How many servings are in an ounce of tea?
Typically, (1) ounce will make 10-12 small cups of tea.
How much tea do I use to make a pot?
Depends on your pot. To measure your pot, fill it almost full with water (leave enough room for an infuser with tea leaves in it) and pour the contents into a large measuring cup. Divide the number of ounces by 6. This will tell you how many cups your pot holds. Use one teaspoon of leaves per cup. Some like to throw in an extra teaspoon "for the pot." Try it both ways and see what you think. It's personal preference. The proper amount to use per cup will vary from tea to tea and with your own taste.
What do I put the tea leaves in when I brew it?
You may use an infuser, such as a tea ball or brew basket, to hold the leaves or put them loose in the pot, then pour through a strainer. For more information, please see our definitions of "infuser" and "strainer".
How much caffeine is in tea?
Tea contains, roughly, 40 mg caffeine per 6 oz. cup, compared to brewed coffee at 100-150 mg. It is generally agreed that, for most people, moderate caffeine consumption is harmless. Many people find that caffeine boosts mental clarity and alertness in a pleasing way. However, since caffeine is a cardiac stimulant, people with certain heart conditions should avoid caffeine, and excessive caffeine intake can cause restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. Women should avoid caffeine throughout pregnancy and while nursing. For more detail on caffeine content of various foods and beverages and general.
Why does green tea always taste bitter to me?
You may be brewing it too long or using water that is too hot. Green teas, as well as oolongs and white teas, are more sensitive than blacks and herbals, and boiling-hot water can scald the leaves. Water temperature should be between 160-180 degrees F (boiling is 212 degrees F at sea level, 202 degrees at 5000 feet). Also try a shorter brew time. Taste your green tea at one minute intervals, starting at one minute, to find out where you like it best. Good quality green tea should never be bitter when brewed properly.
How long do I steep (or brew) the tea?
This can vary significantly from tea to tea, but there are rules of thumb. In general a black tea needs to brew 3-5 minutes for best flavor. They will often get bitter if you let them brew more than 6 or 7 minutes. Green teas often need only 1 minute, but 2-3 minutes is not unusual. Oolongs typically need 2-3 minutes. Herbals need 5-10 minutes, and they generally don't get bitter, so you can let them brew as long as you like. In general, finely cut teas, whether black, green, or herbal, require shorter brewing times than large leaf teas.
Can I microwave my tea?
I wish you wouldn't. But I know that most people any more use their microwave, either to boil the water or to reheat their tea, and that may be OK if you can't taste any difference and if you know when the water is done (or if you have no choice of equipment). Don't over boil it or it will taste flat. Don't under-heat it or you won't get the full flavor of your tea. If you find yourself reheating your tea all the time, then you need a tea cozy to keep your tea hot. It will taste much better than reheated. (Or just toss it and make a fresh cup. Tea is very affordable.) If you are drinking green, oolong, or white teas, please use a tea kettle instead so you can see when the water is ready (steaming, not boiling). Please, please, don't put your tea leaves in the microwave!! The freshly boiled water should be poured over the leaves for a proper infusion instead of putting it all together and then heating it. If you're going to all the trouble to buy good tea, why treat it so cruelly?
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