Top 5 Mistakes When Brewing Tea (and How to Avoid Them)

There’s something magical about preparing a perfect cup of tea. The aroma, the warmth, and the first sip can transform an ordinary moment into a ritual of comfort. But many tea lovers, new and experienced alike, make small brewing mistakes that affect the taste, aroma, and even the health benefits of their tea.
The good news? They’re easy to fix. Here are the five most common brewing errors and how to avoid them. Let us know if these tips help! Now let's learn together. 

1. Using Water That’s Too Hot

One of the biggest misconceptions is that boiling water works for every tea. In reality, delicate teas like green or white burn easily, leaving a bitter aftertaste.

How to fix it:

• Green tea: 70–80°C (160–175°F)

• White tea: around 75–85°C (170–185°F)

• Black and herbal teas: closer to 95–100°C (200–212°F)

Investing in a temperature-controlled kettle (or letting boiled water sit for a minute before pouring) makes all the difference.

2. Steeping for Too Long

Ever left your tea bag or leaves sitting in the cup while you got distracted? Over-steeping pulls out too many tannins, leaving the tea harsh and unpleasant.

How to fix it:

• Green tea: 2–3 minutes

• Black tea: 3–5 minutes

• Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes

Set a timer; you’ll be surprised how much smoother your tea tastes.

3. Ignoring the Quality of Tea Leaves

One of the most overlooked mistakes is using low-quality tea. Many supermarket tea bags are filled with dust and broken leaves, which don’t deliver the same flavor, aroma, or health benefits as whole leaves.

How to fix it:
Choose high-quality loose leaf tea whenever you can. Not only does it offer a fuller, more complex taste, but it also gives you control over the amount you brew. Even upgrading one or two of your favorite teas to premium leaves can transform your daily tea ritual.

4. Forgetting the Ratio

Adding “just a pinch” of tea leaves sounds simple, but too little tastes weak and too much tastes overpowering.

How to fix it:
The golden rule: about 1 teaspoon of loose tea (or 1 tea bag) per 8 oz cup. Adjust slightly for personal preference, but starting with this ratio ensures balance.

5. Ignoring Freshness

Tea leaves are like spices; they lose their character over time. Many people unknowingly brew from old boxes that have been sitting in the pantry for years.

How to fix it:
Store tea in airtight containers, away from light, heat, and humidity. Ideally, enjoy it within 6–12 months of purchase for the best flavor.

Final Sip of Wisdom

Brewing tea isn’t complicated, but it is an art that rewards patience and attention. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll unlock the full depth of flavor in every cup.

At The Tea City, we believe that tea is more than a drink; it’s an experience. Explore our store and start brewing better, one cup at a time.