As speciality tea smiths we receive all kinds of tea related questions. The popular question is, how long are you supposed to brew tea?

Now, unfortunately, there isn't just one set time for all - as lovely as that would be, brewing times differ depending on the type of tea your using.

• White Teas...............................................3 Minutes
• Japenese-style green teas....................1-2 Minutes
• Chinese-style green teas.......................2 Minutes
• Large leaf black teas..............................4-5 Minutes
• Small leaf black teas..............................3 Minutes
• Oolongs...................................................3 Minutes
• Dark (Puerh)............................................2-3 Minutes
• Herbal Infusions......................................3-5 Minutes
• Fruit Infusions..........................................5-10 Minutes

What happens if you brew tea longer than recommended?

If tea is brewed longer than the recommended brewing times, the leaves will start to release tannins which will make your tea taster bitter.

I want stronger tea...

If you like a good ol' strong tea, never brew longer than the recommended brewing times. Instead, add slightly more leaves to increase the strength.

To make things a little easier you can use our perfect brew sand tea timer. You simply identify and match up the tea to the sand colour and away you brew.