Fieldguide

For over 5,000 years, tea has shaped civilizations, sparked wars, and remains the world's second most consumed beverage after water. Yet most of us are brewing it wrong. The difference between a transcendent cup and a bitter disappointment often comes down to just 10 degrees of temperature or 30 seconds of steeping time. From the delicate sweetness of white tea that once graced Chinese emperors' lips to the robust black teas that fueled the British Empire, each variety demands precise treatment to unlock its hidden complexity.

This guide distills centuries of tea mastery into exact temperatures, steeping times, and techniques for all six major tea types plus popular herbal infusions. Whether you're seeking the meditative ritual of gongfu brewing or simply want your morning cup to taste extraordinary, these time-tested methods will transform dried leaves into liquid poetry—because life is too short for badly brewed tea.

White Tea

• Water Temperature 175-185°F (79-85°C), up to 212°F for aged varieties
• Time 1-5 minutes (Western) or 30-60 seconds (gongfu)
• Re-steeps 3-10 times
• Caffeine Content 15-37 mg per 8oz cup
• Pairs With honey, rose petals, light fruits
• Holds For 15-20 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen)

• Temperature 175-185°F
• Time 45-60 seconds

White Peony (Bai Mudan)

• Temperature 175-185°F
• Time 4-5 minutes

Instructions. Start with one teaspoon (2-3g) per 6-8 ounces of filtered water. For Western brewing, steep 1-5 minutes, tasting after one minute and checking every 30 seconds. Gongfu style uses 30-60 second infusions, increasing by 5-15 seconds with each steep. Skip the rinse for fresh white teas, but aged varieties benefit from a quick 5-10 second wash to remove storage flavors. The minimal processing preserves extraordinary antioxidant levels and creates characteristic subtle, sweet flavors.

Context. White tea represents the least processed of all true teas, undergoing only withering and drying without rolling or firing. This gentle treatment preserves the highest levels of antioxidants among all tea types. Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen), made purely from unopened buds, commands premium prices and contains surprisingly high caffeine due to its bud-only composition. White Peony (Bai Mudan) balances buds and leaves for a fuller body and more moderate caffeine profile.

History. White tea production began during China's Song Dynasty (960-1279), though the modern style emerged in Fujian Province during the 1700s. Originally reserved for Chinese royalty, white tea gained its name from the silvery-white hairs covering the unopened buds. The Communist Revolution nearly destroyed white tea production as farmers focused on more profitable crops, but renewed interest in the 1980s sparked a revival.

Trivia. Some aged white teas from the 1960s now sell for over $1,000 per pound. The antioxidant content in white tea can be 3x higher than green tea. Moonlight White from Yunnan Province gets picked at night to preserve volatile aromatics. White tea can actually be re-steeped more times than most green teas despite its delicate nature.

Yellow Tea

• Water Temperature 167-176°F (75-80°C)
• Time 2-5 minutes
• Re-steeps 3-5 times
• Caffeine Content 50-63 mg per 8oz cup
• Pairs With nothing - best enjoyed pure to appreciate its rarity
• Holds For 20-25 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Instructions. Use 2-3 grams per 6 ounces of water, starting with two minutes and adjusting to taste. The unique "sealed yellowing" (men huang) process requires precise brewing to showcase the honey-like sweetness without masking the subtle transformation. No rinse necessary. Glass vessels beautifully display the leaves' golden color during brewing.

Context. Yellow tea represents China's rarest tea category, distinguished by the men huang (sealed yellowing) process where warm, damp leaves undergo a unique oxidation process. This labor-intensive step can take 3-7 days and reduces the grassiness of green tea while creating distinctive mellow sweetness. Only a handful of authentic yellow tea producers remain, making these teas increasingly difficult to source.

History. Yellow tea's production dates to the early Tang Dynasty (618-907), when it was created exclusively as imperial tribute tea. Jun Shan Silver Needle from Hunan Province was reportedly Mao Zedong's favorite tea. The complex processing nearly vanished during the Cultural Revolution, with techniques passed down through only a few master craftsmen in Hunan, Anhui, and Sichuan provinces.

