Do and Don'ts while making a perfect pot of tea.

Top Tea DON’Ts – Duchess Fine Teas 

  1. Don’t reuse tea leaves – It weakens flavor and causes bitterness. 
  2. Don’t over-steep tea – Always remove leaves on time to avoid bitterness. 
  3. Don’t use boiling water for green/white teas – It burns the leaves. 
  4. Don’t reheat tea in a microwave – It damages aroma and taste. 
  5. Don’t serve tea in mismatched, stained, or chipped cups. 
  6. Don’t pour hot tea over cold milk – Warm the milk separately. 
  7. Don’t use the same kettle for coffee and tea – It taints flavor. 
  8. Don’t store tea near spices, moisture, or sunlight – Use airtight containers. 
  9. Don’t use paper napkins as coasters for china – Use saucers or trays. 
  10. Don’t drip teapots on table linens – Wipe the spout after pouring. 
  11. Don’t serve expired or stale tea – Always check the packaging date. 
  12. Don’t serve tea lukewarm or cold—temperature matters. 
  13. Don’t forget the smile – Tea service is a ritual of warmth and grace. 

Dos to Get Best Flavours from Tea: 

  • Use fresh, room temperature water for boiling—not previously boiled 
  • Always measure loose leaf tea with a spoon or scale for consistency 
  • Gently stir or swirl tea leaves after pouring hot water for even extraction 
  • Avoid covering floral or white teas too tightly—let the aroma bloom 
  • Rinse teaware with hot water before use to avoid temperature drop/ Preheat teapots and cups 
  • Use open infusers or strainers to allow tea leaves to fully expand 
  • Avoid storing tea near strong-smelling foods, as tea absorbs odors easily 
  • Use separate kettles or teapots for herbal and scented teas to prevent flavor mixing 
  • Never reuse tea leaves unless the tea is specifically designed for multiple infusions (like high-grade oolongs or Pu-erh) 
  • Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness—always remove tea leaves or bag promptly 
  • Steep tea in front of guest (if possible) 
  • Clearly label caffeine-free teas 
  • Offer honey or stevia for herbal infusions 
  • Use timer or sandglass to track steeping 
  • Provide a proper resting saucer for tea strainers 
  • Learn to describe flavor notes with confidence