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Tea preparation used to be a whole ceremony for the people of Far East.
Nowadays, it is an exaggeration to speak of a ceremony, nevertheless
it is necessary for us to use the appropriate equipment like teapots, and other
Tea Accessories and we should also follow a certain procedure in order to
enjoy our cup of tea.
Tea Preparation
The perfect cup or pot of tea is determined by the following factors:
- Type of tea
- Amount of tea leaves
- Water quality
- Water temperature
- Steep time
Type of Tea
The amount of tea leaves, water temperature and steep time depend on the type of tea to be infused, whether it is black tea, green tea, oolong, white tea, fruit blend, or a herbal infusion.
Amount of Tea Leaves
Be sure to use a standard measure to measure your tea leaves, such as our Tea Measure Spoon in the Accessories category. When making tea you haven't tried before, start by following the package directions and adjust the amount of tea leaves to taste the next time you make it.
Water Quality
Always be sure to use fresh water. Bottled water is even better.
Water Temperature
Black teas, herbal infusions, and fruit blends are hearty enough to stand up to boiling water. Oolongs, green teas, and white teas will be scalded if boiling water is used, which results in an infusion that is bitter and un-drinkable.
Steep Time
Black teas, herbal infusions, and fruit blends take longer to infuse and for the flavor to fully develop. Oolongs, green teas, and white teas are more delicate and will get bitter if steeped too long.
Here is a general steeping instructions chart , but feel free to experiment using different amounts of tea leaves and steeping times to find what you like best
Tea Type |
Amount of Tea Leaves |
Water Temperature
(in degrees Fahrenheit) |
Steeping Time
(in minutes) |
Black |
1 tsp |
208 |
3-5 |
Oolong |
2 tsp |
195 |
2-3 |
Green |
1 tsp |
180 |
1-2 |
White |
2 tsp |
180 |
3-4 |
Flavored White |
1 tbsp |
180 |
2-3 |
Rooibos, Honeybush, Fruit Blends, Herbal Infusions |
1-2 tsp |
208 |
7-10 |
Mate - roasted |
1 tsp |
208 |
7-10 |
Mate - green |
1 tsp |
160 |
7-10 |
Steps For Preparing Hot Tea
- Heat enough fresh water to the proper temperature for the tea type
- When water is heated, pour a small amount into your cup or pot and swirl it around to warm the cup or pot to ensure that the tea will infuse at the proper water temperature
- Pour out the swirled water
- Measure out enough tea leaves for the cup or pot and dump them into an infuser or directly into the pot
- Pour the hot water and allow the leaves to steep for the proper time
- After the proper steeping time has elapsed, remove the infuser or pour the tea into cups using a tea strainer
- Add a sweetener, lemon, or milk, if desired
Enjoy your tea
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