How to Make Tea in a Teapot

Tea poured from a teapot

There’s something special about brewing a pot of tea the traditional way. A pot of tea is almost the soundtrack to my life. Good times, bad times, or anytime, a good cuppa helps things along.

Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to properly make tea in a teapot.

Choose Your Teapot

Tea Drinking from a Teapot

Look for teapots made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. Avoid cast iron or aluminum which can impart metallic flavors. Ideal features include:

  • Built-in strainer or infuser basket to hold loose-leaf tea
  • loose-fitting lid to allow steam to escape
  • A spout design that pours without dripping
  • Insulated exterior to retain heat (bonus feature)

Tea Selection and Measurements

The tea-to-water ratio is important for success. Follow the package instructions for loose-leaf or use approximately 1 teaspoon per 8-ounce cup. Always start with fresh, cold water, and make sure the tea has room to expand.

Brewing Process

  1. Fill the teapot with cool, freshly drawn water. Bring the water to a rapid boil on the stove.
  2. Warm your teapot by swirling in a bit of the boiling water. This helps prevent cracking.
  3. Add your measured loose-leaf tea or tea bags to the pot.
  4. Pour the boiling water over the tea. Cover and let steep for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Once the desired strength is reached, pour the tea through the built-in strainer into your cup.

The beauty of a teapot is that it allows you to keep adding more hot water for additional steeping. Experiment with the timings to achieve your optimal flavor.

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