A good cup of tea depends on the right water temperature and steeping time for the type of tea you are brewing. Black tea likes near-boiling water and a few minutes; green tea prefers cooler water and a shorter steep. Here is a simple method that works for a bag or loose leaf.
What you'll need
- Tea bag or loose-leaf tea
- A kettle
- A mug or teapot
- A strainer for loose leaf
- Fresh water
Step by step
- Heat fresh waterBring fresh water to the right temperature: near boiling for black and herbal teas, and slightly cooler, around 175 degrees Fahrenheit, for green tea.
- Warm the pot (optional)Swirl a little hot water in the mug or teapot and pour it out to keep the brewing temperature steadier.
- Add the teaPlace a tea bag in the mug, or add about a teaspoon of loose leaf per cup into the pot or a strainer.
- Pour and steepPour the hot water over the tea and steep for the type: roughly 3 to 5 minutes for black, 2 to 3 for green, and longer for herbal.
- Remove and serveLift out the bag or strain the leaves so it does not over-steep, then add milk, lemon, or sweetener if you like.
Handy tips
- Use cooler water for green and white teas to avoid a bitter, astringent brew.
- Steep to taste, and taste as you go rather than leaving the bag in indefinitely.
- Cover the cup or pot while steeping to hold the heat in.
FAQ
How long should I steep tea?
Roughly 3 to 5 minutes for black tea, 2 to 3 minutes for green, and 5 minutes or more for many herbal teas. Adjust to your taste.
Should green tea use boiling water?
No. Green tea is best with water below boiling, around 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, since boiling water makes it bitter.
Can I reuse a tea bag?
You can, but a second steep is much weaker and less flavorful. Loose leaf, especially higher grades, holds up better to multiple steeps.