Steeping Time and Water Temp:
Black Tea: (195F/90C):
Whole Leaf Black Tea (OP, BOP, FOP) should be steeped for around 3 to 5 minutes. Black Tea is usually only brewed once per useage, and is brewed very
strongly.
Broken or finely cut black tea leaves should only be steeped from 2 to 3 minutes due to the higher concentration of flavor let out by the small grounds and
leaves.
Green Tea: (175/80C):
All types of Green Tea must be steeped at a lower temperature than oolong, black and pu-erh. If left for more than 5 minutes, the tea tends to get very
bitter, so for optimal flavor and aroma, steep anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the strength desired.
White Tea: (165F/75C):
White Tea is a very light type of tea that generally doesn't need to be brewed for a long time. Anywhere from 2 to 7 minutes, usually, as it does not become
as astringent as other types of tea and lets out a mellow flavor. Once a cup has been finished, one can reuse the tea leaves for another cup. Gradually, the
leaves will lose their potency, but depending on the strength and quality of the tea, many cups can be had just from a pinch. When the leaves are brewing in
the hot water, they will actually drop to the bottom of the cup to let you know that they are done steeping.
Oolong Tea: (185/85C):
Because it isn't as astringent as Green Tea, Oolong Tea can be steeped for about 3 to 5 minutes. Brewing for too long or too harshly will tarnish the
flavor, of course, but it is a more forgiving tea in this instance (as the flavor merely deepens) than the Green.
Pu-erh:(200F/95):
Because of the aging process that this type of tea goes through, Pu-erh Tea is much like Oolong Tea when it comes to preparing it. However, just like with white tea, one can extract the flavor several times from just one scoop of tea, yielding up to three cups or so. The water must be hotter
in order to draw all of the flavor out of this aged, earthy drink, and the steeping time is generally the same for both (3 to 5 minutes).
The lighter the tea (liquor), the cooler the water. The darker the tea (liquor), the hotter the water. Make sure to always use fresh, clean
water for your tea, as it affects the flavor, aroma, and general appearance.
Quantity
2 grams or one teaspoon for a cup of tea. Adjust this measurement according to your own personal tastes.
Ice Tea
Cold Brew: Steep 6 tablespoons in 1.5 liters (or 1/2 gallon) of cold water for at least 12 hours in refrigerator. Add two parts ice to one part tea.
Ready to serve.
Hot Brew Steep 6 tablespoons in 1/4 gallon of hot water. Allow to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/4 gallon of cold water, add two parts ice to one
part tea. Ready to serve.
Chai Ice Tea (one gallon pitcher) Steep (covered) 6 tablespoons of Spice Chai with about a quarter gallon of hot water, for three minutes. Strain
tea. Add one and a half (up to two cans) of condensed milk, or according to preference. The balance of the pitcher should be filled with ice. Ready to
serve.
