Complete Tea Brewing Guide

Master the art of tea brewing with our comprehensive guide. Learn the perfect temperature, timing, and techniques for every type of tea. From delicate white teas to robust black teas, discover how to brew the perfect cup every time.

22 Tea Types Temperature Guide Steeping Times

Quick Brewing Reference Chart

Tea Type
Temperature
Steep Time
Caffeine
White Tea
160-170°F (71-77°C)
2-3 minutes
Low
Green Tea
170-185°F (77-85°C)
2-3 minutes
Medium
Oolong Tea
185-205°F (85-96°C)
3-5 minutes
Medium
Black Tea
200-212°F (93-100°C)
3-5 minutes
High
Herbal Tea
212°F (100°C)
5-7 minutes
None

Essential Tea Brewing Equipment

🌡️

Thermometer

Digital or analog thermometer to ensure precise water temperature for optimal brewing.

⚖️

Tea Scale

Digital scale to measure the perfect amount of tea leaves (2-3 grams per cup).

⏱️

Timer

Kitchen timer or smartphone app to track steeping time accurately.

🫖

Teapot/Infuser

Quality teapot or tea infuser for loose leaf teas to allow proper expansion.

Black Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect black tea with our detailed guide.

Assam

200-212°F 3-5 min High

Bold, malty black tea from the Assam region of India, perfect for breakfast blends.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 200-212°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: India

Flavor Profile: Strong, malty, with notes of honey and caramel

Health Benefits: Contains theaflavins. Supports heart health and provides sustained energy.

Darjeeling

200-212°F 3-5 min Medium

The "Champagne of Teas" from the Himalayan foothills, known for its muscatel flavor.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 200-212°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: India

Flavor Profile: Light, floral, with muscatel grape notes

Health Benefits: Rich in polyphenols. Supports digestive health and provides gentle energy.

Earl Grey

200-212°F 3-5 min Medium

Classic black tea flavored with bergamot oil, named after British Prime Minister Charles Grey.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 200-212°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Various

Flavor Profile: Citrusy, floral, with a smooth black tea base

Health Benefits: Combines black tea benefits with bergamot's calming properties.

English Breakfast

200-212°F 3-5 min High

Robust blend of black teas designed to pair perfectly with milk and breakfast foods.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 200-212°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Various

Flavor Profile: Strong, full-bodied, with malty undertones

Health Benefits: Provides sustained energy. Rich in antioxidants and supports heart health.

Chai Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect chai tea with our detailed guide.

Masala Chai

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Spiced Indian tea blend typically made with black tea, milk, and warming spices.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: India

Flavor Profile: Spicy, warming, with notes of cardamom and ginger

Health Benefits: Supports digestion. Warming spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Fruit Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect fruit tea with our detailed guide.

Berry Blend

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Refreshing fruit tea blend featuring various berries and natural flavors.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Various

Flavor Profile: Sweet, tart, with vibrant berry flavors

Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C. Supports immune health and provides natural sweetness.

Green Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect green tea with our detailed guide.

Gyokuro

170-185°F 2-3 min Medium

Premium Japanese green tea grown in the shade, resulting in a sweet, umami-rich flavor.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 170-185°F (2-3 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 2-3 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Japan

Flavor Profile: Sweet, umami, with minimal bitterness

Health Benefits: High in amino acids, particularly L-theanine. Promotes relaxation and mental clarity.

Longjing (Dragon Well)

170-185°F 2-3 min Medium

Famous Chinese green tea with flat, sword-shaped leaves and a distinctive chestnut aroma.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 170-185°F (2-3 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 2-3 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty, with a smooth, mellow finish

Health Benefits: Rich in catechins. Supports heart health and weight management.

Matcha

170-185°F 2-3 min High

Premium powdered green tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies, made from shade-grown tea leaves.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 170-185°F (2-3 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 2-3 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Japan

Flavor Profile: Rich, umami, slightly sweet with a creamy texture

Health Benefits: Extremely high in antioxidants. Boosts energy and focus. Contains L-theanine for calm alertness.

Sencha

170-185°F 2-3 min Medium

The most popular Japanese green tea, known for its fresh, grassy flavor and bright green color.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 170-185°F (2-3 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 2-3 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Japan

Flavor Profile: Fresh, grassy, slightly sweet with a clean finish

Health Benefits: High in antioxidants, particularly EGCG. Supports metabolism and brain function.

Herbal Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect herbal tea with our detailed guide.

