"And one for the pot"

[omegapd]

I always find it interesting reading old tea preparation techniques and seeing "use a tsp. for each cup plus one for the pot". I know many of us here fine tune their tea quantity with digital scales and what not, but for the people like me who typically use a regular teaspoon, do you do this?

I've always added at least an extra 1/2 tsp. depending on pot size. I don't do it when brewing a tea bag in a cup, but have always done it with loose tea in a pot. Seems to really make it more flavorful.

Just curious,

EW

[Chip]

I read a more modern piece on this indicating that the extra "spoon for the pot" is not necessary if you preheat your pot...wish I could remember where I read this. But logic dictates that all other things being equal, the extra leaf should not be needed.

I don't for greens, but I am brewing small pots.

[Victoria]

I think it's a good idea, just thinking somewhat logically (my fuzzy logic) - although your cups may be 4-6-8 oz, you rarely fill them to the brim. So if you indeed use a measuring cup rather than your actual tea cup for filling the pot, you may need a little more.

[Chip]

I think it's a good idea, just thinking somewhat logically (my fuzzy logic) - although your cups may be 4-6-8 oz, you rarely fill them to the brim. So if you indeed use a measuring cup rather than your actual tea cup for filling the pot, you may need a little more.

If you were to go the teaspoon per 6 ounces for black as you prepare tea which is the traditional norm, the extra should not be necessary...if the tea is fluffier, you would increase the amount per cup just as you would for one (6 ounce) cup.

The extra leaf was needed because they had not been preheating. If everything is measured proportionally, why would extra leaf be needed...