A tea expert declared the best way to make the perfect brew in a definitive list.
According to Jane Maylon, 66, a tea expert who runs a company selling afternoon tea hampers and has tried hundreds of teas - as well as scones, jams and sandwiches - an ideal cup is meticulously made.
Jane says there are seven simple rules to follow for a flawless British cuppa. There are some definite no-nos like reboiling water, putting milk in first - and even where you shouldn't dunk a biscuit. In fact, you shouldn't even let your kettle come to boil.
Jane, from Uttlesford, Essex, said: "Tea is in our British blood. If something has gone wrong, you just out the kettle on, it's just our reaction to everything."
Jane confirmed that a good cup of tea will never require the use of a microwave.
But in her expert opinion, to truly make the perfect cup, you should use a teapot and loose leaf tea.
Jane said it's not just about the end result, but the "ritual" of making the tea - and doing it that way makes it taste better too.
"If you can, warm the pot first before you put the tealeaves in," she said.
"Swirl some hot water in then back out again so it's hot and steamy for the best taste."
Jane suggested you shouldn't actually wait for the kettle to fully boil before pouring the water in your cup.
Instead, you should catch it just before the water boils - or wait and use it just after - to prevent scalding the leaves.
Another common error she said Brits make is re-boiling water from the kettle which has already been boiled.
She said: "Once boiled, the oxygen is gone. It won't have the same taste as fresh water."
And what of the controversial subject amongst Brits of whether the milk goes in first or last? Jane says it should always go last.
Jane explained: "Lots of people like to put the milk in first and swear it tastes different.
"But until you add the milk you wont know how strong the tea is."
Another hotly debated topic is dunking a biscuit in tea and whether it is acceptable.
Jane claims it is - but only in private.
She said: "You should never do it in a posh place."
Controversially Jane feels the best choice of biscuit depends whether you plan to dunk it or not.
She said: "For me, a plain rich tea for dunking. If not for dunking, a milk chocolate digestive is perfect. Chocolate Hobnobs are also very popular."
How to make a perfect British cup of tea
DO:
- Use tea leaves
- Use a teapot
- Warm the teapot with hot water first
DON'T:
- Use boiling water - catch it pre-boil or wait a bit after boiling
- Put the milk in first
- Re-boil water - empty and refill the kettle with fresh water
- Dunk your biscuits in a formal setting
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