Recommended Tea Brewing Parameters
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steep Time | Tea per Cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 95–100°C | 3–5 min | 1 tsp / 2.5g | Full boil, robust |
| Green | 70–80°C | 1–3 min | 1 tsp / 2g | Avoid bitterness |
| Oolong | 85–95°C | 2–4 min | 1.5 tsp / 3g | Multiple steeps |
| White | 75–85°C | 2–5 min | 2 tsp / 2g | Delicate, re-steep |
| Herbal | 100°C | 5–7 min | 1–2 tsp | Longer steep |
| Pu-erh | 95–100°C | 1–3 min | 3–5g | Gongfu style |
| Yerba Mate | 70–80°C | 3–5 min | Fill 2/3 | Bombilla, refill |
The Ultimate Guide to Tea Brewing: Temperature, Time, Ratio
Brewing the perfect cup of tea is an art and science. The right water temperature, steep time, and tea-to-water ratio extract optimal flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Our Tea Brewing Calculator gives you precise guidelines for black, green, oolong, white, herbal, and more — in grams, teaspoons, and cups.
Why Proper Brewing Matters
Too hot? Bitter, astringent. Too cool? Weak, flat. Over-steeped? Tannins dominate. Under-steeped? Lacking depth. The International Tea Masters Association recommends specific parameters to preserve delicate compounds like catechins (green tea) and theaflavins (black tea).
Standard Tea Brewing Parameters
Proven guidelines used by tea sommeliers:
- Black Tea: 95–100°C, 3–5 min, 1 tsp (2.5g) per 8oz
- Green Tea: 70–80°C, 1–3 min, 1 tsp (2g) per cup
- Oolong: 85–95°C, 2–4 min, 1.5 tsp (3g)
- White Tea: 75–85°C, 2–5 min, 2 tsp (2g)
- Herbal/Tisane: 100°C, 5–7 min, 1–2 tsp
- Pu-erh: 95–100°C, 1–3 min per steep, 3–5g
- Yerba Mate: 70–80°C, 3–5 min, fill gourd 2/3
How to Use the Tea Brewing Calculator
- Select Tea Type: Auto-fills temp, time, ratio
- Enter Cups: Scales water and tea
- Adjust (optional): Override with custom values
- Get Results: Temp, time, tea amount, water volume
Example: 2 cups green tea → 80°C, 2 min, 4g tea, 480ml water.
Water Temperature Guide
| Tea | Temp (°C) | Temp (°F) | Visual Cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green/White | 70–85 | 160–185 | Small bubbles |
| Oolong | 85–95 | 185–205 | Steaming |
| Black/Herbal | 95–100 | 205–212 | Rolling boil |
Tea Leaf Measurement
Weight vs Volume: 1 tsp ≈ 2–3g (varies by leaf size). Use scale for precision. Loose leaf expands 3–5x when steeped.
Steeping Tips
- Pre-warm teapot: Prevents cooling
- Use filtered water: No chlorine taste
- Cover while steeping: Retains heat
- Re-steep premium teas: 2–6 times
- Don’t squeeze tea bag: Releases bitterness
Common Mistakes
- Boiling green tea → bitter
- Over-steeping black tea → astringent
- Using tap water with chlorine
- Measuring by volume only
- Steeping in metal (reacts with tannins)
Health Benefits by Tea Type
- Green: EGCG antioxidants, metabolism
- Black: Theaflavins, heart health
- Oolong: Weight management
- Herbal: Chamomile (sleep), peppermint (digestion)
- Mate: Natural caffeine, focus
Gongfu vs Western Brewing
- Gongfu: 5–7g tea, 100ml water, 15–30 sec, 6+ steeps
- Western: 2–3g per 240ml, 2–5 min, 1 steep
Tea Around the World
- UK: Black tea, milk, 4 min
- Japan: Sencha, 70°C, 1 min
- China: Gongfu oolong, multiple short steeps
- Morocco: Gunpowder green, mint, sugar
- India: Masala chai, boiled with milk/spices
Storage & Freshness
Store in airtight, opaque container. Use within 6–12 months. Avoid heat, light, moisture, odors.
Scaling for Guests
Hosting 10 people? Use our Recipe Scaling Calculator or input cups directly.
Conclusion
Perfect tea starts with precision. Use our Tea Brewing Calculator daily to master temperature, time, and ratio. Pair with quality loose leaf and filtered water for café-quality tea at home. Explore more in our Cooking Calculators section.