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How Long Should Tea Be Steeped?

Tea News · May 06, 2025

The duration for Steeping tea varies based on the type of tea, personal taste preferences, and lifestyle habits. Below are some general guidelines: Green tea and flower tea typically require about 3 minutes of steeping time, as these teas have a high degree of tenderness, and longer steeping times can result in over-extraction and overly strong flavors. White tea, due to its lack of rolling and fixation processes, can be steeped for a slightly longer period, around 3 to 5 minutes. Black tea, Oolong Tea, and Pu'er tea generally need about 3 minutes, as their fresh leaves experience significant surface damage and undergo higher degrees of fermentation, thus requiring shorter steeping times. Besides brewing tea in a cup, using a lidded bowl or teapot is more convenient, and a lidded bowl is suitable for all types of tea.

How Long Should Tea Be Steeped?-1

How Long Should Tea Be Steeped?

1. Green Tea and Yellow Tea

Amount: 6-8g

Temperature: 85°-90°

Steeping Time: 30 seconds

(The steeping time refers to the time the water and tea leaves are together in the container. This recommendation is for the first three infusions, with subsequent infusions allowing for increased steeping time if desired.)

Note: The leaves of green and yellow tea are relatively tender. Longer steeping times or higher temperatures can cause the destruction or excessive release of their internal compounds, leading to the loss of Vitamin C in the tea infusion or a bitter taste.

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2. White Tea

Amount: 6-8g

Temperature: 85°-100° (Silver Needle: 85-90°; White Peony: 90-100°; Tribute Eyebrow / Shoumei / Aged White Tea: above 100°)

Steeping Time: 30-40 seconds

3. Oolong Tea

(Also known as Qingcha)

Amount: 6-8g

Temperature: 95°-100°

Steeping Time: 15-20 seconds

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4. Black Tea

Amount: 6-8g

Temperature: 95°-100°

Steeping Time: 10-15 seconds

5. Dark Tea

Amount: 6-8g

Temperature: 95°-100°

Steeping Time: 10 seconds

Drinking Tea is a simple, joyful, and healthy way of life. Brew a cup of tea for yourself and your loved ones today.

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