Do you get confused by the different temperatures and times for steeping tea?    Tea should be easy to prepare, so why all the different rules?  White, Green, Oolong, Black and Puer –  these teas range from delicate to hearty and each has a different temperature and time to bring out its best flavor.

Here are some guidelines.  Play with the temperature and times if you find the tea is too weak or strong for you. It’s best not to steep past 5 minutes unless it’s a tisane (herbal tea).  Just add a little more tea for a stronger cup.

What’s important in making the best cup of tea?

1.  Always start with fresh cold spring water and only heat the amount you will use. This will keep the same water from being heated over and over and becoming flat.    If you love delicate teas such as white, green and low oxidized oolongs, definitely use spring water if you feel your home tap water has a too overpowering taste.    Tap water may taste like chlorine or just off.  Safe to drink, but it may add unwelcome flavors to the delightful oolong you just purchased.   It’s best for all tea types, but you will really notice a different in the delicate teas.

2. If you are making a pot, warm the pot first with hot water. If the room is cold, and you are just making a cup, warm your cup or mug the way you would the pot. Pour out the water and set your infuser with measured tea in. You want your prepared water to do  the work of making tea, not heating a cold pot.    This simple mindfulness can also add to your daily ritual of making tea.

3. Pour your water over the tea to steep – never add the tea to the water!  Use an infuser for easy removal of tea leaves and for re-steeping.  About 1-2 tsp (2-4 grams) per 6-8 oz. of water.    

Suggested Time and Temperatures If you have purchased a specialty tea, the packaging might have a water temperature and steeping times that brings out the best flavor of that tea.  If not, here are some guidelines.

White – 185 degrees for 5 minutes

Green – 175-185 degrees for 3 minutes

Oolong – 185 degrees for 3 minutes

Black – 212 degrees for 4-5 minutes

Pu-erh – 212 degrees for 4 minutes

Tisanes/Rooibos – 212 degrees for 5 minutes

A simple rule to remember is that the White, Green, lighter (greener) Oolongs and First Flush Darjeelings are delicate and are not at their best with boiling water. Just bring your water to a boil and then let sit before pouring over the tea.  Depending on altitude, this takes about 3 minutes for temperature to drop to around 185 degrees & 5 minutes for 175 degrees.