Black Tea
A simple cup of black tea, brewed properly. Steeping time and water temperature are the whole recipe — over-steep it and the tannins turn bitter, under-steep it and you get coloured water. A bright squeeze of lemon lifts the finish.
Equipment
- Small saucepan or kettle
- Mug or teapot
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tsp loose-leaf black tea
- 2 slices lemon optional
- Honey optional — omit to keep this keto
Instructions
- Heat the water: Bring the water to a full boil, then let it stand for about 30 seconds. Black tea wants water just off the boil, around 200°F.
- Steep the tea: Pour the water over the tea bags or loose leaves. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes — 3 for a lighter cup, 5 for a stronger one.
- Remove the tea: Lift out the bags or strain the leaves. Leaving them in past 5 minutes is what makes tea bitter.
- Finish and serve: Add a slice of lemon and sweeten if you like. Serve hot, or pour over ice for iced tea.