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 an herbal infusion. 

Amount of Tea Leaves

Using a teaspoon in your utensil drawer may result in tea that is too weak or too strong, since these teaspoons are not necessarily a standard teaspoon measure. 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. A rule of thumb is that fluffy teas, such as white teas, will require more of the leaves for making your infusion.

Water quality

Always be sure to use fresh water that is either filtered from the tap or bottled.

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 based on a 6 oz. cup, but feel free to experiment using different amounts of tea leaves and steeping times to find what you like best.

1. Heat enough fresh water to the proper temperature for the tea type
2. 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
3. Pour out the swirled water
4. Measure out enough tea leaves for the cup or pot and dump them into an infuser or directly into the pot
5. Pour the hot water and allow the leaves to steep for the proper time
6. After the proper steeping time has elapsed, remove the infuser or pour the tea into cups using a tea strainer
7. Add a sweetener, lemon, or milk, if desired
8. Enjoy your tea! 

The Best Iced Tea You'll Ever Have.....

Making your own iced tea is easy and almost any tea can be used to make it.

1. Prepare hot tea according to steps 1 through 6 in the instructions above, but make the tea stronger so that it doesn't lose its flavor when ice is added
2. Refrigerate the tea or let it cool to room temperature
3. Pour the tea over ice
4. Garnish as desired
5. Enjoy!

Experiment using different flavors of tea, fruit blends, and herbal infusions. Add a splash of fruit juice for a hint of sweetness. Refreshing, delicious, and healthy iced tea is never far away!

Note: Cover and refrigerate any leftover iced tea and consume it within 48 hours. Discard any iced tea that is older than 48 hours since bacteria can grow in the nutrient-rich beverage.