Making a cup of tea used to be so simple. As British people, we know that tea is not just a drink—it is an essential part of our culture. A cup of tea is there for every occasion. If someone dies, we have a cup of tea. If someone is born, we have a cup of tea. If someone gets married, divorced, or just pops in for a chat, the kettle goes on.
When my mother was alive, there was no such thing as having just one cup of tea. You never left the house without having at least twelve. It was just part of the standard. But times have changed. These days, we find ourselves questioning even the simplest things, like how much it actually costs to make a cup of tea and whether we are making it in the best way possible.
The Rising Cost of Tea Time
There was a time when going out for a cup of tea seemed like an affordable pleasure, but now the cost of a simple brew in a café can feel outrageous. When you can buy a whole box of tea bags for the price of one cup, it makes sense to stay at home and put the kettle on.
But even at home, the cost of making tea is something to think about. With energy prices fluctuating, people are starting to question whether it is cheaper to boil water in a kettle or on the stove. Research suggests that although electric kettles are more efficient, electricity costs more per unit than gas. Boiling water for one cup of tea costs around 0.5p on a gas hob compared to 1.2p using an electric kettle. While that might not seem like much, it adds up over time, especially if you drink as much tea as my mother did.
Should You Reboil Water?
Then there is the question of whether you should only boil water once. Some say that reboiling water removes oxygen, making the tea taste flat. While it is true that heating water reduces its oxygen content, the difference is minimal. In reality, reboiling water is unlikely to make much of a difference to your tea. What does matter is using fresh water each time, as water that has been sitting around can pick up a stale taste.
The Perfect Temperature for Tea
Not all teas should be brewed at the same temperature. While black tea is best when the water is just off the boil (around 95°C), green and white teas require cooler water to avoid bitterness. If you want to make the perfect cup of black tea, let the kettle sit for about a minute after boiling. This allows the water to cool slightly to the ideal temperature without shocking the tea leaves.
How to Brew the Best Cup of Tea
If we are going to be thoughtful about our tea, we might as well make sure we are doing it right.
Use fresh water – Freshly drawn water makes the best tea.
Let it sit after boiling – This brings the temperature to the perfect range.
Steep for three minutes – Give the tea time to release its full flavour.
Use a proper teapot if you can – There is something special about making tea the old-fashioned way.
Taking a few extra moments to make the perfect cup of tea is a simple act of self-care. In the same way that we take time in Pilates to focus on breath, control, and precision, we can bring the same mindfulness to this daily ritual. So, whether you choose the kettle or the hob, fresh water or reboiled, make your next cup of tea with care and enjoy every sip.
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