The perfect cup or pot of tea is affected 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 - black tea, green tea, oolong, white tea, or tisane. 

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 a measured teaspoon or our Tea Measure Spoon, which can be found in the Accessories category. When making tea you have not 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. A better way to measure your tea is by weight using a gram scale – the recommended amount is 2.5g per 6-oz. cup for teas, 4g per 6-oz. cup for tisanes.

Water Quality
Always be sure to use fresh water that is either filtered from the tap or bottled. Do not use distilled water, as it will result in a flat-tasting tea.

Water Temperature
Black teas, Pu'er, and tisanes are strong enough to stand up to boiling water. Oolongs, green, white and yellow teas will be scalded if boiling water is used, which results in an infusion that is bitter and un-drinkable. Refer to our chart below to find out the recommended water temperature to use for each type of tea.

Steep Time
Black teas, Pu-er, and tisanes require a longer time to infuse properly and develop their full flavor. Oolongs, green, white and yellow 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 the strength you like best.

Steps for Preparing Hot Tea

• Heat enough fresh water to the proper temperature for the type of tea you are preparing.
• When water is heated, pour a small amount into your cup or pot. Swirl it around to warm the cup or pot and then pour out. This will ensure that the tea infuses at the proper water temperature.
• Measure out enough tea leaves for the cup or pot and dump them into an infuser or directly into the pot.
• Pour hot water over the tea leaves and allow them to steep for the proper time.
• After the proper steeping time has elapsed, remove the infuser or pour the tea into cups using a strainer to catch the leaves.
• Add a sweetener, lemon, or milk, if desired.
• Relax and enjoy your tea!

Steps for Preparing Iced Tea

Use loose tea to make your own healthy and delicious iced tea. It is easy and almost any tea can be used to make it. Try experimenting with Nilgiri or Ceylon black teas, oolongs, jasmine teas, fruit-flavored teas, fruit blends, and herbals. Drink plain or add a splash of fruit juice for a hint of sweetness. Refreshing, delicious, and healthy iced tea is never far away!

• Prepare hot tea according to steps 1 through 5 in the instructions above.*
• Let the tea cool to room temperature and then refrigerate.
• Pour the tea over ice, if desired.*
• Garnish, as desired, with slices of citrus or other fruit, berries, or mint sprigs.
• Enjoy!

* If adding ice to your tea, make it double or triple strength so that it does not become diluted.

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.