The Perfect Cup
Steeping good tea isn't hard but it is also not as simple as chucking it into boiling water and letting it stew. The trick to steeping tea correctly comes in five parts: water, weight, temperature, time and equipment.
Steeping times
| Dark Oolong | 3 mins |
| Pu Erh | 5 mins |
| Black | 3-5 mins |
| Herbal | 7-10 mins |
| Light Oolong | 3 mins |
| Green | 2-3 mins |
| White | 3 mins |
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STEP 1: Start with fresh, cold, good tasting water
The best tea is only as good as the water with which it is prepared. We recommend using filtered or bottled spring water with a natural mineral content that is neither too hard nor too soft. Distilled water is not recommended since water purified of its mineral content produces a flat tasting infusion. The freshness of the water is important as fresh water contains more oxygen, which enhances the taste of the tea. Never use hot tap water or water that has already boiled for a long time as this may result in a flat and dull tasting tea with little aroma.
STEP 2: Select the right water temperature
Black, Dark Oolong, Herbal
These are best prepared with water that has come to near boiling- just don’t let the water boil too long.
Green, White, Green Oolong
These should not be prepared with boiling water as this will cook the leaf and ruin its flavor. Generally, the finer the green tea, the lower the water temperature should be. To prepare green tea without using a thermometer: pour the water at the moment that bubbles begin to appear at the bottom of your kettle. Alternatively, you may bring the water to a boil and then add cold or let it cool for two to three minutes before pouring over green tea.
STEP 3: Measure the appropriate amount of dry leaves
Ideally, 3 grams of dry leaves should be used for every 6 ounces of water (About one teaspoon of dry leaves for each 6-ounce cup). Since different teas have widely varying weights, it is important to adjust the amount of dry leaves accordingly. Try 2 teaspoons per 6 ounce cup for lighter teas like white and oolong.
STEP 4: Steep for the proper length of time
The time it takes for tea to steep depends on the size of leaf. The smaller the leaf, the faster the tea infuses. Pay attention to the taste rather than the color. When the tea tastes right, serve or pour off all the liquid to avoid over-steeping. Then enjoy!