What is the first step when preparing tea?

When preparing tea, the first step is to fill a vessel with the appropriate water—typically a kettle or pot—rather than directly filling a cup. The correct initial action is crucial in the tea-making process because boiling water is essential for properly brewing the tea. The specific choice related to filling the cup with ice is not relevant to the tea preparation process, particularly if you are looking to brew hot tea.

Instead, the focus should be on allowing sufficient water to come to the right temperature, which would subsequently be poured over the tea leaves or bags. This ensures that the flavor compounds in the tea are effectively extracted during the steeping process. Understanding the basic sequence of tea preparation, including the importance of starting with water, helps in crafting the perfect cup of tea.