There are few things in life better than a cup of tea. It’s the liquid nectar that’s the answer to all of life’s problems, like a warm hug in a mug.

But it’s possible to make the humble cuppa taste even better - and you don’t need any extra ingredients to do it. Black tea is by far the most popular tea among Brits and is known for its strong, robust flavour. It is said to have a rich and full-bodied flavour that can range from slightly malty to slightly sweet, and it can be enjoyed with the addition of milk, sugar or simply as it comes.

But if you’re keen to bring out that bold flavour black tea is known for, then experts recommend warming your teapot before brewing.

By warming the teapot, this helps the water to stay hotter for longer which is key to drawing out the flavour and aroma from the tea leaves, resulting in a much richer tasting brew. Not only that, it also prevents cracking that can occur when boiling water is placed in a room temperature tea pot, and it helps your brewed tea maintain the proper temperature.

Leaf Tea Shop explains: “The teapot has been around for as long as we can remember, and even now, it is considered one of the most important utensils. A good teapot can make a difference in the flavour and preservation of the properties of tea.

“Although the preparation of tea is considered quite simple, there are some techniques involved. Whether it is a traditional ceramic teapot, a sleek glass teapot, or a purple clay pot, the correct use of a teapot can maximise the experience each time you sit down to have a cuppa.

“Introducing a teapot into your routine can be an amazing change, because it gives the tea time to properly infuse into the water, improving the taste.

“Heat The Pot. Before starting your process, pour boiling water into the teapot, swirl it around gently for a few seconds and then pour it out to ensure that the inside is also warmed up. The reasoning behind doing this is to enhance the aroma of the tea leaves and prevent the quality of the tea broth from being affected by the drastic temperature difference.”

Tea experts recommend leaving black tea to brew in the tea pot for around four to five minutes to allow the flavour to properly infuse. During this brewing time it’s worth using a tea cosy to ensure your tea is kept at the proper temperature, thereby ensuring the best flavour.

Yorkshire Tea says: “Tea likes hot water, but a chilly teapot cools things down – so swirl a little boiling water around the empty pot first. For bonus points, use that water to warm the cups too.

“Add two tea bags to a regular teapot or one tea bag to a mini teapot. If you’re using loose tea, add one teaspoon per person and one for the pot. Pour the hot water in and stir a bit.

“Tea needs time to unlock all its flavour, so give it 4-5 minutes to do its thing. This is a perfect time to munch a sneaky biscuit or daydream about holidays.

“We like a splash of semi-skimmed or whole milk, but your brew is unique to you – so add milk, sugar, honey, lemon or nothing at all. Most importantly, enjoy!”