The perfect cup of tea

How to make the perfect cup of tea – be patient

Making the perfect cup of tea involves a secret ingredient – patience, claims a new study.

Scientists have discovered that the key to the best tasting brew is to let it sit for six minutes before drinking.

Not only does it avoid scolding but by then it has cooled to 60C, the optimum temperature to let the flavours flood out.

But leave it until after 17 minutes and 30 seconds and the tea will be past its best.

The best method was to add boiling water to a tea bag in a mug and leave for two minutes.

Then remove the bag and add the milk and leave for six minutes until it reaches optimal temperature of 60C.

Leave too long and it drops below 45C and the flavours destroying the "all round sensory experience".

Instructions for perfect cup of tea for one

1. Add 200ml of freshly boiled water to your tea bag (in a mug).

2. Allow the tea bag to brew for 2 minutes.

3. Remove the tea bag.

4. Add 10ml of milk.

5. Wait 6 minutes before consumption for the cuppa to reach its optimum temperature of 60 degrees centigrade