Black tea preparation and storage guide

Black teas are fully fermented teas. As a result, they are more resilient to room temperature in their storage while the green teas would normally deteriorate rapidly under the similar conditions.

1. Warm up the tea vessel with freshly boiled water.
2. Quantity of tea leaves: about 1/2 tea spoon for a cup or 1-2 per small tea pot. The strength of the tea could be adjusted to personal preference by adjusting the amount of the tea leaves put in.
3. Pour the freshly boiled water (100^oC) into the tea vessel, rinse the tea leaves for up to 2 seconds and dispose the water.
4. Add freshly boiled water, allow to brew  for around 10-30 seconds, depending on the tea varieties and strength preferred, before serving.
5. Repeat infusions: The tea leaves can be used for repeat infusions for up to 3-6 times depending on the tea varieties by just topping up with hot - until the flavor is not more. Increase brewing time by about 10-20 seconds with each additional infusion.

Hint:  

1. Most of premium Chinese teas are hand handled. We always recommend to rinse the tea leaves for up to 5 seconds before brewing.
2. Recommended tea vessel: Zi Sha teapot or a Chinese Gaiwan.
3. Do not soak tea leaves (eg, leaving the leaves in the liquid in a big pot for a long period). Use a small tea vessel wherever it is possible. Freshly made and served teas taste best. 
4. A premium Zi Sha teapot is ideal, alternatively one of the authentic Chinese tea sets will serve all your needs.

Black teas' storage:

1. store in a cool, dry place that is absent from foreign odour and direct sun light;
2. keep unopened satchels sealed until it is ready to be used.

To order our premium black teas, please go to: Buy black tea .