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Green and white teas want cooler water than black tea. This chart gives the water temperature, steep time and amount of leaf for white, green, matcha, oolong, black and pu-erh teas and for herbal infusions, plus typical caffeine per cup.
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The right water temperature and steeping time for every kind of tea.
| Tea | Water temperature | Steep time | Leaf per 8 oz cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 160-185 F (70-85 C) | 3-5 min | 2 tsp (2-3 g) | Least processed; delicate, sweet; re-steep 2-3 times |
| Green (Chinese) | 175-185 F (80-85 C) | 2-3 min | 1 tsp (2 g) | Unoxidised; boiling water makes it bitter |
| Green (Japanese sencha) | 160-175 F (70-80 C) | 1-2 min | 1 tsp (2-3 g) | Grassy, savoury; keep the water cooler |
| Matcha | 160-175 F (70-80 C) | Whisk 15-30 sec | 1-2 tsp (1-2 g) in 2-3 oz | Powdered green tea; whisk in a zig-zag until frothy |
| Oolong | 185-205 F (85-96 C) | 3-5 min | 1-2 tsp (2-3 g) | Partly oxidised; rolled leaves re-steep many times |
| Black | 200-212 F (93-100 C) | 3-5 min | 1 tsp (2-3 g) | Fully oxidised; takes milk and sugar well |
| Pu-erh | 205-212 F (96-100 C) | 2-4 min | 1 tsp (2-3 g) | Aged and fermented; rinse leaves for a few seconds first |
| Tea | Water temperature | Steep time | Leaf per 8 oz cup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal (chamomile, mint) | 212 F (100 C) | 5-7 min | 1-2 tsp (2 g) | Caffeine-free; cover while steeping to keep aromas |
| Rooibos | 212 F (100 C) | 5-6 min | 1-2 tsp (2-3 g) | Caffeine-free red bush; does not turn bitter |
| Fruit and hibiscus | 212 F (100 C) | 5-8 min | 1-2 tsp (3 g) | Tart; good iced |
| Black tea | 40-70 mg |
| Oolong | 30-50 mg |
| Green tea | 20-45 mg |
| White tea | 15-30 mg |
| Matcha (1 tsp) | about 70 mg |
| Herbal and rooibos | None |
Coffee, for comparison: about 95 mg in an 8 oz cup. Caffeine varies widely with leaf, amount and steep time.
| Fresh water | Use fresh, cold, filtered water; reboiled water tastes flat. |
| Warm the pot | Rinse the pot or cup with hot water first so the brew holds its temperature. |
| No thermometer? | Let just-boiled water stand a few minutes for green and white tea, or add a splash of cold water. |
| Cold brew | Same leaf, cold water, 6-12 hours in the fridge: smooth and never bitter. |
All true teas come from one plant, Camellia sinensis. Oxidation makes the difference: white, green, oolong, black.
Times and temperatures are starting points from tea growers and sellers; brew longer for stronger tea, never hotter for green.
Caffeine figures are typical ranges; brands and brewing vary.