Independent buying guides for home tea brewing

Brew better loose-leaf tea at home

Real picks for teapots, gooseneck kettles, matcha tools, infusers, tea storage, and a better loose-leaf brew at home

Reference card

Steep chart

Greenabout 160 to 180°F, 1 to 3 min
Whiteabout 160 to 185°F, 2 to 5 min
Oolongabout 185 to 205°F, 2 to 5 min
Blackabout 200 to 212°F, 3 to 5 min
Herbal212°F, 5 to 7 min

Typical values, check your tea's instructions. Western-style brewing; gongfu uses more leaf and shorter steeps.

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Leaf and water

  • Western style about 2 to 3 g per 8 oz
  • Gongfu more leaf, many short steeps
  • Matcha whisk with water around 160 to 175°F

Starting points; adjust to taste and to the tea.

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Start Here: A Beginner's Path Into Loose Leaf Tea

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