Teas and herbal teas (or tisanes) can be prepared from the leaves, roots or flowers of single herbs, tea plants or herbal mixtures in order to demonstrate their own special characteristic virtues.  Some teas induce restful sleep; some banish the day’s stress; some are stimulating and bracing; while others act as tonics to improve specific health problems, helping to heal the mind and body.

The best way to enjoy your cup of tea depends upon the type of tea or herb that is being used.  Teas come in an array of flavors and strengths, and brewing methods vary, but taking the time to brew tea properly in all cases will result in a much better cup of tea.

To begin, you will need certain basic tools that will not vary, regardless of the type of tea being prepared:  First, obviously, is the Kettle for heating the water.  Many people think that tea tastes better when fresh water is used, rather than water which has been allowed to sit in the kettle, so begin with fresh, cold, good-tasting water.  Let water run to incorporate more oxygen, and use the purest water possible, as hard water with a high lime content can prevent plants from fully releasing their active principles.  Filtered is best because the process removes chemical tastes.  Distilled may be too purified and produce a flat taste.

You will also need a simple Teapot with a tightly fitting lid for proper steeping.  This simple vessel has been used and has proven to be ideal for brewing tea for more than a thousand years.  Certain teapots are considered superior for this process, i.e., thick porcelain, china or glass teapots.  They are the ideal materials, simply because they do not impart flavors of their own and can retain heat well when preheated.  Do not use a metallic pot.  If you are preparing your tea in a cup, porcelain or glass is favored, and you should have a little cover to keep the infusion hot while it steeps (also good for breaking up a cold or helping to relax). 

As you read through the many varieties of tea presented by Herbal Extracts Plus and make your choices, we will discuss the intricacies of different brewing methods to guide you – specifically for Black Teas, Green Teas, White Teas and Herbal tisanes.  Interestingly, many true tea connoisseurs reserve one pot for black tea, another one dedicated to green tea, and yet another for herbals.  Black Tea tends to leave a patina of tannins inside the pot that can slightly cloud the flavor of a Green Tea brewed in the same pot.  When cleaning out a teapot, rinsing is fine, and soap is not necessary, but if you do use soap, be sure there is no residue and the soap is rinsed completely out.

Obviously, along with the kettle, the water and the teapot, you need your Tea Leaves or Herbs.  Loose tea leaves are the best way to brew your tea and will deliver a more balanced, mellow, complex flavor than tea bags and are preferable, but you will need some kind of Strainer to filter out the leaves from going into your cup.  Some people use a stainless mesh infuser or tea ball to contain the leaves within the teapot itself.  Others prepare the tea in the traditional way with the loose leaves in the pot and simply use a strainer over the cups to catch the tea leaves.

You should always warm your teapot before brewing (and preheat your teacups before drinking).  Start by bringing your water to the boil, or close to it, and when the water is almost boiling, pour some into the empty tea pot and swirl it around.  This pre-heating will keep the brewed tea warmer longer (never re-heat tea), and it will also prevent the pot from cracking.   Pour off the water and get ready to add your tea leaves or herbs to the warmed pot (or cup).  You are now ready to brew  according to the type you choose, so it is now your time to select.

For a good overview of the four basic teas (Black, Oolong, Green and White) - and how they are processed, we highly recommend that you take a little time and click here to read more about "The Art of Tea" - an article from Herbal Extracts Plus.