The #1 Tea Brewing Mistake and How to Avoid It

It’s time for your "bossy big sister" —at least when it comes to tea— to have a quick heart-to-heart about how to get a truly great cup of tea.

If your tea has ever tasted bitter, weak, or just a little bit “meh,” there’s a good chance it wasn’t the leaves’ fault!

Usually, it’s a case of the wrong water temperature, the wrong brewing time, or a combination of both creating havoc on your beautiful tea leaves.

Think of brewing tea like a recipe. Each blend has its own set of instructions, and when you follow them? Magic happens.

The Golden Rule

If your water is too hot, it can scald those poor, innocent tea leaves, leaving you with a bitter taste.

If you over-steep them (we've all forgotten a mug on the counter!), you'll get that same harshness.

My Secret Weapons

I use electric kettles with temperature settings and I always use a timer.

Whether it’s a kitchen timer, your microwave, or just asking Alexa to keep track, the goal is to remove those leaves the second the clock runs out! (Just a friendly reminder: please use a kettle, not the microwave, to heat your water!)

Your Official Tea Brewing Cheat Sheet

Keep this handy to ensure your cup tastes fabulous every single time:

• Black Tea
  • Temp: 212°F (Full boil) | Time: 3–5 minutes
  • Bold and confident, black tea can handle the heat. Just don't let it sit too long or it turns tannic!
• Oolong Tea
  • Temp: 195°F | Time: 3–5 minutes
  • The "sweet spot" tea. Treat it gently to unlock layers of complex flavor.
• Green & White Tea
  • Temp: 175°F | Time: 2–3 minutes
  • The most common "over-brewed" teas. Cooler water and a shorter steep keep these fresh, smooth, and vibrant.
• Rooibos Tea
  • Temp: 212°F (Full boil) | Time: 4–5 minutes
  • Impossible to mess up! It loves the heat and longer steeps for a richer, naturally sweet flavor.
• Herbal Tisanes
  • Temp: 212°F (Full boil) | Time: 5+ minutes
  • Technically not "tea," these need extra time to extract all those cozy, botanical benefits.

The Big Takeaway

Using the right temperature and time isn’t about being "fancy"—it’s about getting the flavor, aroma, and enjoyment you deserve.

Don't chase perfection, just chase a better cup!

If you have questions about a specific blend, you know where to find me.

Happy steeping,

~Dani

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. It is not to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare or medical professional.