To make good tea, you need good water and good tea ware, but without mastering the brewing technique, the desired result may still elude you. The art of brewing tea includes three key elements: quantity of tea, water temperature, and steeping time.

The Three Elements of Brewing Tea

Quantity of Tea

There is no uniform rule for the amount of tea to use, as it largely depends on the type of tea, the size of the teaware, and individual drinking habits. Different types of tea require different quantities.

Generally, for black and green teas, a ratio of 1:50-60 (tea to water) is used, which means about 3 grams of dry tea leaves per 150-200 milliliters of water. For Pu'er tea, around 6-8 grams of tea per Cup is more appropriate. The key is to maintain the right ratio; too much tea with too little water will produce a strong flavor, while too little tea with too much water will result in a bland taste.

Water Temperature for Brewing Tea

Boiling water is typically used, as it brings out the best aroma and flavor in the tea.

However, for many green teas, especially those made from fine, tender buds, boiling water can be too harsh, so a temperature of around 80 degrees Celsius is optimal.

Steeping Time

The steeping time should generally not be too long. For the first infusion, 30-60 seconds is typical, with each subsequent infusion lasting an additional 10-20 seconds longer.

Green teas are at their best after 3-5 infusions, while high-quality Pu'er, black, and oolong teas can withstand 8 or more infusions, with some able to be steeped up to 15 times.

Recommended Water Temperatures and Steeping Times for the Six Types of Tea

Green tea: Water temperature 75–85°C, Steeping time 30 seconds to 1 minute

Black Tea: Water temperature 95–100°C, Steeping time 30 seconds to 1 minute

Oolong tea: Water temperature 85–95°C, Steeping time 30 seconds

White tea: Water temperature 75–80°C, Steeping time 30 seconds to 1 minute

Yellow Tea: Water temperature 75–85°C, Steeping time 30 seconds to 1 minute

Dark tea: Water temperature 100°C, Steeping time 1 to 2 minutes

To Brew a great cup of tea, skill is part of it, which requires practice over time, and the other part is understanding the three elements: the quantity of tea, the water temperature, and the steeping time.