The Perfect Cup of Tea
There are three factors that impact your ability to steep a great-tasting cup of tea. These factors are the amount of tea, temperature of water, and duration of steeping time. Get these three elements correct and you will have the perfect brew of taste and nutritional value.
Amount of Tea: (Amounts are per 1 cup / 8 oz / 240 ml of water.)
Most teas: 2 teaspoons per cup
Big/fluffy teas: use more
Dense/strong teas: use less.
Black Tea (3-5 minutes at 200–212°F)
Loose leaf: 2 teaspoons
Why: Leaves are dense and strong.
Examples: English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Ceylon
Green Tea (1-3 minutes at 170–180°F)
Loose leaf: 2 teaspoons
Why: A balanced amount prevents bitterness.
Examples: Sencha, Jasmine Green, Dragonwell
White Tea (1–3 minutes at 160–175°F)
Loose leaf: 1½–2 teaspoons
Why: Leaves are very light and fluffy, so you need more.
Examples: Silver Needle, White Peony
Oolong Tea (2-5 minutes at 180–200°F)
Loose leaf: 2 teaspoons
Why: Rolled or twisted leaves expand a lot in water.
Example: Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy)
Pu-erh Tea (3-5 minutes at 212°F)
Loose leaf: 2 teaspoons
Why: Strong, fermented flavor—a small amount is enough.
Herbal Tea/Tisanes (5-7 minutes at 212°F)
Loose herbs: 1 tablespoon
Why: Herbs are bulky and mild; more gives better flavor.
Examples: Chamomile, Peppermint, Hibiscus
Matcha (No Steeping—Whisk or Froth at 160–175°F)
Ceremonial Grade Powder Form
1 teaspoon per cup
Beginner Tips
Too strong? Use less tea, not a shorter time.
Too weak? Use more tea, not a longer time.
Measuring spoons help—but eyeballing is okay too!
Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Whether you’re just starting your tea journey or you’ve been sipping for years, Spice & Tea Exchange is your cozy downtown Brighton stop. Drop in, chat with our tea experts, and find the perfect blend that speaks to your taste and your soul.
