We're a nation of tea lovers, there's no doubt about it...
And with the country on lockdown and staying safe at home to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, I'd imagine that if your house is anything like mine, then there are more cups of tea than ever being made.
But is there a secret to making the perfect cuppa? There's the age old debate over whether you should add the milk first or at the end, I personally cannot even imagine why anyone would add the milk first, no way!
That's just my thoughts though, but what do the experts say.
We put that question to local tea making experts Thompson's teas and who have been creating the perfect cuppa for more than 120 years, so we trust their judgement on this one.
Ross Thompson, Joint Managing Director of Thompson’s Tea, makers of NI's favourite cuppa Punjana, explained: "In days gone by, and to prevent fine china from cracking, milk was put in first and then the boiled tea was added.
"Cracking china is not an issue nowadays, so we can add the milk afterwards. This helps to judge better the colour of the tea and get it just the way you like it.
"Some make the point that adding milk to a cup of boiling tea can have a scalding effect on the milk and alter taste. I have to say that I don’t find this makes a discernible difference and as so many people brew their tea in a mug, they have no choice but to put the milk in after. But make it a white china mug if you can!"
Now that we've got that part out of the way, onto making your perfect cup.
Mr Thompson again was on hand to offer his expert advice and he has six key steps to making the perfect cup of tea:
Always use freshly drawn water
Bring water to boil (do not over boil as this de-oxygenates the water)
Pre-heat tea pot or mug… it makes a difference!
Add tea bag (or loose leaves) and pour water on immediately
Be patient, tea needs time to brew
Stir gently and the tea bag doesn’t mind if you give it a little squeeze.
"It’s a bit more effort, but you’ll taste the difference,” he added.
Phew! Now that that's off my mind, I can sit down, relax and enjoy a nice cup of tea. Biscuit anyone?