Trivia. True yellow tea is so rare that many Chinese tea drinkers have never tasted it. The yellowing process can reduce caffeine by up to 20% compared to green tea, though yellow teas still contain substantial caffeine. Some producers now skip the yellowing step to save time, selling green tea as "yellow tea" to unsuspecting buyers. Authentic Huo Shan Huang Ya requires 60,000 hand-picked buds to make just one kilogram.

Green Tea

• Water Temperature 175-180°F (79-82°C)
• Time 1-3 minutes for most varieties
• Re-steeps 3-5 times
• Caffeine Content 20-50 mg per 8oz cup
• Pairs With jasmine, mint, lemon (never milk)
• Holds For 25-30 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Japanese Varieties

Sencha

• Temperature 158-176°F
• Time 60 seconds first infusion

Gyokuro

• Temperature 140°F
• Time 2-3 minutes

Matcha

• Temperature 160-175°F (whisking temperature)
• Time Immediate consumption
• Caffeine Content 70-80 mg per 8oz cup

Hojicha

• Temperature 176-194°F
• Time 30-60 seconds

Genmaicha

• Temperature 176-194°F (varies by grade)
• Time 60 seconds

Kukicha

• Temperature 158-176°F
• Time 60 seconds

Bancha

• Temperature 194°F
• Time 30-60 seconds

Chinese Varieties

Longjing (Dragon Well)

• Temperature 176°F
• Time 1-2 minutes

Gunpowder Green

• Temperature 158-176°F
• Time 60 seconds

Jasmine Green

• Temperature 175-185°F
• Time 2-3 minutes

Instructions. Use one teaspoon (2-3g) per 6-8 ounces of filtered water. Japanese greens require lower temperatures than Chinese varieties due to steam-fixing versus pan-firing. Premium gyokuro needs barely steaming water to preserve umami sweetness. Never rinse quality Japanese greens—it wastes their most delicate flavors. For matcha, sift 1-2 grams into a bowl, add 2 ounces of 167°F water, and whisk vigorously in M or W motions until frothy.

Context. Green tea undergoes immediate heat application after plucking to prevent oxidation, preserving fresh, vegetal characteristics. Japanese methods use steam, creating bright green liquor and oceanic flavors, while Chinese pan-firing produces more varied profiles from nutty to floral. The whole-leaf consumption of matcha explains its exceptional caffeine content and sustained energy without jitters.

History. Green tea originated in China over 4,000 years ago, spreading to Japan via Buddhist monks in the 9th century. The Japanese developed their distinct steaming method during the 18th century. Gyokuro was invented in 1835 by Yamamoto Kahei, who experimented with shading tea plants. The isolation of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in 1989 sparked global interest in green tea's health benefits.

Trivia. Shincha (first flush Japanese green tea) is often flown directly from Japan and sells out within weeks. Gunpowder green tea got its English name from its resemblance to gunpowder pellets—the Chinese call it "pearl tea." Tang Dynasty poets would hold tea competitions judging color, aroma, and foam quality. The most expensive green tea sold at auction was a Pre-Ming Long Jing for $1,500 per ounce.

Oolong Tea

• Water Temperature 185-195°F (85-90°C) for light; 195-212°F (90-100°C) for dark
• Time 30-60 seconds (gongfu) or 2-5 minutes (Western)
• Re-steeps 6-15 times, some aged varieties up to 25
• Caffeine Content 30-75 mg per 8oz cup
• Pairs With stone fruits, osmanthus flowers, roasted nuts
• Holds For 45-60 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Light Oolongs

Tieguanyin

• Temperature 185-203°F
• Time 10-30 seconds (gongfu)

Dark Oolongs

Da Hong Pao

• Temperature 194-212°F
• Time 15-20 seconds initially

Instructions. Ball-rolled oolongs absolutely require rinsing—pour hot water over compressed leaves, swirl 10-15 seconds, then discard. This awakens leaves and removes some caffeine. Gongfu brewing showcases oolong's evolution: start with 30-45 seconds for light varieties or 45-60 seconds for dark, adding 10-15 seconds per round. Use 5-7 grams per 100ml gaiwan. Flavors transform dramatically across infusions.

Context. Oolong's partial oxidation (8-85%) creates tea's most diverse category. Processing involves withering, bruising, partial oxidation, and firing. Light oolongs emphasize floral notes while dark varieties develop fruit and caramel. The spectrum demands adaptive brewing—each style has its sweet spot. Taiwan's high-mountain oolongs like Ali Shan concentrate flavor compounds from slow growth at elevation.

