Why Tea Brewing Process Matters (and How to Get It Right)

Most people think making tea is simple: boil water, dunk a bag and done. But if you’ve ever had a cup that tasted bitter, flat or weak, you already know, brewing tea properly matters.

The brewing process determines flavour, aroma, and even the health benefits of your tea. In this article, we’ll break down exactly why brewing technique is crucial, explore the best brewing methods for different types of tea and show you how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Why Does the Brewing Process Matter?

1. Flavour Extraction

Each tea leaf contains essential oils, antioxidants and flavour compounds that are released when steeped. But:

• Too much heat burns delicate leaves like green or white tea
• Too little heat under-extracts robust teas like black or oolong
• Too much time = bitterness
• Too little time = blandness

Getting the temperature and steep time right ensures that your tea tastes like it should, not like a soggy compromise.

2. Nutritional Benefits

Tea is loaded with bioactive compounds: catechins, polyphenols and L-theanine (especially in green tea and matcha). Improper brewing can reduce or even destroy these benefits. For example:

• Green tea brewed with boiling water loses antioxidants
• Herbal teas not steeped long enough may not deliver full benefits

3. Aromatic Profile

The subtle aroma of jasmine green tea or smoky lapsang souchong? That’s all from volatile compounds that are sensitive to heat and time. Nail the brewing, and you unlock the full sensory experience.

Tea Brewing Temperatures and Times by Type

Use our handy chart below to remember why tea brewing matters:

The Best Brewing Techniques for Each Type of Tea

🍃 Green Tea

• Use cooler water (around 75°C) to avoid bitterness
• Try a glass or ceramic cup with a lid to hold aroma
• Best for loose leaf or pyramid bags

🍂 Black Tea

• Use boiling water (100°C) to extract bold flavour
• Great with milk, lemon, or honey depending on the variety
• Works well with tea bags or loose leaf

🌺 Herbal Tea

• Always steep in boiling water
• Steep for at least 5 minutes, many herbs need longer
• Great for blends like hibiscus, lemon balm and peppermint

🍵 Matcha

• Whisk 1–2 grams with ~75°C water using a bamboo chasen
• No steeping — drink immediately after whisking
• Use a sifter to prevent clumps

🌿 Oolong Tea

• Use high-quality loose leaves
• Rinse the leaves briefly with hot water before steeping (this opens up the leaf)
• Re-steep multiple times; each round has new notes

Brewing Tools That Make a Difference

• Temperature-Controlled Kettle
  Precision matters. If your kettle doesn’t show temp, boil and let cool for 1–2 minutes for green or white teas
• Tea Infuser or Gaiwan
  Loose leaf tea expands, avoid cramped ball infusers. Give it space to breathe
• French Press or Teapot with Strainer
  Best for making multiple cups or strong brews
• Matcha Whisk (Chasen)
  For anyone serious about Japanese-style tea

Common Brewing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Final Takeaway: Brewing is the Gateway to Better Tea

Learning how to brew tea properly isn't just for tea nerds or foodies. It's the easiest way to upgrade your daily ritual, whether you're drinking for health, comfort or clarity. The right water temperature, steep time and technique unlock everything tea has to offer and once you taste the difference, there's no going back.

If you’re serious about improving your tea game, remember this:
Good tea + proper brewing = a great cup, every time.