❓ How do you brew the perfect cup of black tea?

Brewing the perfect cup of black tea requires attention to several key factors:

• Use fresh, cold water heated to 200-212°F (94-100°C)
• Use about 2-3g of tea (1 teaspoon) per 8oz cup
• Steep for 3-5 minutes (longer steeping increases strength but may add bitterness)
• Use a proper teapot or infuser that allows leaves to expand

The quality of water significantly affects the taste - filtered water is recommended. For loose leaf tea, remove the leaves completely after steeping to prevent over-extraction. If adding milk, warm the cup first and add milk last for traditional English-style tea. Never squeeze the tea bags as this can release bitter compounds.