Tea is an integral part of Australian culture and is immensely popular. In this tea-loving nation, the traditional way of brewing a classic cup of tea involves using black tea and milk. The locals say this is the only ‘proper’ way of making a perfect cuppa.
If you want to make black tea at home, you’ll be glad to know that it’s one of the easiest teas to prepare. However, before you start, it’s important to decide which type of black tea you want to make. A vast array of black teas is available in the market, each with its unique flavor and aroma. If you’re overwhelmed, we suggest trying out our special Black Dust tea. It’s a high-quality blend that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds!
GETTING THE WATER RIGHT
Cold tap water is recommended in the kettle to prepare a perfect cup of tea. However, before filling the kettle, it’s best to let the tap run for a few seconds to ensure the water is fresh and new. Tap water can lose its oxygen content if it sits in the pipes for too long. Tea requires oxygen to infuse properly, so using fresh and oxygen-rich water can help bring out your tea’s best flavors and aroma.
THE ALL-IMPORTANT TEAPOT
Ceramic or cast iron are the best teapots for brewing tea and retaining heat well.
MAKING YOUR BLACK TEA
Boil the water: When making black tea, ensure that you use water that has reached a rolling boil. No compromises. And for green tea, don’t settle for anything less than little bubbles in the water. Remember, precision is key to a perfect cup of tea.
Add tea: For a better infusion, pour the water directly onto the tea leaves and give it a firm swirl. This agitation will help extract the full flavor of the tea.
Brew: To get the best flavor from your tea, it’s important to let it steep for the right time. Once you’ve added your tea leaves or tea bag to hot water, allow it to infuse for a few minutes. During this time, the natural oils and flavors in the tea leaves will be released into the water, creating a delicious and aromatic beverage.
Remove the tea: Use an infuser to remove loose tea leaves, or pour the tea through a strainer. If using a teabag, remove it with a teaspoon.
Serve: Please take a moment to enjoy your tea. You deserve some time to relax and recharge, and then you’ll be ready to take on anything!
ADDING MILK OR LEMON
Black tea is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed independently or with various accompaniments. If you prefer a creamier taste, you can add a splash of milk to your tea, a classic British tradition. Whether you add the milk first or second is purely a matter of personal preference.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a tangy twist, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon to your tea, a popular choice in some parts of the world. Regardless of how you enjoy your black tea, you will surely find a perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
HOW LONG TO BREW?
Brewing times vary depending on the type of tea used.
Extra strong tea should be brewed for 5 minutes.
Regular black tea should be brewed for 4 minutes.
Brewing black tea can be delicate, but you did a great job! Now it’s time to take a break and recharge.