Chinese Tea Guide
Preparation
Generally it is recommended that you use once teaspoon of leaves per cup of tea. However, some lighter teas require twice that. To steep black, dark oolong and herbal teas use boiling water. When steeping green, and light oolong teas it's important to use cooler (80C) water. Remember not to over-steep, or your tea will taste bitter.
Rule of thumb for steeping times:
- Most Black: Five minutes
- Dark Oolong: Seven minutes
- Green Tea and Light Oolong: Three minutes
Preparing green teas
Green tea taste's best when prepared with water cooler then boiling (80C). Steep for three minutes. Recommended ratio is one and a half teaspoons for the light Chinese greens. Remember to use water that’s cooler then boiling or your tea will taste bitter. If using a kettle, water is ideal when it begins to make a rumbling sound.
Preparing lighter oolong teas
Light oolong tea's taste best when prepared with water cooler then boiling (80C). Steep for three to five minutes. Recommended ratio is one teaspoon per cup of water.
Preparing dark oolong teas
Oolong teas taste best when prepared with boiling water. Steep for seven minutes. These tend to be voluminous, and the recommended ratio is two teaspoons of leaves per cup of water.
Preparing black / red teas
Black teas taste best when prepared with boiling water. Steep for five minutes. Recommended ratio is one teaspoon of leaves per cup of water.
Preparing Pur-Erh teas
Use two teaspoons (or use one small tuo-cha) of Pu-erh tea per cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and steep for 20 seconds. Discard this first steeping - this rinses the tea and prepares it for proper steeping. Pour rapidly boiling water over the tea rinsed leaves and steep until desired strength. Typically, brew long and strong for 15 to 20 minutes. This tea has the strength and flavour that compares with a good cup of coffee. You can reserve the tealeaves as Pu-erh teas are good for consecutive steeping. However it is recommended that you increase the steeping each time your reuse your leaves.
Preparing herbal teas
Herbal teas taste best when prepared with boiling water. As there are a wide range of herbs available on our site please refer to the product descriptions for individual preparation guides.