First, there are a few different types of tea: black, green and oolong - which is semi-black.  Black tea was the traditional tea in the Canadian Maritimes and is the equivalent to the English or Irish Breakfast teas that we drink today.  Green and oolong teas were considered more exotic and were consumed later in the afternoon and evening, whereas black tea was served all day. 

Since the tea bag was not invented until 1896, Anne and her company would have used tea leaves.  Though the tea bag may be more convenient, the tea leaves are so cramped inside the bag that they don’t brew as well and the bag itself can flavour the tea.

Here are 5 easy steps for brewing the perfect pot:

1.    Fill your kettle with the amount of fresh, cold water that your tea pot can hold, plus an extra cup or two.  Bring it to a rolling boil.
2.    As you’re waiting for the water to boil, fill your tea pot with a little bit of warm water and then remove it once the kettle boils.  A warmed pot helps keep the tea hotter for a longer period of time.
3.    Add 1 tsp (or 5 mL) of tea leaves to the pot for each person that is having tea.  On average, a tea pot holds four to six cups.
4.    Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves, stir gently and replace the lid.  Let your tea steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, then stir again and pour right away.  Make sure to pour through a strainer so that any loose tea leaves don’t fall into the cups.  You may also strain the tea into another warm pot and then serve your guests if you are afraid of your tea becoming too strong.  Or you can continue to add hot water in order to weaken the tea.
5.    Serve the tea with sugar and milk or thin lemon slices.

Source:  The Anne of Green Gables Treasury