You can steep black tea more than once. Quality teas hold up well through two or three infusions, with no loss of pleasure in the cup.
How to re-steep black tea properly
Long practiced across Asia, re-steeping black tea has real advantages. It opens up the full range of the leaf's flavors and significantly reduces tannin and caffeine levels, making it a gentler option for children and pregnant women.
For the best results, always use whole-leaf tea. The fine powder inside a tea bag releases its aroma quickly in the first brew, whereas whole leaves unfurl gradually over several infusions. Keep the water temperature moderate to preserve the tea's natural benefits.
Re-steeping a black tea bag
When re-steeping a tea bag, timing is everything. For a classic black tea such as Darjeeling, add one minute to each subsequent infusion. The first cup is the boldest in flavor. Those that follow are more delicate on the palate and contain very little caffeine, making them perfect for the evening without any stimulating effect.