This keeps the tea hot during the brewing. Bring cold tap water to a full boil. Once boiling water has been poured directly on the leaves and the lid put on the pot, there is little to do but wait for the tea leaves to infuse properly and see the infusion is kept warm. In cold climates, a tea cozy, a sort of quilted hood or cover may be slipped over the teapot to keep it hot. How long the tea should brew depends on the type of tea and the strength desired, from a minimum of three minutes to a maximum of six, and in almost all cases five minutes.
Darkness is no indication of strength.
While the tea is infusing, lift the lid and give the mixture a quick stir with a spoon. This ensures that the flavor and strength is evenly distributed throughout the pot. At least, do this before pouring, to make sure that the first cup poured will not be weaker than the others. Click Here for illustration of a tranditional method of brewing tea. A new tea-plant must grow for five years before its leaves can be picked and, at 30 years of age, it will be too old to be productive.