How to Steep Tea

How long should I steep my tea?

This is a question that I get asked very often. Tea is really very simple to prepare. If you do not like your tea the first time you try it, try changing the way you steep it. If when you prepare it, you find that it is too strong or bitter, add more water, or better yet, next time, don't allow it to steep so long. If you find that the tea is too weak for your taste, try using more tea leaves the next time. You can experiment with different varieties of teas, sweeteners (such as honey or sugar), and temperatures - hot or iced. It's really all about your personal taste, so enjoy exploring to find what you like the best!

The following info will help you to prepare the best cup of tea possible:
1. Heat fresh, cold water (if available filtered water is best) to the appropriate temperature.
2. Add the loose tea leaves into your infuser (use approximately one full teaspoon of loose tea leaves per 6-8 oz. cup) and add water.
3. Infuse (steep) for the recommended amount of time or to suit your personal taste preference.


Type of Tea ~ Water Temp ~ Steep Time in Minutes

Green Tea~175°-180° (steaming)~1-3 minutes

White~175°-180°(steaming)~1-3

Oolong~180°-190°(steaming)~2-3

Black~208°-212°(boiling)~3-5

Pu-Erh~208°-212°(boiling)~3-5

Rooibos~208°-212° (boiling)~5-10

Herbal~208°-212°(boiling)~5-10

Red Tea

Although Rooibos or "red tea" is gaining in popularity--mostly through the ready-to-drink, bottled varieties, it is still relatively new to most people. Rooibos is actually an herb that grows in South Africa and not really "tea" at all. It is from the plant "Aspalathus linearis" (not Camellia sinensis, which is true tea) and produces fine, needle-like leaves.

Reasons to drink:

*naturally caffeine-free
*anti-spasmodic properties relieve stomach and digestive discomfort
*contains no additives, preservatives, or colors
*helps to relieve allergies
*promotes healthy skin, teeth, and bones
*contains antioxidants
*increases iron absorption
*contains essentials minerals, such as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, fluoride, and manganese and
* it produces a gorgeous red cup with fantastic flavor! (good ones to try: Cape Town Chai, RubyMint Falls, and Lemon Grove Rooibos)