The Steeping Times Chart

The following steeping times chart is meant to give you an idea of where to start when you prepare your teas. It is not an exact science and you should check with your tea merchant for instructions for individual teas. However, this chart will help you get started and remember, tea taste is subjective and, therefore, different for everyone, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

Type Of Tea

Tea Amount Per Person

Water Temperature

Steeping Times

Re-steep
Black Tea 1 teaspoon

95°C / 203°F

3-6 minutes

Up to 1
Green Tea 1 teaspoon

80°C / 175°F

1½-2 minutes

Up to 3
Oolong Tea 1 teaspoon

90°C / 195°F

2-3 minutes

Up to 3
White Tea 1 heaped teaspoon 85°C / 185°F

2 minutes

Up to 3
White Tea alternative 1 heaped teaspoon 85°C / 185°F 5-7 minutes 1-2 more
Pu-Erh Tea 1 teaspoon

95°C / 203°F

20-30 seconds

Up to 10
Pu-Erh Tea alternative 1 teaspoon

95°C / 203°F

 5-7 minutes 1 more
Yerba Mate 1 teaspoon

80°C / 175°F

30 secs-2 mins

Up to 6
Rooibos 1 heaped teaspoon

95°C / 203°F

4-6 minutes

Up to 2
Tisanes/Infusions 1 heaped teaspoon

95°C / 203°F

4-5 minutes

Up to 1

Temperatures

Here is a tip to help you get the right temperature without the use of a thermometer:

  • 95°C / 203°F – Boiling water
  • 90°C / 195°F – Boil water and let stand for 1-2 minute
  • 80°C / 175°F – Boil water and let stand for 2-4 minutes

This obviously isn’t very scientific, but it’s a good guestimate. Just remember the more water you boil, the longer you need to leave it to cool down.

 

Here are a few extra things to think about:

  • Don’t over steep green teas or they may taste bitter
  • The longer you steep the first infusion, the fewer times you will be able to re-steep your leaves.
  • If you want a stronger taste, add more tea and use the same steeping times above
  • For Iced Tea, double the amount of tea and follow the above chart for temperatures and times. Remember, the ice will dilute your tea.
  • To make Iced tea with cold water, double the amount of tea, cover and leave in a fridge for 4 – 10 hours.