Steeping tea is the process of extracting the bioactive compounds and flavor from tea solids by soaking them in hot water. The tea particles that produce flavanols like caffeine and color move from a high-concentrated area to a lower concentration in the water, creating the perfect cup of tea. The steps to steep tea are as follows:

1. Boil water. Tap water that isn’t softened or hardened is fine. Bring the water to a boil on your stovetop or in the microwave. Then let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add tea leaves. Pour the water into a teapot or container made of glass, china, or porcelain. If your leaves are free, let them float in the water. If you’re using tea bags or an infusion ball, make sure there is room for the ingredients to move around. Follow instructions on prepackaged teas for the amount of water to use. If you’re steeping fresh leaves, use 1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water.

3. Rest. Allow the tea leaves to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. A longer steep gives you stronger tasting tea. It may take some trial and error to get a flavor you enjoy.

4. Strain. Use a mesh strainer to remove any large particles from the steeped water. You can drink your tea hot or let it cool down before you start sipping.

The ideal temperature and steeping time vary depending on the type of tea. For example, black tea should be steeped at 208 degrees Fahrenheit (98 degrees Celsius) for 3-5 minutes, while green tea should be steeped at 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) for 2-3 minutes. Its important to know that over-steeping can lead to bitterness, so its crucial to know the exact steeping temperatures and times for different types of teas.