The Three Variables That Control Every Cup
Before getting into the specifics for each tea type, it helps to understand what you're actually controlling when you brew.
Water Temperature
Too hot scorches delicate leaves; too cool under-extracts flavour.
Steeping Time
Longer isn't always better — over-steeping releases bitter tannins.
Leaf Quantity
Too little produces a flat, weak cup no matter how long it steeps.
Temperature & Time by Tea Type
Each tea type is processed differently, which changes how sensitive it is to heat. Delicate, minimally processed teas like white and green need cooler water, while fully oxidised black tea can handle near-boiling temperatures without turning bitter.
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steeping Time |
|---|---|---|
| White Tea | 75–85°C | 4–5 mins |
| Green Tea | 70–85°C | 2–3 mins |
| Oolong Tea | 85–95°C | 3–7 mins |
| Black Tea | 90–98°C | 3–4 mins |
| Pu-erh Tea | 95–100°C | 2–5 mins |
Black tea figures are consistent with brewing guidance from the UK Tea & Infusions Association, which recommends 90-98°C water and a 3-4 minute steep for black tea, with milk added after brewing rather than before.
Green tea is worth a closer look, since brewing temperature and time also directly affect how much caffeine ends up in your cup — something we cover in more detail in our guide on whether green tea has less caffeine than coffee.
How Much Tea to Use
As a general rule, one rounded teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup (roughly 200-250ml) is the standard starting point. If your cup tastes flat or watery even after following the correct time and temperature, the fix is almost always more leaves — not a longer steep. It's better to use slightly more tea and steep for less time than to compensate for too little leaf with extra minutes, which mainly adds bitterness rather than strength.
Don't Overlook the Water
Tea is over 98% water, so the water itself has a real impact on the final taste. Tap water in hard water areas (common across much of the UK) can carry a mineral taste that dulls delicate teas, while chlorine used in water treatment can flatten aroma. Filtered water — even a simple jug filter — removes much of this and lets the tea's actual flavour come through, particularly noticeable with lighter teas like white and green where there's less robust flavour to mask any off-notes.
Mistakes That Ruin a Good Cup
Water too hot for delicate teas
Boiling water on green or white tea scorches the leaves and creates a bitter, grassy-harsh taste rather than the intended sweetness.
Over-steeping
Leaving leaves in too long releases tannins that weren't fully extracted yet, creating excessive astringency — a dry, puckering sensation rather than pleasant strength.
Adding milk too early
Milk added before or during brewing interferes with extraction. Brew first, then add milk afterwards for the best result.
Good Loose Leaf Can Be Steeped More Than Once
Unlike a tea bag, quality loose leaf tea — particularly oolong, green, white, and pu-erh — can often be re-steeped two to five times, with each infusion revealing a slightly different character. The general technique is to shorten the steeping time slightly (or keep it roughly the same) for the second infusion, then extend it a little for subsequent ones as the leaves gradually release less. The first steep tends to be the brightest and most aromatic, the middle infusions rounder and fuller, and later ones softer and sweeter. It's a simple way to get considerably more value — and more nuance — out of good tea.
Quick Brewing Checklist
Boil filtered water and let it cool slightly if brewing green, white, or oolong tea.
Measure one rounded teaspoon of leaves per cup into an infuser or pot.
Pour water over the leaves at the correct temperature for that tea type.
Set a timer for the correct steeping time — don't guess.
Remove the leaves promptly once time is up to stop further extraction.
Add milk afterwards, only if using, and only for teas that suit it.
Three Teas Worth Practising On
Now that you know the technique, here are a few loose leaf options to put it into practice.
Loose Leaf Tea Starter Set
A varied selection so you can practise different temperatures and steep times in one go.
Green TeaJasmine Mint Green Tea
Ideal for practising the cooler 70-85°C steep that green tea needs to avoid bitterness.
Fruit InfusionForest Fruits Loose Leaf Tea
A forgiving, caffeine-free option that's hard to over-steep — great for building confidence.
Read the Full Guide
Tea vs Coffee: Caffeine Content, Health Benefits & Which to Choose →
Related Reading
Does Green Tea Have Less Caffeine Than Coffee? →
Shop Our Loose Leaf Tea Range
From delicate white tea to bold black blends, find the leaves worth brewing properly.
Shop Coffee & Tea