In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that I’ve never had a cup of tea prepared using a single-cup brewing system. These devices—often referred to as single-serve brewers—use pre-packaged portions designed for quick and convenient preparation. I can also say with a fair degree of confidence that I’m unlikely to adopt this method… Continue reading

Tea isn’t rocket science. You don’t have to be accurate down to the milliliter. A bit of icing on the fuel lines won’t lead to a catastrophe. But how precise do you want — or need — to be with your tea? Are you losing spontaneity and the flow of the moment? Or are you… Continue reading

As I’ve noted many times before—though it’s worth repeating—tea is often presented as a calming, low-key alternative to coffee. While both beverages contain caffeine, tea also includes theanine, a compound often associated with a more relaxed alertness. Combined with a slower, more deliberate drinking culture, tea is frequently viewed as the more tranquil option. That’s… Continue reading

Previously, I posted 5 Things That Can Make Your Tea Taste Awful, so you might logically think that this article would be about just not doing those things. However, while avoiding those things is certainly part of steeping great tasting tea, there are other steps you can take to assure the very best of flavor.… Continue reading

Tweedle-dee, tweedle-dum, how do you make the time pass more quickly while your tea steeps? Well, so far I’ve come up with eight things and am sure you’ll think of more. 1 Read Some Info on the Tea You’re Steeping You’re probably thinking that you should do this before steeping the tea. Well, yes, that… Continue reading

Much has been said about the fast pace of modern life. So much, as a matter of fact, that I won’t belabor the point by saying much more. I’m not one to sit around and wail and gnash my teeth about this sort of thing because we can all choose the pace at which we… Continue reading

You probably have a teapot…or two…or three…or a whole bevy! So, why not put them to good use steeping up teas that are so enticing that you can drink them by the potful? “Great idea!” you say. I think so, too. Awhile back I wrote an article about “gulper teas” that could be drunk by… Continue reading

Until recently, it never occurred to me to use anything other than the “standard” amount of tea when brewing a cup. But of course, there’s nothing stopping you from adjusting that amount to suit your taste. As I recall reading some time ago, a common guideline is about 2.25 grams of tea per six ounces… Continue reading

Time to stare off into space and think deep thoughts as the kettle meets the heat on the stovetop and the water soaks that heat up. Soon will come the boil, but meanwhile, I indulge in introspections. As a kid, I used to get quite distracted by wallpaper patterns. Whenever there was a time when… Continue reading