Making the perfect Cuppa

A 'cuppa' is a cup of tea. Tea is a good source of flavonoids, compounds that contain powerful antioxidant properties. And it is true, in any crisis we turn to tea. Making the perfect cuppa is here below.

1. Select a teapot of the correct size for the number of cups required.  Allow two tea bags or 2.5 to 3 gm of tea per 190 to 200 ml of water.
2. Fill a kettle or pan with freshly drawn cold water (Plenty of oxygen is needed to bring out the full flavour of the tea), and bring to boil.
3. When the water is almost boiling, pour a little into the teapot, swill it around and then pour the water away.
4. Measure the loose tea or count the teabags.  When the water in the kettle is just coming to a rolling boil, pour the water onto the leaves or bags.  Whenever possible, place the leaves inside an infuser that can then be lifted out of the liquid once the tea has brewed.
5. Put the lid on the pot and allow it to brew.  For teabags and small-leafed teas allow three to five minutes.
6. Once brewed, lift the infuser containing the leaves out of the pot and discard.  Immediately strain the tea into the cups, or into another heated pot to keep warm.
7. Keep the pot warm on a special hotplate that is heated by a candle light or cover with a cosy.