Brewing tea might seem simple, but getting it right can make the difference between a bland cup and an extraordinary experience. Each type of tea has its own ideal brewing parameters.
Water Quality Matters
Always start with fresh, filtered water. Avoid distilled water (too flat) and heavily chlorinated tap water (affects taste). Spring water or filtered tap water works best.
Green Tea
Temperature: 70-80°C (158-176°F)
Steep Time: 1-3 minutes
Leaf Amount: 1 tsp per 250ml
Green tea is the most temperature-sensitive. Water that's too hot will make it bitter and astringent. If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it cool for 3-4 minutes.
Black Tea
Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
Steep Time: 3-5 minutes
Leaf Amount: 1 tsp per 250ml
Black tea can handle boiling water. A full 5-minute steep will produce a strong, robust cup. For a lighter brew, reduce to 3 minutes.
White Tea
Temperature: 75-85°C (167-185°F)
Steep Time: 4-5 minutes
Leaf Amount: 2 tsp per 250ml
White tea needs a gentler touch and a bit more leaf, as it's less processed and more delicate.
Oolong Tea
Temperature: 85-95°C (185-203°F)
Steep Time: 3-5 minutes
Leaf Amount: 1 tsp per 250ml
Oolong falls between green and black tea. Many oolongs can be re-steeped 3-5 times, with each infusion revealing different flavour notes.
Herbal Tea
Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
Steep Time: 5-7 minutes
Leaf Amount: 1-2 tsp per 250ml
Herbal teas (tisanes) benefit from a full boil and longer steeping time to extract the full range of flavours from dried herbs, flowers, and fruits.
Pro Tips
- Pre-warm your teapot or cup by rinsing with hot water before brewing
- Use a timer — even 30 seconds too long can affect taste
- Don't squeeze the tea bag — this releases tannins and makes your tea bitter
- Re-steep quality loose leaf teas for multiple infusions
