When Drinking Tea, you often hear experienced tea drinkers say: “Your ratio is off; the tea lacks flavor; you should add more tea.” So what is this often mentioned tea-to-water ratio? If there is too much tea and not enough water, the tea will taste bitter and astringent. Conversely, if there is too little tea and too much water, the tea will lack body and fullness.

What is the general tea-to-water ratio? What's the appropriate tea-to-water ratio when brewing tea?

There is an optimal tea-to-water ratio for brewing tea.

Different types of tea have their own specific brewing methods, and factors such as the tea-to-water ratio, water temperature, and brewing vessel directly affect the taste and Health benefits of the tea. Based on the degree of fermentation, teas can be divided into six main categories: green tea, Oolong tea (also known as blue tea), white tea, dark tea, Black Tea, and yellow tea. Each type has its ideal brewing method.

Green Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1:50

Brewing temperature: 80°C

Brewing time: 2-3 minutes

Number of infusions: 3

Suitable vessel: Glass cup or covered bowl

Oolong Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1:15

Brewing temperature: 100°C

Brewing time: First infusion: 1 minute, Second infusion: 1 minute 15 seconds, Third infusion: 1 minute 40 seconds, Fourth infusion: 2 minutes 15 seconds

Number of infusions: 4-5

Suitable vessel: Teapot brewing or covered bowl brewing

White Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1:20-1:25

Brewing temperature: 100°C

Brewing time: First infusion: 1 minute, Second infusion: 1 minute 15 seconds, Third infusion: 1 minute 40 seconds, Fourth infusion: 2 minutes 15 seconds

Number of infusions: 3

Suitable vessel: Covered bowl or teapot brewing

Dark Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1:30-1:50

Brewing temperature: 100°C

Brewing time: 1-3 rinse infusions, pour out the water immediately after adding it to the teapot

Number of infusions: Generally determined by personal preference

Suitable vessel: Teapot brewing or covered bowl brewing

Black Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1:50

Brewing temperature: 100°C

Brewing time: 2-3 minutes

Number of infusions: 3

Suitable vessel: Teapot brewing or covered bowl brewing

Yellow Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1:50

Brewing temperature: 80°C

Brewing time: 2-3 minutes

Number of infusions: 3

Suitable vessel: Glass cup or covered bowl brewing

In addition to strong tea, you should also avoid drinking these types of tea.

Not all types of tea are beneficial to your health. Some teas or incorrect ways of drinking them can even harm your health. In addition to strong tea, you should try to avoid drinking the following types of tea:

Over-brewed tea loses its color and flavor due to extended brewing times, making it unappealing to drink. The vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients in the tea oxidize over time, significantly reducing the nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, tea left sitting for too long can become contaminated with microorganisms from the surrounding environment, making it unsanitary.

Overnight tea, due to being left for extended periods, provides a nutrient source for bacteria and mold growth from the small amounts of amino acids and sugars present. Moreover, the polyphenols, vitamins, and other beneficial components in the tea undergo oxidation reactions, causing a decline in the antioxidant content and significantly reducing the nutritional value and health benefits of the tea.