7 Steps to a Perfect Cup of Tea
1. Great Tea
This may seem obvious, but quality of tea does make a difference in the cup! Loose-leaf tea is fresher, fuller, and bolder in flavor, not to mention that it also retains more of the plants' beneficial qualities.
2. Water
One of the most important factors to a good cup of tea besides the quality of the tea leaf is the quality of the water used to make the tea. If the water is bad, it won’t matter how good the tea to be steeped is. We recommend filtered water or spring water (NOT distilled water, which will result in a diluted, flat cup!).
3. Ratios
General rule of thumb, use approximately 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea to every 8 ounces of water. If a stronger cup is preferred, use a little more; and vice versa. For some varieties however, a ½ teaspoon will do because the leaf is tightly twisted and curled (i.e. gunpowder) or is in granular form (i.e. Irish Breakfast).
4. Water Temperature
Different tea leaves require different temperature water to get the maximum benefits and best flavor. For example, black tea leaves can be rather hardy in general and can stand a hot water that is just below boiling, say around 195°F–203°F. White and green tea leaves tend to be more delicate and should be steeped with a water that ranges around 165°F–185°F, depending on the tea variety. Steeping with water that is too hot for the leaf can scorch it which can create a bitter cup. Water that isn’t hot enough may not get all the flavor out of the leaf resulting in a weak cup. See our steeping suggestions at our Tea Brewing Guide.
5. Steeping Time
Just like each tea variety needs the appropriate temperature water, each tea type has an optimal steep time. Of course, much of this will depend on personal taste. There are guidelines that can be helpful, but really, it’s up to the individual. Some like a strong cup with a lot of astringency, and some like a lighter cup. In general, green tea and white tea only need about 3 minutes to steep. Black tea can be steeped up to 5 minutes. Herbal teas that don't contain Camellia sinensis can be steeped for longer; see our Tea Brewing Guide for specific guidelines.
6. Infusing
Loose-leaf tea will expand and needs lots of room when steeping so be sure the infuser basket or steeper is large enough. If too much tea is put into too small a steeper, water will not be able to move in through and around the leaves, the leaves will not be able to fully expand, and the flavor will not be as balanced.
7. Mindfulness
Tea has a magical way of impacting our day, our moods, slowing us down, and allowing us space to simply savor life. This is why throughout history in multiple cultures tea intertwines spiritually and ceremonially. In creating a perfect cup of tea, fill it with intention—whether it be joy, gratitude, healing, peace, grounding…whatever is called for in the moment.
