Preparation
Many rituals, rules and ceremonies have grown up around the preparation and appreciation of tea. There are rules that govern the storage, accessories, and additions to tea. If you start with good loose leaf and good water, then you are likely to produce a superior cup. Here are some rules of thumb when preparing different varieties of tea:
| Variety |
Water Temp °C/°F |
Steeping Time |
Tea per 8 oz cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| China & Formosa | |||
| White Teas | 160°-185° / 70°-85° | 7 min | 2 rounded tsps |
| Green Teas | 160°-200° / 70°-95° | 3 min | 2 rounded tsps |
| Oolongs | 200° / 95° | 7 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| Black | 200° / 95° | 5 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| India | |||
| First Flush Darjeeling | 200° / 95° | 3 min | 1.5 rounded tsps |
| Other Black Teas | |||
| Whole-Leaf | 200° / 95° | 5 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| Broken-Leaf | 200° / 95° | 3 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| Fannings & Dust | 200° / 95° | 2 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| Blends of Scented Tea | |||
| Oolong Based | 200° / 95° | 7 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| Green Based | 160-200° / 70-95° | 3 min | 1 rounded tsp |
| Black Based | 200° / 95° | 3 min | 1 rounded tsp |
If preparing Iced Tea then brew the tea doubly strong as the liquor will be diluted by the addition of ice and the flavor diminished by the chilled drinking temperature. If using a fine tea leaf, then consider serving the tea cool, but not ice cold so you can appreciate its subtleties.