Warm a teapot by filling it with boiling water. If using loose tea, measure tea into a tea ball. Empty teapot; add tea ball or tea bags to pot. Immediately add 4 cups boiling water to teapot. Cover; let steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea ball or tea bags; serve tea at once.

For ice tea prepare as above, except use 4 to 8 teaspoons loose tea or 4 to 8 tea bags. After mixture steeps, let cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. Serve over ice. Pass sugar and lemon, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

Another alternative for making ice tea. Place 6 to 8 tea bags in a 2-quart clear glass container. Add 1-1/2 quarts cold water; cover. Let stand in full sun or at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours or till tea reaches desired strength. Remove tea bags. Serve over ice. Pass sugar and lemon, if desired. Store in refrigerator.