Brewing Tips

 
 

How to make the ideal cup of tea.

Step 1: Prepare Water

 

First, bring filtered water to a boil, preferably using a kettle (stove top or electric). Reduce the temperature by either allowing the water to sit and cool in the kettle for approximately 1 minute, or by slowly pouring the boiling water into a pitcher or cup before pouring on to your tea leaves. We aim for water in the 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit range for our teas.

Why?

  • If the water is too hot, it can scald (overcook) the tea leaves

  • If the water is too cold, the tea will take longer to brew and the health components of tea may not be fully released

To learn more about the importance of water, click here.

 

Step 2: Amount of Tea Leaves

 

For lightweight, leafy teas such as our Wild White Tea, Herbal White Teas, and White Tea Wu-Long, use approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of leaves per 8 oz cup. For heavier, denser teas such as our Green Teas and Red Teas, use approximately 1/2 – 1 tablespoon per 8 oz cup.

 

Step 3: Steeping the Tea

 

Using the guidelines above for water temperature and amount of tea leaves, you should be able to brew our tea leaves 3-4 times in one sitting. Typically we like to brew all of our teas about 1-2 minutes on the first and second time that we steep and then add more time for the third and fourth steepings. Please brew according to you desired strength, and note:

  • If the tea is not strong enough for you, put the tea leaves back into your brewing vessel and steep longer

  • If the tea is too strong for you, simply add some hot water to dilute the flavor

 

Finally, enjoy your delicious cup of tea!

 

Always use filtered water for the best flavor.

Note: These brewing tips are exclusively for Shang Tea products and may not apply to teas from other companies.