The ideal steep time for tea depends on the variety:

• Black tea : 3 to 5 minutes

• Green tea : 1 to 3 minutes

• White tea : 1 to 3 minutes

• Oolong tea : 2 to 3 minutes for Oolong tea, 4-6 minutes for Oolong rolled tea, and 5-7 minutes for Oolong long leaf tea

• Pu-erh tea : 4 to 5 minutes for Pu-erh tea, 2-4 minutes for raw Pu-erh tea, and 3-5 minutes for half and full-baked Pu-erh tea

• Herbal tea : 5 or more minutes

Steeping for too short of a time may prevent the tea leaves from opening and releasing their full flavor

. Steeping for too long can cause the tea to turn bitter

. Taste-testing every 30 seconds after the minimum recommended steeping time can help you discover your ideal flavor