How to Brew Organic Yunnan Chinese Imperial Golden Bud Tea

Quick answer

Use water just off the boil (195–205°F) and steep Organic Yunnan Chinese Imperial Golden Bud Tea for 3–4 minutes to bring out its honey, spice, and subtle floral notes without bitterness.

Step-by-step brewing guide

1. Step 1: Heat the water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil, then let it cool for 30–60 seconds until it reaches 195–205°F. Using water that's too hot is the most common mistake that ruins golden bud tea. If you don't have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for a full minute before pouring.
2. Step 2: Measure the leaves: Use 1 heaping teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) of Organic Yunnan Chinese Imperial Golden Bud Tea per 8 oz cup. More leaves will intensify flavor, but too many can overwhelm the delicate floral notes. Start with less; you can always add more next time.
3. Step 3: Steep and time: Pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 3–4 minutes. A common mistake is steeping too long, which extracts tannins and turns the cup bitter. Set a timer. For a lighter floral cup, steep 2.5 minutes; for deeper honey notes, go the full 4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Strain and enjoy: Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into your cup or remove the infuser. The leaves can be resteeped once for a milder second infusion. Do not squeeze the leaves—it releases bitterness. Save the spent leaves for a second steep at the same temperature, adding 30 seconds to the time.

Product facts

• Organic Yunnan Chinese Imperial Golden Bud Tea: Certified Organic Yunnan Imperial Golden Bud Tea Leaves with a rich, flavourful cup and lingering notes of honey and spice and a subtle floral flavour. The delicate golden buds require gentler brewing than typical black tea to preserve their natural sweetness and avoid bitterness.