General Preparation

• Use the best water possible. Filtered or bottled water is preferred since it is free from chlorine and other elements that may affect flavor. Avoid previously boiled water, as it lacks the required level of oxygen and can result in a flat-tasting tea.
• Preheat the teapot or cup to be used for brewing. A cool pot or cup will extract heat from the water and detract from the brewing process.
• Use a good-quality strainer or infuser to ensure that no leaf parts remain in the finished cup of tea.

 Water Temperature

Water temperature is an important factor in the tea-brewing process. Desired water temperature is dependent upon the type of tea you are brewing. Heat water as follows:

• For black, oolong and herbal teas (tisanes), bring water to a boil. These teas will not brew properly at lower temperatures.
• For green tea, or blends including green tea, do not boil. Keep the water at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

 How much tea should be used?

Teas vary in weight and mass, thus there is no quantity-to-cup standard that will be applicable to all teas. The following guidelines should help you in obtaining the cup of tea that suits your individual preferences.

• A good rule of thumb is to start with 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of water.
• For stronger tea, use more leaves during recommended steeping time period. With the exception of Rooibos tea, do not extend steeping time as it will cause bitterness.
•  For iced tea, double the recommended amount of tea, but do not increase steeping time.

 How long should tea steep?

• Black Teas (or blends including black tea): 3 to 4 minutes.
• Oolong Teas: 3 to 4 minutes
• Green Tea (or blends including green tea): 3 minutes.
• Rooibos Tisanes: 4 minutes or more. Unlike other teas, the flavor of Rooibos can benefit by longer steeping times.