find one you prefer. If you like a | | | | immediately, straining out the leaves. If using a tea |
| strong black tea flavor you might start with Earl Grey | | | | bag, remove the bag and squeeze the bag to |
| or English Breakfast. Both of these are excellent | | | | remove all tea flavor. If you allow the tea to remain |
| blends, but don't ignore the many other flavors | | | | in the pot, the tea leaves will impart a bitter flavor, |
| available. | | | | ruining your tea. |
| To brew your tea, choose an appropriate brewing | | | | Finally, add any condiments you like: honey, sugar, |
| vessel. You can brew your tea in a cup or teapot. | | | | lemon or milk. Do not add lemon with milk as the |
| Warm the pot or cup by filling it with hot water while | | | | lemon will cause the milk to curdle. |
| the water for the tea comes to a boil. | | | | Enjoy your perfect cup of tea in a calm place. Tea |
| Start with cold water and bring it just to the boil. Do | | | | should be an oasis of calm in the sea of a stressful |
| not allow it to boil, as this will release all of the gases | | | | life. Close out the world and enjoy. |
| from the water and leave the tea flat. Pour the | | | | |
