The Art of the Perfect Cup: Why Your Tea Deserves Better
Most people have never really tasted tea.
Not properly.
They’ve known the ritual, yes—a bag tossed into a mug, drowned in boiling water, softened with a splash of milk. But that’s not tea. That’s a habit.
And once you experience real tea—loose leaf, whole leaf, full of flavour, aroma, and calm—you start to realise what you’ve been missing.
This isn’t about being fancy. It’s about getting something better. Better taste, better health, better moments. Let’s walk through how to make a proper cup—and why it makes all the difference.
1. It Starts with the Leaves
Good tea begins long before the kettle boils. It starts with the leaf itself.
Most supermarket teabags are made from what’s known as fannings—essentially the dust left behind after processing whole tea leaves. Quick to brew, but often stale and flat. Loose leaf, on the other hand, keeps the integrity of the plant intact. More oils, more antioxidants, more depth of flavour.
At Porter Hill, we only sell whole, high-grade leaves—never crushed or dusty. You can smell the difference the moment you open the pouch.
2. Get the Temperature Right
Here’s the thing—boiling water ruins most teas.
Green tea especially becomes bitter if it’s brewed too hot. Herbal blends can end up tasting stewed if left too long.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Black tea (like English Breakfast or Russian Caravan): 100°C
- Green tea (like Sencha or Organic Dragonwell): 70–80°C
- Herbal tisanes (Chamomile, Mint, etc.): 95–100°C
You don’t need a fancy kettle—just let the water sit for a minute after boiling for green tea.
👉 [Browse our green teas] if you’re ready to taste the difference.
3. Time It, Don’t Guess It
Too short, and it’s weak. Too long, and it’s astringent.
Each tea has a sweet spot, and respecting it makes the world of difference.
- Black tea: 2–3 mins
- Green tea: 1–2 mins
- Herbal: 3–5 mins
4. Choose Better Teaware
Using a proper infuser, teapot, or even a reusable filter bag allows your tea to expand and move freely—releasing more flavour. Tea balls and strainers work in a pinch, but the better the tool, the better the cup.
Plus, having a dedicated teapot or mug makes the ritual more enjoyable.
👉 [Shop our teaware & accessories]
5. The Ritual Is Half the Joy
Tea slows you down. In a good way.
It’s the few minutes where you’re not refreshing your inbox, not scrolling. Just hot water, fragrant leaves, steam rising. A deep breath in. A calm exhale. That’s why we drink it.
At Porter Hill, we believe the brewing matters just as much as the blend.
It’s about giving yourself permission to pause.
Ready to Brew Better?
Whether you’re new to loose leaf or returning to it after years of builder’s brew, we’ve made it easy to get started.
Try one of our beginner-friendly teas, or grab a starter set with everything you need for your perfect cup.
