How to make a really good cup of tea

Follow these guidelines to make the best of your Grey's Teas

1. Fill the kettle with fresh cold water straight from a tap supplied direct from the mains.

2. If your water is from a 'hard' water area with much limescale or if there are noticeable levels of chlorine added to the water use a purification filter to enable your tea leaves to give their best flavour. We supply patented Brita water filters, specially designed for this purpose. Alternatively, use spring water.

3. Warm the pot, or the mug if you are using an infuser, thoroughly. You want your tea to be really hot.

4. Boil the water. Wait for the steam.

5. Use one teaspoon of tea per person and one for the pot.

6. Let the tea brew for four to five minutes. Whilst colour takes perhaps only a short time to become apparent, the full flavour takes longer. To arrest brewing once it has reached the desired strength the leaves can be removed from infuser teapots such as those we stock from La Cafetiere.

Green tea should be made with boiled water that has cooled slightly. It needs only two to three minutes to infuse or it may become bitter. Let white teas infuse for five to twelve minutes.

For green and white teas wait a minute for the boiled water to cool slightly before pouring onto the leaves. The leaves may be used for a second brew.

7. Ensure that you use milk only with those teas that can take it, such as Assams, Ceylons and Breakfast Blends. Pour it into the cup first to avoid the need for stirring. Do not use milk with green teas. Milk is optional with black China teas and oolongs. Many teas are better without.

8. Avoid taking tea with sugar. A well brewed tea that is intended for milk should not taste bitter.

More specific instructions may be given for some teas following their descriptions in the catalogue. Click here to go to the Tea Store.

How to Store your Tea

To ensure that your fine teas are kept in top condition for many months they should be kept cool and dry in an air-tight container away from light and strong smells.

How long should I keep my tea?

They will keep for up to two years. Green teas will keep in their best condition for no more than one year. We state a 'best before' date one year from date of despatch.