Brewing a cup of tea is often seen as a simple task—just add hot water to leaves, right? But if you’ve ever ended up with a bitter, bland, or weak brew, you’ll know it’s a bit more nuanced. Here are some common tea brewing mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Using Water at the Wrong Temperature
One of the most frequent mistakes is using boiling water for all types of tea. While black teas and herbal infusions love high heat, delicate teas like green and white teas require water at 70–85°C. Using water that’s too hot can scorch the leaves, resulting in bitterness. Invest in a thermometer or a kettle with temperature settings to get it just right.
2. Over-Steeping the Leaves
Letting tea steep for too long can lead to an overpowering and tannic flavor. Always follow the recommended steeping time for your tea type—typically 2–4 minutes for green and black teas, and 5–7 minutes for herbal teas. Use a timer to avoid over-extraction.
3. Ignoring the Tea-to-Water Ratio
The wrong ratio of tea leaves to water can lead to a brew that’s too strong or too weak. A good standard is one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 200 ml of water. Adjust to your taste, but avoid adding too much as it can overwhelm the flavor.
4. Using Low-Quality Water
The water you use plays a significant role in the flavor of your tea. Tap water with high mineral content or chlorine can alter the taste. Use filtered or soft water for the best results.
5. Skipping the Rinse for Certain Teas
Teas like oolong and pu-erh benefit from a quick rinse with hot water before brewing. This wakes up the leaves and removes any impurities, resulting in a cleaner flavor profile.
Perfecting your brewing technique takes practice, but the payoff is worth it—a cup of tea that’s full of flavor, free of bitterness, and perfectly suited to your taste. Start with these tips, and transform your tea time into a true ritual.
