Steeping time decides strength and bitterness. This chart gives a starting time for each tea type, which you can adjust to taste.
| Tea | Steep time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White | 2 to 3 min | Gentle, forgiving |
| Green | 1 to 3 min | Bitter if oversteeped |
| Oolong | 3 to 5 min | Can re-steep several times |
| Black | 3 to 5 min | Robust, takes milk |
| Herbal | 5 to 7 min | Longer is fine |
| Rooibos | 5 to 7 min | Never turns bitter |
Taste as you go. Pull the leaves the moment the tea tastes right. Oversteeping releases tannins that add harsh bitterness, especially in green and black tea.
See the Tea Steeping Calculator and the Tea Brewing Temperature Chart.