There are many ways of making tea; we might say that every one makes it
in his own way; but, after many experiments and much information, we
have found the following to be the best:
Warm the teapot either by pouring boiling water in it and emptying it,
or by placing it on a corner of the range.
Then put good tea in it (the quantity to be according to the strength
and also to the quantity you want), and pour boiling water on the
leaves, just enough to wet them; leave thus about one minute, then pour
on all the water you want.
Let it steep no longer than about six minutes, and not less than four
minutes, before drawing it.
If allowed to steep longer than six minutes, all the astringency of the
tea is extracted, and it acts and has a bad effect on the nervous
system, besides losing most of its aroma.
Chemists and physiologists generally recommend black tea, as not
affecting the nervous system as much as green tea.
Tea being naturally very astringent, should never be served at
breakfast.
Taken after dinner, instead of _cafe noir_, it has the same effect, and
brandy may be mixed with it as in coffee.
Tea is excellent in damp climates and marshy countries, but it must be
taken after a substantial meal.
Drinking warm tea while eating causes the food to pass through the
system without nourishing it, or supplying its waste.