The order in which you add the water and the teabag can impact the brewing process and flavor of the tea. Traditionally, the teabag is placed in the cup first, followed by the hot water being poured over it. This method allows the water to interact with the tea immediately, helping to extract the flavors and infuse the water evenly.
On the other hand, some suggest adding the water first can help control the steeping time more precisely, as you can observe the color and strength of the tea as it develops. This can prevent over-steeping and ensure you get your desired tea strength.
Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference. Placing the teabag first might be more common and can enhance flavor extraction, while adding water first can offer more control over the brewing strength.