At The Tea Smith, we believe that tea is more than just leaves in boiling water. Each cup represents thousands of years of craftsmanship, tradition, and culture from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or just beginning your journey, mastering the art of brewing can elevate your tea experience.
1. Start with Quality Water
Water makes up the majority of your tea, so its quality is paramount. Use fresh, cold water—preferably filtered—to avoid any impurities that might alter the taste. Avoid reboiling water, as it can diminish oxygen levels, affecting flavor extraction. Also avoid reverse osmosis.
2. Mind the Temperature
Different teas require specific water temperatures to bring out their best flavors:
- White Tea: 160–170°F
- Green Tea: 170–185°F (Japanese Green Teas should be brewed 140-170°F)
- Oolong Tea: 170 -185°F
- Black and Herbal Teas: 200–212°F
Using water that’s too hot can scorch delicate leaves, leading to bitterness, while water that’s too cool may not extract the full range of flavors.
3. Measure Your Tea
A general guideline is:
- Loose Leaf Tea: 1 teaspoon per 6–8 ounces of water
- Herbal Teas: 1 tablespoon per 6–8 ounces of water
Adjust according to your taste preferences and the specific tea’s instructions. For more precise measurment, use 3 grams for loose leaf and 5 grams for herbal.
4. Steeping Time Matters
Oversteeping can result in bitterness, while understeeping may lead to a weak brew. Here’s a basic guide:
- White Tea: 3–5 minutes
- Green Tea: 2–3 minutes (Japanese Green Teas 1.5-2 minutes)
- Oolong Tea: Made to be brewed Gong Fu style, a traditional Chinese method that involves brewing small amounts of tea leaves in a small pot for short, increasing time intervals.
- Black Tea: 4–5 minutes
- Herbal Tea: 5–7 minutes
Use a timer to ensure consistency and experiment to find your perfect steeping time.
5. Embrace the Ritual
Brewing the perfect cup of tea is as much about how you do it as what you’re brewing. Across centuries and continents, tea has inspired legends, rituals, and quiet moments of reflection. At The Tea Smith, we celebrate not just the taste of tea, but the timeless stories it carries.
Take Dragon Well Green Tea, for example. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong was so enchanted by the elegance of tea picking that he joined in himself—only to be summoned home with news of his mother’s illness. The leaves he tucked into his sleeve for safekeeping later brewed a cup so fragrant it miraculously revived her health. Since then, Dragon Well has been honored as a tribute tea. Read more about tea myths and legends here.
Every cup of tea holds a connection. So go ahead—brew slowly. Sip mindfully. And let every cup tell a story.
6. Explore and Enjoy
Browse our selection to discover new favorites or find the perfect gift. Remember, we’re here to assist you on your tea journey. If you have questions or suggestions, reach out to us at listening@theteasmith.com.