History. Oolong originated in Fujian's Wuyi Mountains during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The name means "black dragon," possibly from the dark, twisted appearance of early varieties. Taiwan began oolong production in the 1860s, eventually developing the distinctive ball-rolling technique. The 1970s "oolong boom" in Taiwan established it as a premium export, with competition-grade versions fetching astronomical prices.

Trivia. Da Hong Pao from the original Wuyi mother bushes sold for $1.2 million per kilogram in 2002. Dong Ding oolong's name means "frozen summit"—pickers had to walk on tiptoes up the icy mountain. Oriental Beauty (Bai Hao) oolong requires leafhopper insects to bite the leaves, triggering defensive compounds that create honey notes. Some aged oolongs are re-roasted annually like wine vintages.

Black Tea

• Water Temperature 200-212°F (93-100°C)
• Time 3-5 minutes
• Re-steeps 2-3 times, Chinese blacks sometimes 4
• Caffeine Content 40-70 mg per 8oz cup
• Pairs With milk, honey, lemon, sugar, spices
• Holds For 60-90 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Regional Varieties

Ceylon

• Temperature 200-205°F
• Time 3-4 minutes

Assam

• Temperature 212°F
• Time 3-5 minutes

Darjeeling

• Temperature 185-205°F
• Time 3-4 minutes

Keemun

• Temperature 185-205°F
• Time 2-4 minutes

Yunnan Gold

• Temperature 194-212°F
• Time 2-4 minutes

Lapsang Souchong

• Temperature 190-212°F
• Time 2-3 minutes

Blends

Earl Grey

• Temperature 194-208°F
• Time 3-4 minutes

English Breakfast

• Temperature 212°F
• Time 3-5 minutes

Chai

• Temperature 212°F
• Time 3-5 minutes

Instructions. Use one teaspoon (3g) per 8 ounces, steeping robust Assams the full 5 minutes while delicate first-flush Darjeelings need just 3. Water just off the boil works for most varieties. No rinsing required unless using compressed cakes. Milk pairs excellently with Assam, Ceylon, and breakfast blends—add after brewing, never with lemon as acid causes curdling. For chai, simmer tea with spices in milk/water mixture.

Context. Black tea undergoes complete oxidation, creating robust flavors and the highest caffeine among traditional teas. British preference for black tea with milk arose from Chinese porcelain's delicacy—milk was added first to prevent cracking from hot tea. Assam's maltiness makes it breakfast blend backbone, while Ceylon's brightness works in iced tea. Kenya now produces more black tea than Sri Lanka.

History. Black tea emerged in Fujian during the Ming Dynasty as an accidental discovery when army movements delayed processing. British cultivation began in Assam in 1823 after Robert Bruce discovered indigenous tea trees. The Opium Wars (1839-1842 and 1856-1860) were partly triggered by British desperation to balance trade deficits from Chinese tea imports. Ceylon (Sri Lanka) pivoted to tea in the 1860s after coffee blight destroyed plantations.

Trivia. The Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) destroyed 342 chests of tea worth \$1.7 million in today's currency. Orange Pekoe refers to leaf grade, not flavor—the term comes from the Dutch House of Orange. Lapsang Souchong's smoke flavoring originated when army movements forced quick-drying over pine fires. The most expensive black tea ever sold was a 1950s Red Mark Dianhong at $1,360 per pound.

Dark Tea (Pu-erh)

• Water Temperature 195°F (90°C) for young sheng; 205-212°F (96-100°C) for aged/shou
• Time 10-30 seconds initial (gongfu), increasing gradually
• Re-steeps 15-30 times for quality aged teas
• Caffeine Content 30-70 mg per 8oz cup
• Pairs With chrysanthemum, dried fruits, nothing for premium aged varieties
• Holds For 60-120 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Young Raw (Sheng)

• Temperature 195°F
• Time 10-30 seconds

Aged/Ripe (Shou)

• Temperature 205-212°F
• Time 10-30 seconds

Instructions. Always rinse pu-erh—once for sheng, twice for shou. Use boiling water for compressed teas to help separation. Gongfu brewing essential: 7-10g per 100ml gaiwan, starting with 10-second infusions. Quality aged teas provide dozens of steeps with evolving flavors. Break compressed tea carefully along natural fault lines. Store in breathable wrappers away from odors—pu-erh actively absorbs environmental characteristics.

