Secret Garden

Water

Good tea starts with good water! We recommend using filtered or spring water for a superior tasting cup of tea. 

Temperature

Different types of tea require different temperatures of water for steeping. Black tea, herbals, and rooibos can handle boiling water. Green tea, white tea, and oolong require cooler water so the leaves don't get scalded - resulting in bitter flavor. Follow the temperatures below.

Black Tea: 212°F
Green Tea: 160-175°F
Oolong:180-205°F
White Tea: 175°F
Herbal: 212°F
Rooibos: 212°F

Tea Leaves to Water Ratio

We recommend using 1tsp of leaves per 8oz of water. If you prefer a stronger cup of tea, add more tea leaves.

Steep Time

We recommend that most teas steep for 3-5 minutes. Anything that has actual tea leaves (camellia sinensis) should not exceed 5 minutes as the leaves will release more tannins resulting in a bitter flavor. Herbals and rooibos don't contain actual tea leaves and can be steeped as long as you like. 

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Bring freshly drawn water up to desired temperature according to the type of tea you're making.
2. Scoop loose leaf tea into an infuser or T-Sac using 1tsp for each 8oz of water. (If your mug is 16oz use 2tsp. If your teapot is 45oz use 6tsp.)
3. Place infuser or T-Sac into the mug or teapot you're going to steep the tea in and pour the hot water over the top of the leaves allowing them to swirl around and open. 
4. Steep for 3-5 minutes according to your taste preferences.
5. Remove infuser or T-Sac.
6. Add milk or sugar to taste.
7. Breathe in the aroma and enjoy!