Steep Times  vary with the grade and type of Tea, here are suggestions for the novice:

Flavored Black Tea--3-7 min  @ 212f  (100c)

Assam--3-5min  @212f (100c)

China Tea--3-7min @ 212f  (100c)

Pu-erh Cake Tea--3-5min @183f  (84c)

Green Tea--2-4min @ 183f  (84c)

Rooibos--3-5 min @212f (100c)

Brewing Tea

While water temperature and brewing times vary with the type of Tea, the basic steps are the same, with a few exceptions.

1.  Fill kettle with cold, preferably filtered water, and heat to recommended temperature.

2.  Warm your teapot with hot water while you wait.

3.  Empty teapot of warming water.

4.  Place loose tea in teabasket or removable teaball. Note: Amount of tea used will vary but generally the bigger the leaf, the more you will need, at first this will be trial and error, but for a mid size leaf try 1 tsp per cup.

5.  Pour heated water over leaves and fill teapot.

6.  WAIT PATIENTLY for the recommended time, it's OK to shake the pot a little.

7.  Remove teaball if using and pour your tea into your cup or mug, ( tea baskets do not need to be removed).

8.  Taste your tea, then if you wish, add milk, lemon or honey to taste.  Milk is not recommended for White, Green , Oolong or flavored teas.

Note:  All teas can be brewed directly in the teapot and then strained with a tea strainer, we caution however that subsequent cups of tea will be strong and may get bitter using this method.

Exceptions  Oolong Tea

Oolong Tea prefers to be "awakened" before brewing.

To accomplish this, rinse the tea in your tea basket by covering with hot water and then pouring off the infusion immediately.

Heat fresh water to the recommended level and brew the tea as normal.

Multiple Infusions

White, Green and Oolong teas may be infused several times.  Each progressive infusion brings a different taste, and lower caffeine amount to the tea.  Just add 30 seconds brew time to each infusion, experiment to see how many infusions are possible.

Tea Storage

Keep tea in an airtight tin or glass container (never plastic), away from heat, light and strong odors.

Never freeze or refrigerate tea ( matcha may be refrigerated).

Keep your tea away from spices , and keep flavored and non flavored teas  separated.

Tea has a shelf life of 10 - 12 months, order in smaller amounts and order often for best results.