How do you wash tea leaves?

Washing tea leaves is an important step in the tea preparation process, as it helps to remove dust, impurities, and any residual pesticides or chemicals from the leaves. Here are the steps to washing tea leaves:

1. **Boil Water**: Bring a pot of water to a boil. The water should be clean and of good quality, as it will affect the taste of your tea.
2. **Warm the Teapot**: While the water is heating, warm your teapot by rinsing it with hot water. This helps to maintain the temperature of the tea once it's brewed.
3. **Place the Tea Leaves**: Put the desired amount of tea leaves into the warmed teapot. The amount will depend on the type of tea and your personal preference.
4. **Pour the Boiling Water**: Slowly pour the boiling water over the tea leaves, ensuring that all the leaves are evenly wet.
5. **Discard the First Infusion**: After a few seconds, pour out this first infusion of tea into a separate container or discard it. This initial wash helps to remove any impurities or dust from the leaves.
6. **Second and Subsequent Infusions**: Refill the teapot with boiling water and allow the tea to steep for the appropriate amount of time, depending on the type of tea you're using.
7. **Enjoy Your Tea**: Once the tea has steeped, pour it into your cup and enjoy!

Remember, not all types of tea require washing. Some high-quality teas, particularly those that are hand-processed and organic, may not need to be washed as they are already quite clean. It's always a good idea to check with your tea vendor or read the packaging instructions to see if washing is recommended for the specific type of tea you're using.

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