Brewing guides

Find your calm cup.

Starting points for everyday steeping. Check your package when it gives specific instructions.

Brewing basics

Practical answers for common steeping questions, with a path to the timer when you are ready.

Tea bag guide

How Long to Steep a Tea Bag

Starting steep times for black, green, white, and herbal tea bags, plus when to remove the bag and how to adjust the next cup.

Water temperature

Tea Water Temperature Guide

Starting water temperatures for black, green, white, and herbal tea, with simple ways to cool boiling water and start a timer.

By tea type

Black tea

212°F water

Loose leaf: 4:00
Tea bag: 3:00

Near-boiling water gives black tea a full, brisk cup.

Start black tea timer

Green tea

170°F water

Loose leaf: 2:00
Tea bag: 1:30

Cool water and a short steep keep delicate leaves clean and sweet.

Start green tea timer

White tea

175°F water

Loose leaf: 2:00
Tea bag: 1:30

Use gentle heat to preserve white tea's soft, delicate character.

Start white tea timer

Herbal tea

212°F water

Loose leaf: 6:00
Tea bag: 6:00

A long, hot steep gives herbs, flowers, and spices time to open up.

Start herbal tea timer

Sources: Art of Tea steeping guide. Loose-leaf times follow Art of Tea’s mid-range starting points; tea bag times are slightly shorter for typical bagged leaf.