Proper Tea Preparation

The measure of leaf tea remains constant by weight. Varieties of tea allow for several infusions based upon the quality and grade of the tea, tea leaf style, steep time and water temperature. For example, orthodox leaf style will yield several infusions; however, CTC will not.

Adjusted to the tea leaf style, one to two teaspoons of dry leaf (1.8 to 2.2 grams) is the approximate measure of leaf tea to six (6) fluid ounces of quality water. For example, the CTC black tea would require a level teaspoon; whereas, an orthodox tea would require one to two heaping teaspoons.

The temperature of the water is critical to ensure that the tea is not scorched or blasted with hot water resulting in bitter or astringent characteristics.

Type of Tea	Steep Time	Infusions	Temperature
White Tea	1.0 - 2.5	Several	160° - 170° F
Spring Green Tea	1.0 - 2.0	Several	160° - 170° F
Green Tea	1.0 - 3.0	Several	170° - 180° F
Purple Tea	1.0 - 3.0	Few	170° - 180° F
Oolong Tea	1.5 - 2.0	Several	180° - 200° F
Aged Oolong Tea	1.5 - 2.5	Several	180° - 200° F
Black Tea	1.0 - 4.5	Single	190° - 200° F
Pu-Erh Tea	2.0 - 4.5	Several	200° - 212° F

Temperature Conversion Table (F = 9/5 C° + 32°)
Fahrenheit	160	170	180	190	200	212
Celsius	71.11	76.66	82.22	87.77	93.33	100