The table below should give a general guideline on the time and temperature for steeping your different teas. It is certainly for the tea purist with those specific temperatures and times, so we’re also including some handy tips for those of you that are a bit more casual:
First, the secret to a strong cup of tea is more TEA, not more TIME. Letting tea steep longer than the maximum time is a recipe for a bitter and unsatisfactory tea experience! Herbal and Tisanes, with no actual tea leaves, can generally can be steeped for as long as you want for stronger flavor.
A small string of bubbles from the bottom of the kettle is in the 180-190 degree range. A full rolling boil is in the 195-206 degree temperature range.
For naturally decaffeinated tea, pre-steep your tea for 30 seconds, flush, and the steep as normal. Caffeine will dissolve in the first steep, and it is nearly as decaffeinated as those chemically processed decaffeinated teas!
| Type of Tea | Temperature | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| White | 175-185 | 1-3 Minutes |
| Chinese Green | 185 | 3 Minutes |
| Japanese Green | 180 | 2-3 Minutes |
| Black | 206 | 3-5 Minutes |
| Darjeeling | 185 | 3 minutes |
| Oolong | 185-206 | 3-5 Minutes |
| Herbal and Tisane | 206 | 5-7 Minutes |
| Raw Pu-Erh | 195 | First soak 30 seconds, flush, then steep 3-5 minutes |
| Half/Full Backed Pu-Erh | 206 | First soak 30 seconds, flush, then steep 3-5 minutes |
I am so excited to see a tea shop in Lincoln, I live in Aurora and I will be coming to your shop today….I am a big believer in the healing powers of the green teas, I have been drinking them for many years. I look forward in meeting you and to purchase some of your teas
Thank you
Stephany Miller
God Bless
This is certainly a handy guide! It should also be noted that a good tea leaves to water ratio can help produce a perfectly brewed cup of tea as well. Make sure to add around 2 grams of tea leaves to every 6 to 8 ounces of water for optimal results. As mentioned in the article, add more tea leaves if you wish to brew a stronger cup!
For those of you who have never participated in one of Elizabeth’s teas you are really missing out on something special! I have gone to the teas that are held in house and I have now have purchased the tea party in a box. They are both wonderful! The little touches that Elizabeth adds are fantastic. My grandson, who is 12, also enjoys these teas. It is a wonderful time to slow down and just enjoy something special. I am so glad that Elizabeth has this tea shop for all of us. Once you taste her teas you will never go back to the tea bag tea, there is no comparison! Her in house high teas are so special, my grandaughter loves them, and so doI. I have gone to high tea in Ireland and Scotland and Elizabeth’s teas are right up there with the best. Please order a tea party in a box, you will not be diappointed. You will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Thank you Elizabeth for your wonderul, magical, special tea shop, you are greatly appreciated!