Brewing guide
Water, leaf and time
Most tea that tastes bitter has been brewed too hot or too long. Here is how we brew at the counter.
The table
Water and time by tea
For a 250ml cup or a small pot.
| Tea | Water | Leaf | First steep | Then |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 75 to 80°C | 3g | 2 minutes | Add 30 seconds each time |
| White | 80°C | 4g | 4 minutes | Add a minute |
| Oolong | 90°C | 5g | 3 minutes | Up to six infusions |
| Black | 95°C | 3g | 3 to 4 minutes | One more infusion |
| Herbal | 100°C | 3g | 5 to 7 minutes | Once |
| Matcha | 75°C | 2g to 70ml | Whisk 30 seconds | Once |
Matcha
Whisking a bowl
Sift
Two scoops through a small sieve into a warm bowl.
Add water
70ml at 75°C, not boiling.
Whisk
Quick strokes in a W shape until there is a fine foam.
Drink
Straight from the bowl, while the foam holds.
Iced
Cold brew in a jug
Leaf
Ten grammes of leaf to a litre of cold water.
Wait
Six to eight hours in the fridge.
Strain
Pour through an infuser and keep for two days.
Brewing questions
I do not have a thermometer.
Boil the kettle and wait: about three minutes gives 80°C.
Can I add milk?
To black teas and chai, yes. Green, white and oolong are best without.
Why is my green tea bitter?
The water is too hot or it steeped too long. Try 75°C and two minutes.