To achieve a truly superior cup of tea, begin by measuring one to two teaspoons of loose-leaf tea for every eight ounces of fresh water. Heat your water until it reaches a full, rolling boil to properly extract the bold flavors of the leaves. Allow the tea to steep undisturbed for three to five minutes, depending on your preferred strength. For the most vibrant results, always use filtered water; since tea is mostly water, impurities can significantly dull the complex taste.