Context. Pu-erh represents China's only truly fermented tea (all other teas undergo oxidation, not fermentation). Sheng (raw) ages naturally over decades through microbial activity, while shou (ripe) uses accelerated wet-piling fermentation developed in 1973. The process involves Aspergillus niger and thermophilic bacteria thriving in 50-60°C heat. Storage conditions dramatically affect aging—Hong Kong's humidity accelerates transformation while Kunming maintains cleaner profiles.

History. Pu-erh originated as tribute tea for Beijing's imperial court, compressed for horse caravan transport along the Tea Horse Road to Tibet. The 600-mile journey through varying climates initiated fermentation. Menghai Tea Factory's development of shou pu-erh responded to Hong Kong demand for aged flavors without decades of waiting. The 2007 pu-erh investment bubble saw prices increase 1000% before crashing.

Trivia. A 1920s pu-erh cake sold for $1,300 per gram—more than gold. Genuine aged pu-erh develops "camphor" notes from storage near camphor wood in traditional Hong Kong warehouses. The seven-son cake tradition (357g) originated from standard loads of seven cakes per bamboo bundle. Some collectors "speed-age" pu-erh in controlled humidity chambers. Counterfeit vintage pu-erh is so common that authentication requires expertise rivaling art appraisal.

Chamomile

• Water Temperature 200-212°F (93-100°C)
• Time 5-10 minutes
• Re-steeps 1-2 times
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With honey, lavender, vanilla, lemon
• Holds For 45-60 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Instructions. Use 1-2 teaspoons dried flowers or 2-3 teaspoons fresh per cup. Longer steeping increases therapeutic compounds without bitterness. Cover while steeping to preserve volatile oils. Egyptian chamomile offers the sweetest, most apple-like flavor. For sleep benefits, drink 30-45 minutes before bed. Combine with passionflower and valerian for enhanced relaxation.

Context. Chamomile's apigenin content binds to brain receptors promoting calmness and sleep onset. Two main varieties exist: German (Matricaria recutita) with stronger therapeutic properties and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) with sweeter flavor. The flowers must be harvested at peak bloom when essential oil content is highest. Quality chamomile shows intact flower heads with vibrant yellow centers.

History. Ancient Egyptians dedicated chamomile to their sun god Ra and used it for embalming. Greek physicians prescribed it for fevers—the name means "ground apple" in Greek. Medieval monks cultivated chamomile in monastery gardens as one of the "Nine Sacred Herbs." Peter Rabbit's mother famously gave him chamomile tea for stomach aches, cementing its place in children's literature.

Trivia. Chamomile can lighten hair when used as a rinse. The essential oil contains over 120 chemical compounds. Ancient Romans threw chamomile on floors to release fragrance when walked upon. Chamomile planted near other herbs reportedly improves their flavor and health. Some people allergic to ragweed may also react to chamomile.

Rooibos

• Water Temperature 200-212°F (93-100°C)
• Time 5-7 minutes or longer
• Re-steeps 2-3 times
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With vanilla, caramel, milk, citrus
• Holds For 60-90 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Instructions. Use 1-1.5 teaspoons per cup. Can steep indefinitely without bitterness due to lack of tannins. Red rooibos develops natural sweetness during oxidation, while green rooibos maintains lighter, more vegetal notes. Excellent hot or iced. Traditional South African "red cappuccino" uses steamed milk. For maximum antioxidants, steep at least 10 minutes.

Context. Rooibos grows exclusively in South Africa's Cederberg Mountains, 200km north of Cape Town. The needle-like leaves come from Aspalathus linearis, a legume that thrives in nutrient-poor, acidic soil. Contains unique antioxidant aspalathin and quercetin. The oxidation process turns leaves from green to characteristic red while developing vanilla-sweet notes.

History. Indigenous Khoisan people first harvested wild rooibos centuries ago, bruising and fermenting leaves in the sun. Dutch settlers adopted it as a tea alternative in the 1700s. Commercial cultivation began in the 1930s. Rooibos gained international recognition during WWII when Asian tea supplies were disrupted. The industry now supports over 5,000 South African jobs.

