How to Enjoy Tea

As the English might say, there are "proper ways to enjoy a spot of tea." If there's anything the English enjoy, it's their tea. When new tea drinkers have any questions or doubts, Darren Williams is the go-to guy.

Williams, one of several hundred tea connoisseurs at Fortnum & Mason, a iconic tea company in London, that caters to the elites, including Queen Elizabeth II. While the most of us are sipping on our tea in the comfort of our homes, Williams spends long hours helping customers choose the best possible blend in accordance to their personal tastes.

When it comes to tea, Williams is quick to note three things that are most important, "Quality of the tea, water temperature, and adequate seeping time." He said that, "Water temperature is a very important factor in bringing out the best qualities of tea. Too hot, the resulting tea has tendencies to be bitter. Too cool, the full body of the leaves will not be brought out."

Generally speaking, most teas taste best when left to brew at temperatures between 140 F - 185 F. The quality of the tea, as well as the age can also play a determining factor in temperatures. In regards to time allocated to allow teas to seep, 1 - 3 minutes is recommended for most teas, as anything above that time can result in a bitter tasting tea and unbalanced flavor.

Williams recommended that tea drinkers be adventurous and try different types of teas, even if we have our personal favorites, "If we really love tea, we should always be looking for a new and interesting tea, rather as we try new wines all the time."