White Tea Brewing Guide: How to Brew a Great Cup
From water temperature to steeping time: A detailed guide to the key factors for brewing white tea.
White tea may appear simple, but it demands precision. Water temperature, leaf-to-water ratio, and steeping time—every detail affects the final taste.
Water Temperature Selection
For fresh tea, use water around 90°C to better preserve its bright and fresh taste. For aged white tea, use water between 95–100°C; it can even be boiled to fully release its mellow aroma.
Tea dosage
For gaiwan brewing, use 5g of tea leaves, which is about one-third of the vessel's capacity. For glass cup brewing, reduce the amount to approximately 3g.
Steeping time
For the first three infusions, steep quickly (0-1 seconds), then gradually extend the time for subsequent steeps. For boiling, add the tea leaves after the water reaches a boil and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Water Quality Recommendations
For best results, use purified or premium bottled water. Avoid tap water to preserve the tea's flavor.