Trivia. Rooibos plants can live 50+ years but only produce seeds every third year. The tiny seeds must pass through fire or scarification to germinate. Red rooibos contains no oxalates, making it safe for kidney stone sufferers. Some athletes use it as a recovery drink due to electrolyte content. The Rooibos Council trademarked the name to prevent misuse like "Red Bush" knockoffs.

Peppermint

• Water Temperature 212°F (100°C)
• Time 5-7 minutes
• Re-steeps 1-2 times
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With honey, chocolate, green tea, ginger
• Holds For 30-45 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Mint Blends

• Temperature 212°F
• Time 5-10 minutes

Instructions. Use 1 tablespoon fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried per cup. Boiling water essential to extract menthol oils fully. Cover while steeping to prevent volatile compound loss. Crush fresh leaves slightly before brewing. For digestive benefits, drink after meals. Moroccan mint tea combines gunpowder green tea with fresh spearmint and copious sugar, poured from height for foam.

Context. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a sterile hybrid of water mint and spearmint, containing 40-50% menthol in its essential oil. The cooling sensation comes from menthol triggering cold-sensitive receptors. Peppermint aids digestion by relaxing gastric muscles and increasing bile flow. Oregon grows 35% of US peppermint, with harvest timed for maximum oil content.

History. Peppermint's sterile hybrid nature means it doesn't exist wild—all cultivation comes from root division. First documented in England in 1696, though ancient Greeks and Romans used other mints medicinally. American colonists drank peppermint tea to avoid British tea taxes. The Wrigley company popularized peppermint flavoring globally through chewing gum starting in 1893.

Trivia. Peppermint oil is toxic to cats. The plant spreads aggressively via underground runners—always grow in containers. Medieval monks used peppermint to polish teeth and freshen reading rooms. Candy canes originated when a German choirmaster shaped peppermint sticks into shepherds' crooks. Studies show peppermint aroma can improve focus and reduce driving fatigue.

Ginger

• Water Temperature 212°F (100°C)
• Time 10-15 minutes simmering
• Re-steeps 1 time
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With honey, lemon, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon
• Holds For 45-60 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Instructions. Use 1-2 inches fresh ginger root, sliced or grated, per cup. Simmering extracts more gingerols than steeping—bring water and ginger to boil, then simmer covered. Add lemon and honey after removing from heat to preserve vitamin C and enzymes. For maximum potency, grate ginger and include the juice. Fresh ginger tea helps with nausea, digestion, and inflammation.

Context. Ginger's bioactive compounds—gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone—provide anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties. Fresh ginger contains more gingerols while dried has higher shogaol content from the drying process. Adding black pepper increases bioavailability. Ginger grows as a rhizome in tropical climates, with India producing 30% of global supply.

History. Ginger originated in Southeast Asia over 5,000 years ago, becoming one of the first Asian spices to reach Europe via Roman trade. Chinese sailors chewed ginger to prevent seasickness. Medieval Europeans believed ginger came from the Garden of Eden. During the plague, ginger was worth its weight in gold. Henry VIII recommended ginger tea as a plague preventative.

Trivia. Ginger can reduce exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%. The name comes from Sanskrit "srngaveram" meaning "horn root." Japan serves pickled ginger (gari) between sushi courses as a palate cleanser. Jamaican ginger beer traditionally ferments with a "ginger bug" starter culture. Fresh ginger stored in sherry develops complex flavors prized by Chinese tea masters.

Additional Herbal Blends

Hibiscus

• Water Temperature 200-212°F (93-100°C)
• Time 5-10 minutes
• Re-steeps 1-2 times
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With rose hips, citrus, berries
• Holds For 60-90 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Herbal Mixture

• Water Temperature 212°F (100°C)
• Time 5-7 minutes
• Re-steeps 1-2 times
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With honey, lemon
• Holds For 30-45 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)

Lavender

• Water Temperature 200°F maximum (93°C)
• Time 5-10 minutes
• Re-steeps 1 time
• Caffeine Content 0 mg (caffeine-free)
• Pairs With honey, chamomile, lemon balm
• Holds For 60-120 minutes at serving temperature (140-150°F)