The Art of the Perfect Steep: A Guide to Enjoying Your sTEAp House Blends
Jasmine GarlandShare
Brewing tea is more than a method. It is a moment. A pause. A chance to reconnect with yourself, your senses, and your ritual. At sTEAp house, every blend is crafted with intention, and this guide will help you experience each cup in its best form. Flavor, balance, and wellness all begin with the way you steep.
Whether you are new to loose-leaf tea or a seasoned sipper, these tips will help you get the most out of every blend.
Why Steeping Matters
Each type of tea leaf responds uniquely to water temperature and time. If the water is too hot, delicate leaves can become bitter. If the water is too cool, the flavor will not fully bloom. Steeping for too long or too short affects the taste as well as the aroma and body of the cup.
Think of this guide as your roadmap for unlocking the full expression of every blend.
Your sTEAp House Steeping Guide
Black Tea
Temperature: 212° F
Amount: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Steep Time: 3 to 5 minutes
Notes: Black tea offers a bold and comforting flavor. It performs best when steeped with water at a full boil. For a stronger cup, extend your steep slightly.
Green Tea
Temperature: 180° F
Amount: 1.5 tsp per 8 oz
Steep Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Notes: Green tea is delicate and requires lower temperatures to preserve its vibrant and lightly sweet notes. Oversteeping may cause bitterness.
Oolong Tea
Temperature: 195° F
Amount: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Steep Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Notes: Oolong teas sit between green and black teas. They offer a wide range of flavors and shine brightest when steeped with slightly cooler water.
Yerba Mate
Temperature: 212° F
Amount: 1 tsp per 8 oz
Steep Time: 3 to 5 minutes
Notes: Yerba mate is earthy and energizing. It benefits from the same bold boil as black tea. Longer steeps bring out deeper roasted notes.
White Tea
Temperature: 180° F
Amount: 2 tsp per 8 oz
Steep Time: 3 to 5 minutes
Notes: White tea has a light and floral character. It requires gentle heat and a bit more leaf to release its subtle flavors.
Rooibos & Herbal Tisanes
Temperature: 212° F
Amount: 1.5 tsp per 8 oz
Steep Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Notes: Herbal blends are naturally caffeine-free and filled with botanicals. They need a longer steep to extract their full aroma, flavor, and wellness benefits.
Tips for a Better Steeping Ritual
- Use fresh, filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
- Cover your tea while it steeps to retain heat and aroma.
- Taste as you go and adjust time based on your preference.
- Re-steep when possible. Many oolong, white, and some green teas offer several delicious infusions.
- Honor your ritual. Steeping tea is a small and sacred pause in your day. Make it yours.