Tea Brewing FAQ

Green Tea: 160-180°F (70-80°C) - Cooler water prevents bitterness
White Tea: 160-185°F (70-85°C) - Delicate leaves need gentle heat
Oolong Tea: 185-205°F (85-96°C) - Varies by oxidation level
Black Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C) - Full boiling water releases robust flavors
Herbal Tea: 212°F (100°C) - Boiling water for full extraction

Green Tea: 2-3 minutes
White Tea: 4-5 minutes
Oolong Tea: 3-5 minutes
Black Tea: 3-5 minutes
Herbal Tea: 5-7 minutes
Note: These are guidelines - adjust to your taste preference. Longer steeping creates stronger flavor but may increase bitterness.

A general rule is 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup of water. For stronger tea, add more leaves rather than steeping longer to avoid bitterness. Denser teas like rolled oolongs may need slightly less, while fluffy white teas may need more.

Yes! High-quality loose leaf teas, especially oolongs, pu-erhs, and some green teas, can be steeped multiple times. Add 30 seconds to 1 minute to each subsequent steep. Some teas reveal different flavor notes with each infusion.

Yes, water quality significantly affects tea flavor. Use filtered or spring water when possible. Avoid distilled water (too flat) and heavily chlorinated tap water, which can mask delicate tea flavors.

Common causes include:
• Water temperature too hot (especially for green and white teas)
• Steeping too long
• Using too much tea
• Poor quality or stale tea leaves

Try reducing temperature, steeping time, or the amount of tea used.

Not necessarily! While teapots and infusers are helpful, you can start with:
• A simple tea infuser basket or ball
• A mug with built-in strainer
• A teapot with removable infuser

The key is giving leaves room to expand fully for best flavor extraction.

Store tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture, and strong odors. Keep in a cool, dark cupboard. Most teas stay fresh for 6-12 months when properly stored, though some aged teas like pu-erh improve over time.

Loose leaf tea typically contains whole or large pieces of leaves, offering better flavor, aroma, and the ability to resteep. Tea bags often contain smaller particles or "dust" that brew quickly but with less complexity. Loose leaf provides a superior tea experience.

Milk pairs best with robust black teas like English Breakfast, Assam, or Ceylon. It's traditionally not added to green, white, or oolong teas as it can overpower their delicate flavors. For herbal teas, it depends on personal preference and the blend.

Herbal tea, also called tisane, is not technically "tea" since it doesn't come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, it's an infusion made from herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, or other plant materials. Popular examples include chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, and hibiscus. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.

Use boiling water (212°F/100°C) for most herbal teas to fully extract flavors and beneficial compounds. Steep for 5-7 minutes, though some heartier herbs like roots or bark may benefit from 10-15 minutes. Use about 1-2 teaspoons per 8 oz cup, depending on the herb's density and your taste preference.

Yes, true herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free since they don't contain tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, be aware that some blends marketed as "herbal" may contain actual tea leaves or ingredients like yerba mate or guarana, which do contain caffeine. Always check the ingredients list if you're avoiding caffeine.

Absolutely! Many herbal teas make excellent iced beverages. You can brew them hot and chill, or use the cold brew method by steeping herbs in cold water for 4-8 hours in the refrigerator. Fruity and minty herbal teas are especially refreshing when served cold.

Different herbs offer various potential benefits:
• Chamomile: May promote relaxation and sleep
• Peppermint: May aid digestion and soothe upset stomach
• Ginger: May help with nausea and inflammation
• Rooibos: Rich in antioxidants
• Hibiscus: May support heart health

Note: Herbal teas can complement a healthy lifestyle but aren't substitutes for medical treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns.

Yes! Blending herbal teas is a great way to create custom flavors and combine benefits. Try pairing complementary flavors like chamomile with lavender for relaxation, or peppermint with ginger for digestion. Start with equal parts and adjust ratios to your taste. Have fun experimenting!

Properly stored herbal teas typically stay fresh for 6-12 months, though they won't spoil—they just lose potency and flavor over time. Store in airtight containers away from light, heat, and moisture. Whole herbs and flowers generally last longer than crushed or powdered forms.

Yes! Herbal teas pair well with various sweeteners:
• Honey (especially with chamomile or ginger)
• Agave nectar
• Stevia for a calorie-free option
• Maple syrup for a unique flavor

Add sweetener while the tea is hot for better dissolution. You can also enhance flavor with lemon, fresh mint, or cinnamon.

We're here to help! Contact us and our tea experts will be happy to assist you with any brewing questions or recommendations.