Always begin with filtered water.
Some tea sorts are often brewed several times using the same tea leaves. The first infusion is often poured out to wash the tea. The third through fifth are nearly always considered the best infusions of tea. For more information on brewing teas click here on handout #1
From Wikipedia
Type |
Water Temp. |
Steep Time |
Infusions |
White Tea |
150 °F (66 °C) – 160 °F (71 °C) |
1–2 minutes |
3 |
Yellow Tea |
160 °F (71 °C) – 170 °F (77 °C) |
1–2 minutes |
3 |
Green Tea |
170 °F (77 °C) – 180 °F (82 °C) |
1–2 minutes |
4-6 |
Oolong Tea |
180 °F (82 °C) – 190 °F (88 °C) |
2–3 minutes |
4-6 |
Black Tea |
210 °F (99 °C) |
2–3 minutes |
2-3 |
Pu-erh Tea |
200 °F (93 °C) – 210 °F (99 °C) |
Limitless |
Several |
Herbal Tea |
210 °F (99 °C) |
3–6 minutes |
Varied |
