Steeping the Best (Guide)

Different types of teas should be steeped according to certain times and water temperatures to bring out their best flavours. Use this guide as a starting point, and then experiment until you find the perfect brewing method for your favourite tea.

Based on approximately one level teaspoon (2.5 g) of loose tea or one tea bag per 6-8 ounce (180-240 mL) cup. For stronger flavour, add more tea. Brewing for longer may increase the strength of the tea, but will likely also cause bitterness.

Tea Bags vs. Loose Tea

While our tea bags and loose tea are crafted to match the same flavour profile, there are discernable effects between the two formats. Namely, the leaves inside tea bags are milled, making it much finer and a quicker brew, while loose tea can take a couple minutes longer to steep. Tea bags are very convenient, but loose tea can be more visually appealing and brewed with a reusable infuser.

• Tea bags: steep for 3 - 4 minutes
• Loose tea: steep for 4 - 5 minutes

General Steeping Temperatures

The table included here shows some general guidelines for steeping different kinds of tea. Be mindful that some teas, even two from the same category, will brew differently than others. In particular, our green-black blends will often have different ratios of green and black teas - the more green-leaning ones should be brewed at a lower temperature range. Experimentation is highly encouraged, as tea is very much a matter of personal taste.

Puerh and oolong teas are often steeped multiple times for a shorter period of time in smaller brewing vessels. This method creates a curious exploration of the tea as it unfurls, developing new flavours with each subsequent brew - often making for great social conversation.

If you're unsure, try steeping in the middle range for your tea type. If the result is too bitter, steep at a lower temperature or for a shorter time. If the result is flat, try a higher temperature.

All About Iced Tea

Cold Brew - Recommended for green, fruit and herbal teas
A convenient way to make iced tea and forget it. Many teas take as little as 2 hours, but leave in the fridge for 24 hours for best results. Cold brews can last up to a week when refrigerated, with the exception of fruit teas (real fruit pieces) lasting up to a few days due to sugar content. Blueberry Green and Spring Green are excellent cold brewed.

• 1 teaspoon green or herbal tea per 1 cup cold water, refrigerate 1-24 hours
• 1 tablespoon fruit tea per 1 cup cold water, refrigerate 1-24 hours

Hot Brew & Chill - Recommended for rooibos, black, oolong, and green-black teas
Short on time? Make your hot tea at 2-3x the regular strength, then flash-chill over ice! A strong concentrate of tea can be diluted with ice to suit your tastes. Lemon Black, Black Currant and Canadian Breakfast do exceptionally well with this method.

• 2-3 teaspoons tea per 1 cup hot water, brew 5 minutes and pour over ice

Iced Tea Additions - Try adding fruit juice or soda water, or milk for an iced tea latte
For a refreshing twist, mix half lemonade or fruit juice, or add some fresh fruit or crushed mint. For an iced latte, make your tea extra strong and top it up with milk. Try this method with our Earl Grey or Bombay Chai!