Blended teas were originally created to suit local preferences and water conditions. They are made from leaves grown on as many as 30 different plantations. This ensures that the tea will have the same characteristics year after year.
The Canada Tea Council recommends the following steps to be taken when brewing blended tea. The same procedure can be applied to black teas as well.
- Use a teapot! Do not steep your tea in a cup as this allows the best flavours and aromas to escape.
- Warm the teapot with hot water; then discard the water.
- Use one teabag per two cups water; or 1 teaspoon of loose tea per cup water plus one teaspoon for the pot.
- Use fresh, furiously boiling water on tea leaves. Do not use hot tap water: it will ruin your tea.
- Always use a clock when brewing tea. Brew for five minutes.
(By comparison, The U.S. Board of Tea Experts suggest a brewing time of not less than three but not more than five
minutes.)