Steeping is time plus temperature
Water that is too hot or a steep that runs too long pulls bitterness out of the leaf. Water that is too cool or a steep that is too short leaves the cup thin and pale. The figures below are typical starting points. If the packaging gives instructions, trust the people who blended the tea over a general chart.
| Tea | Typical water | Typical steep |
|---|---|---|
| Green | about 70 to 80 °C | 2 to 3 minutes |
| White | about 75 to 85 °C | 2 to 5 minutes |
| Oolong | about 85 to 95 °C | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Black | about 95 to 100 °C | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Herbal and fruit blends | boiling | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Rooibos | boiling | 5 to 7 minutes |
Getting the water temperature right
A kettle that has just boiled is close to 100 °C. For green and white teas, let the water sit with the lid open before you pour. How long that takes depends on the kettle and the room, so a thermometer, or a kettle with temperature settings, is more reliable than guessing. Some people simply add a splash of cold water to the kettle after it boils.
A few habits that improve a cup
- Start with fresh cold water rather than water that has been boiled repeatedly.
- Warm the pot or mug first so the temperature does not drop the moment you pour.
- Measure the leaf. A level teaspoon per cup is a common starting point for loose tea, but leaf size varies a lot.
- Give the leaves room to open. A tiny infuser can hold back flavour.
- Remove the leaves or bag when the timer ends. Leaving them in keeps the steep going.
When in doubt, steep for the shorter end of the range, taste, and add time next cup. It is much easier to learn your preference this way than to rescue an over-steeped pot.
Keep your tea fresh
Store tea in an airtight container away from light, heat and strong smells. Tea that has sat for a long time tends to lose flavour, and a stale cup can make even a perfect steep taste flat.
Second steeps and milk
Many loose-leaf green, white and oolong teas can be infused more than once, often with a slightly longer steep each time. Bagged black tea is usually best used once. If you take milk, many people add it after the tea has finished steeping.
Need a different length? The 3-minute, 4-minute and 5-minute timers are ready to go. The countdown timer takes any time you like, and the egg timer is handy for breakfast.
Questions
How long should I steep tea?
It depends on the type. Typical ranges are 2 to 3 minutes for green tea, 2 to 5 for white, 3 to 5 for oolong and black, and 5 to 7 for herbal blends. Packaging instructions take priority, and tasting at the short end of the range is a safe way to find your preference.
Why does my tea taste bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from water that is too hot or leaves steeped for too long, which is especially common with green tea. Try cooler water, a shorter steep, or a little less leaf. Remove the leaves or bag as soon as the timer ends.
What temperature should the water be for green tea?
Green tea is typically brewed with water cooler than boiling, often around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius, although some brands recommend different temperatures. Letting a boiled kettle rest for a short while with the lid open, or using a kettle with temperature settings, is a common approach.
Can I steep the same tea leaves twice?
Many loose-leaf teas, particularly green, white and oolong, can be steeped several times. The second infusion often needs a slightly longer time. Most bagged teas are designed for a single steep, so check the packaging.