Not all teas are alike, and each requires careful preparation before you can enjoy your cup of tea to its fullest.

If you've had an unpleasant experience with green tea for example, it may simply be the result of having the water too hot. Green tea is essentially the leaf as it was picked, with the moisture removed. That's why it contains all the anti-oxidants and vitamins. If you use boiling water on green tea you literally cook the tea leaves, which brings out a terrible astringency and makes it very unpleasant to drink. When people discover the proper way to make green tea at Leslie's tea tastings, they can't believe they are drinking green tea. They really like it.

Likewise, there is more to brewing a perfect cup of loose black tea than simply pouring water over the leaves. Different teas require different brewing times to bring out the full aroma and flavour. Generally, teas should not be steeped more than four minutes, but some Darjeelings are best when brewed for three minutes.

Leslie is more than happy to recommend the perfect brewing time for the teas you purchase at Tulipwood teas.

She'll also help with the tricky question of what kind of teapot to use. Some are porous, and should only be used with one type of tea. Sometimes a large china mug and a brewing basket are all you need. Perhaps a special brewing sack with help bring out all full flavour and aroma.

Rest assured all the cups and teapots at Tulipwood Teas are of the highest quality – and none of the teapots drip!