Chamomile

212°F 5-7 min Medium

Gentle herbal tea made from chamomile flowers, known for its calming properties.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 212°F (5-7 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 5-7 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Various

Flavor Profile: Floral, sweet, with a mild apple-like flavor

Health Benefits: Promotes sleep and relaxation. Soothes digestive issues and supports immune health.

Peppermint

212°F 5-7 min Medium

Refreshing herbal tea with a cooling menthol flavor and digestive benefits.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 212°F (5-7 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 5-7 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Various

Flavor Profile: Cooling, minty, with a refreshing finish

Health Benefits: Soothes digestive issues. Provides natural cooling relief and supports respiratory health.

Oolong Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect oolong tea with our detailed guide.

Da Hong Pao

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Rare and expensive oolong from the Wuyi Mountains, known as "Big Red Robe".

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Mineral, smoky, with notes of dark chocolate

Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants. Supports digestive health and mental clarity.

Oriental Beauty

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Taiwanese oolong with a unique honey-like sweetness due to insect interaction.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: Taiwan

Flavor Profile: Honey-sweet, fruity, with a smooth finish

Health Benefits: Contains unique compounds from insect interaction. Supports skin health and metabolism.

Tie Guan Yin

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Famous Chinese oolong with a complex flavor profile and beautiful rolled leaves.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Floral, creamy, with a lingering sweet finish

Health Benefits: Contains unique oolong polyphenols. Supports metabolism and weight management.

Pu-erh Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect pu-erh tea with our detailed guide.

Raw Pu-erh (Sheng)

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Unfermented pu-erh that ages naturally, developing complex flavors over time.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Grassy, astringent when young, mellowing with age

Health Benefits: Supports digestion and metabolism. Contains unique microbial compounds.

Ripe Pu-erh (Shou)

185-205°F 3-5 min Low

Fermented pu-erh with an earthy, woody flavor profile.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Earthy, woody, with notes of damp forest

Health Benefits: Excellent for digestion. Supports gut health and metabolism.

Rooibos Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect rooibos tea with our detailed guide.

Green Rooibos

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

Unoxidized roooibos with a lighter flavor and higher antioxidant content.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: South Africa

Flavor Profile: Light, grassy, with subtle sweetness

Health Benefits: Higher antioxidant content than red rooibos. Supports skin health and immune function.

Red Rooibos

185-205°F 3-5 min Medium

South African herbal tea with a naturally sweet, nutty flavor and red color.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: South Africa

Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty, with notes of vanilla and honey

Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants. Supports skin health and is naturally caffeine-free.

White Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect white tea with our detailed guide.

Silver Needle

160-170°F 2-3 min Low

Premium white tea made from only the youngest tea buds, covered in fine white hairs.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 160-170°F (2-3 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 2-3 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Delicate, sweet, with notes of melon and honey

Health Benefits: Highest antioxidant content among teas. Supports skin health and immune function.

White Peony

160-170°F 2-3 min Low

White tea made from buds and young leaves, offering a fuller flavor than Silver Needle.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 160-170°F (2-3 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 2-3 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: China

Flavor Profile: Light, sweet, with subtle floral notes

Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants. Gentle on the stomach and supports immune health.

Yerba-mate Tea Brewing Guide

Learn how to brew perfect yerba-mate tea with our detailed guide.

Traditional Yerba Mate

185-205°F 3-5 min High

South American herbal tea with a bold, earthy flavor and natural caffeine.

Brewing Steps:
  1. Heat water to 185-205°F (3-5 min)
  2. Measure tea: 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup
  3. Steep for 3-5 min
  4. Remove leaves to prevent over-steeping
  5. Enjoy your perfectly brewed tea!

Origin: South America

Flavor Profile: Earthy, bold, with notes of grass and smoke

Health Benefits: Provides sustained energy. Rich in vitamins and minerals. Supports mental focus.

Pro Brewing Tips

Water Quality
  • Use filtered or spring water for the best taste
  • Avoid distilled water as it lacks minerals
  • Never reboil water - it loses oxygen
Storage Tips
  • Store tea in airtight containers away from light
  • Keep away from strong odors and moisture
  • Green and white teas last 6-12 months
  • Black and oolong teas last 1-2 years
Multiple Infusions
  • High-quality teas can be steeped multiple times
  • Increase steeping time by 30 seconds each infusion
  • Oolong and pu-erh teas are excellent for multiple infusions
Common Mistakes
  • Using water that's too hot for delicate teas
  • Steeping too long (causes bitterness)
  • Using too much tea (overwhelming flavor)
  • Not preheating teapot (cools water too quickly)

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