It really, truly does make a difference. There is much more flavor and texture when you put the tea into the milk.
I found this interesting: ‘The first cup you pour out will be the best and should be given to your most honored guest.’
Probably just a tradition with no basis in fact. But if you're going to do it, why not do it the way your ancestors did it?
Steep 3.5 minutes? I thought it was supposed to be five minutes.
Really, after about a minute, most of the essence of the tea has already been removed from the leaf. If you like it better at 5 minutes, carry on.
For folks who want their tea sweetened, what type do you recommend, and at what point should it be added?
I never use it, but I would say after you've mixed the milk and tea.
I like green tea too, but black tea will always be my favorite.
When my dad was in the British Army (a very long story), they stopped the war for teatime. Seriously -- at 4 o'clock, if they were en route somewhere, the entire column would pull over, out would come the little stoves (or half a fuel jerrycan with a handful of sand and a splash of petrol in the bottom) and the kettles, and the whole group would "brew up". 4:30 - "Right then, war's back on," and everybody would pile back into the trucks and head on their way.
Hot tea is a wonderful thing. I’m told that when my dad was a boy, his father and grandmother had hot tea with supper every night. We’re of English descent, so maybe it’s inherited.
I’m glad to be freed of having to wait five minutes for my tea to steep.
I truly appreciate all you’ve shared. I will buy some loose darjeeling tea and some whole milk next time I’m at the grocery and will think of you when I fix it. Thanks!