Does tea need to steep for different lengths of time, depending upon the type?

1. 69

   tritrainposted 13 years ago

   Does tea need to steep for different lengths of time, depending upon the type?
   
   Or, is steeping-time usually the same for all types?

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2. 83

   wychicposted 13 years ago

   Yes, it is different depending on type and taste. For instance, I generally steep tissanes longer because it gives a fuller flavor, but some types of dessert teas have to be steeped for shorter periods of time or the lighter flavors (i.e. vanilla, caramel, etc.) might be overpowered. I don't know that there's any specific rules on how long for each, it will probably just take some experimentation for you -- I usually go by the scent. As soon as it no longer smells watery it's done...though some black teas I'll even leave the tea in and let it keep right on steeping so I get REALLY strong tea .

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3. 60

   ZozieMposted 13 years ago

   It's mainly down to taste - the longer you steep, the stronger the tea will be.
   
   You probably wouldn't want to steep most teas for more than a couple of minutes though, and if you steep it for too long it becomes stewed and you lose all the subtle flavours.  And some teas are blended to be quite delicate in flavour so less is probably more.
   
   If in doubt check the packaging that the tea came in and it will tell you the ideal steepage time for that particular blend.

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4. 0

   marellenposted 13 years ago

   If you're using loose tea that takes longer to steep then tea in a bag. And it all depends on your taste and what strength you like your tea.

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5. 61

   Kpamposted 13 years ago

   Yes. Different teas have different steeping times. Then of course their is individual taste. If you like a more strong flavored tea then you steep it longer, but you run the risk of drinking a bitter tea. Also pay attention to water tempature. As with steeping time, each tea has a specific water temp that is ideal for steeping.

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6. 61

   zippotposted 13 years ago

   it depends on the tea and the brand and how strong you like it  fruit tea usually needs a long steep as well as assam and darjeeling english breakfast tea from the uk ie pg or tetleys needs a medium steep or longer if you prefer strong tea, rooibush south african should be a medium to long steep. but if your lucky enought to find liptons these are very strong and on bag could make three cups if in a teapot.top tip warm your teapot with boiling water first this will keep your teas fresher longer

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7. 70

   Mel Jayposted 13 years ago

   Each tea has a different flavour and each of us is different in terms of how we take our tea, so steeping time is a personal thing.  What I find though that it also depends on time of day.  In the mornings I often steep longer as I want a stronger tea.  In the afternoon I am quite happy to enjoy a weaker tea.

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