Tea Steeping Timer
Steep your tea for exactly the right time. Over-steeping makes tea bitter.
Tea steep time & temperature guide
| Tea Type | Time | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Tea | 3–5 min | 95°C | Use boiling water just off the boil |
| Green Tea | 2–3 min | 75–80°C | Never use boiling water — it burns the leaves |
| White Tea | 4–5 min | 75–80°C | Delicate, low temperature |
| Oolong | 3–5 min | 85–90°C | Can steep multiple times |
| Herbal / Chamomile | 5–7 min | 95–100°C | Longer steep = stronger flavour |
| Rooibos | 5–7 min | 95–100°C | Caffeine-free |
| Chai Masala | 5–7 min | 100°C (simmered in milk) | Simmer spices first, then add tea |
| Darjeeling | 3–4 min | 85–90°C | The "champagne of teas" |
| Assam | 4–5 min | 95°C | Strong, malty, good with milk |
Tea strength guide
Use 1 teaspoon (2–3g) of loose leaf tea per 200ml of water. Add one extra teaspoon "for the pot" for a shared brew.
One tea bag is designed for 200–250ml. For a stronger cup, do not squeeze the bag as it releases bitter tannins — just steep longer.
For Indian-style chai: simmer the tea directly in milk-water mix (50:50) for 5–7 minutes. For Western-style, add cold milk after steeping.
Frequently asked questions
Why does green tea taste bitter?
Green tea becomes bitter when steeped too long or with water that is too hot. Use water at 75–80°C (let boiling water cool for 3–5 minutes) and steep for no more than 2–3 minutes.
Can I re-steep tea leaves?
Yes — oolong and high-quality green teas can be steeped 2–4 times. Each subsequent steep is 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. The second steep often has the best flavour. Black tea bags are typically single-use.
What is the difference between Assam and Darjeeling tea?
Assam tea is grown in the Brahmaputra valley at low altitudes and has a strong, malty flavour. Darjeeling is grown in the Himalayan foothills and has a lighter, muscatel (grape-like) flavour. Darjeeling is brewed at lower temperatures (85–90°C).
How much caffeine is in Indian chai?
A standard cup of chai with black tea contains about 40–70mg of caffeine, similar to a weak coffee. Adding more tea leaves or steeping longer increases caffeine. Herbal teas and rooibos are caffeine-free.
How do I measure water temperature without a thermometer?
A rough guide: 70°C = small bubbles forming at the bottom; 80°C = streams of bubbles rising; 90°C = bubbles actively rising but not yet rolling; 100°C = full rolling boil. Alternatively, boil and then let it cool: 80°C ≈ 5 min after boil, 75°C ≈ 8 min after boil.