To make a standard cup of tea, start by boiling fresh water in a kettle. When the water is boiled, pour it over a tea bag or loose-leaf tea infuser in your mug or teapot and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Some teas may require different steeping times, so check the tea box to see how long is needed. After the tea is steeped, remove the bag or infuser and add things like milk, sugar, honey or lemon to taste if desired.

To help keep tea fresh, store it in an airtight, opaque food storage container in a cool, dark and dry place away from strong odours. Avoid clear glass or plastic containers, they can let in UV light or unwanted scents. Metal tins are a better option. Avoid humid areas and do not store tea in a refrigerator because it can introduce condensation and ruin the flavour of the tea.

Yes, tea contains caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine varies depending on the type of tea you’re drinking. Overall, a standard cup of tea has less caffeine compared to a standard cup of coffee. Factors that can affect the amount of caffeine in a cup of tea include water temperature, steeping time and tea leaf size. Hotter water pulls more caffeine, a longer steeping time allows more caffeine to remain in your cup and smaller tea leaves release caffeine faster.

Drinking tea every day is generally considered a healthy habit if it’s unsweetened and enjoyed in moderation. Tea contains antioxidants like plant compounds called polyphenols that protect your cells from damage. Caffeinated teas can give you a mild boost of alertness without the jitters that coffee can create. The risks of drinking too much tea can include caffeine overload and having too much sugar if you put it in your mug.