Tea is simple, but it is also easy to overthink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most disappointing cups of tea come from one of three things: water that is too hot, steeping too long, or using too much tea. The good news is that all three are easy to fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing to know is that not all teas want the same treatment. Black tea can usually handle hotter water and a longer steep. Green and white teas are more delicate. Herbal blends often need more time because they are made from flowers, herbs, fruits, spices, roots, or leaves that are not always from the tea plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a simple starter guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Black tea:<\/strong> 3 to 5 minutes These are starting points, not strict rules. Your perfect cup may need a little more or less time depending on the tea, your taste, and whether you drink it plain, sweetened, iced, or with milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Temperature matters too. If green tea tastes bitter, harsh, or grassy in a bad way, the water may be too hot. Let the kettle rest for a minute before pouring, or use water around 160\u00b0F to 185\u00b0F for green and white teas. Black tea, herbal tea, and rooibos usually do well with hotter water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Green tea:<\/strong> 1 to 3 minutes
White tea:<\/strong> 1 to 3 minutes
Oolong tea:<\/strong> 3 to 5 minutes
Herbal tea:<\/strong> 5 to 7 minutes
Rooibos:<\/strong> 5 to 7 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\nTemperature matters<\/h2>\n