Tea Preparation Guide
A better cup begins with the right amount of tea, the right water temperature, and enough steeping time for the complete blend to develop.
Because Onyx & Jade recipes may contain tea leaves, herbs, flowers, fruit peels, roots, spices, or naturally caffeinated ingredients, every blend should not be prepared exactly the same way.
The instructions printed on the individual product package always take priority over this general guide.
Start With the Package Instructions
Before preparing a tea, confirm:
- The recommended amount of tea
- Water volume
- Water temperature
- Steeping time
- Whether the tea should remain covered
- Whether fine straining is recommended
- Whether the blend can be re-steeped
Most Onyx & Jade instructions are developed around a 12 oz cup unless otherwise stated.
Measure the Tea
A digital kitchen scale provides the most consistent result because loose ingredients vary greatly in size and weight.
A tablespoon of heavy roots does not weigh the same as a tablespoon of lightweight flowers or leaves.
When the product provides a gram measurement, use that measurement whenever possible.
Use Fresh Water
Begin with fresh, clean water.
Water that has been boiled repeatedly or contains strong mineral, chlorine, or refrigerator flavors can change the final taste of the tea.
Filtered water may improve the cup when local tap water has a noticeable flavor.
General Water-Temperature Guide
Delicate Green-Tea Blends
Use approximately 175–185°F water.
Water that is too hot can make delicate green tea taste unnecessarily bitter or sharp.
Oolong and Mixed Tea-Leaf Blends
Use approximately 185–200°F water, depending on the recipe.
Yerba Mate and Robust Tea Blends
Use approximately 190–205°F water unless the product instructions state otherwise.
Caffeine-Free Herbal Blends
Use approximately 205–212°F water.
Herbal blends containing roots, spices, peels, chamomile, rooibos, honeybush, or marshmallow root generally require hotter water and a longer steep than delicate tea leaves.
General Steeping Guide
These are starting ranges only:
- Delicate green-tea blends: 3–5 minutes
- Oolong and mixed tea-leaf blends: 4–6 minutes
- Yerba mate and robust blends: 5–8 minutes
- Caffeine-free herbal blends: 8–10 minutes
- Root- or spice-heavy blends: 8–12 minutes
Always use the specific instructions provided for the product.
Cover Herbal Tea While It Steeps
Covering the cup or teapot helps retain heat and aromatic compounds while herbal ingredients steep.
This is especially helpful for blends containing mint, citrus peel, flowers, and aromatic herbs.
Strain Thoroughly
Use a fine-mesh infuser or strainer that is large enough to allow the ingredients to expand. Blends containing very fine herbs or mullein should be strained especially carefully. A paper tea filter or an additional fine straining step may improve the finished cup.
Adjust Strength Correctly
When a cup tastes too weak, increase the amount of tea before dramatically increasing the steeping time.
Steeping certain tea leaves too long may produce bitterness without creating the fuller body you wanted.
When a cup tastes too strong:
- Use slightly less tea
- Reduce the steeping time
- Add additional hot water after straining
Change one variable at a time so you can identify what improves the cup.
Adding Pure Honey
Prepare and strain the tea first.
Begin with approximately one teaspoon of Pure Honey per 12 oz cup, then adjust to taste.
Adding honey after steeping makes it easier to judge the tea’s original flavor before sweetening it.
Preparing Tea Over Ice
To prepare a stronger hot-brewed iced tea:
- Use the product’s normal serving amount with approximately half the usual water.
- Steep according to the product instructions.
- Strain thoroughly.
- Pour the concentrated tea over a full glass of ice.
- Add Pure Honey while the tea is still warm enough for it to dissolve.
Re-Steeping
Some tea-leaf blends can be steeped more than once.
The second steep may require additional time and may taste lighter than the first. Herbal blends containing finely cut ingredients, roots, or flowers may not produce a strong second cup. Only advertise or rely on re-steeping when the individual product specifically recommends it.
Cleaning Your Infuser
Remove used tea soon after preparation and rinse the infuser thoroughly.
Allow the infuser and storage container to dry completely before adding fresh dry tea. Moisture can damage loose-leaf ingredients.
Storing Loose-Leaf Tea
Keep tea:
- Properly sealed
- Cool
- Dry
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from heat
- Away from steam and moisture
- Away from spices, coffee, cleaning products, and other strong odors
Do not use a wet spoon or scoop inside a tea package.
Need Product-Specific Help?
Review the preparation instructions on the product page or contact: