Why is my tea bitter?

Question

im trying to make tropical passion flavored black tea from the coffee bean and tea leaf and im having trouble. the instructions say:

heat the water to a boil.

place the tea bag in a 12 - 16 oz cup.

steep for 5mins.

i heat the water to a boil.

place the tea bag in a 8 oz cup.

steep for 5mins.

i can barely taste the flavor and i can certainly taste the bitter... why???

Answer 1

You are probably steeping too long.  Take the leaves out earlier.

Answer 2

you might try a different brand of tea, if you're experiencing such bitterness with this particular one.

also, try lowering the temperature of the water. use half boiling water and half room-temperature water.

three minutes should be enough for the steeping time.

also, i've sampled tropical passion, dragonwell, moroccan mint, strawberry cream, pomegranate blueberry, and japanese cherry blossom teas from the coffee bean and tea leaf. they ALL have a slight bitterness to them. don't let their brand sour you on tea. : )

Answer 3

aren't teas supposed to taste bitter?

Answer 4

When you steep tea for too long the leaves become extremely bitter. You might not have known this. It's a common mistake. (heck, I make it all the time)

No worries. Hope I could help ^.^

Answer 5

You're probably steeping it too long; try 2-3 minutes. Hope this helps! :)

Answer 6

Maybe because it is already bitter...

Try adding sugar or honey after the tea is done.

Thank you :)

Answer 7

let it sit longer.  I add some honey to sweeten mine a bit.  But, I use loose tea and make it a pot at a time.  I don't really time it- I watch for the right color of the water.  I boil the water and dump it in the pot, add my tea ball (which holds the loose tea) and put the lid on.  Then I sit down with my tea cup, spoon and honey.  mmmm!  I've never had that kind- I usually stick to the orange kinds.. or chamomile- if i'm sick and want to just rest.  You can find loose tea at the whole foods store, and some HEB's.. randalls may have it also but i'm unsure.  At HEB you fill your own bag so you can get a little to try before you buy a bunch and make a commitment to one flavor!

Answer 8

Ummm, I'm not sure. Have you had that brand before and it was good? Maybe it's the brand, not sure why else. To me, all tea is a little bitter without adding sugar!

Answer 9

use two or three bags and add honey or sugar (please not white sugar)

Answer 10

when you pour it, pour it like beer to avoid making foam. ive always heard its the foam that makes it bitter. besides over boiling but im assuming you know that because you actually read the instructions

Answer 11

you have to add some sugar to the tea when it's done my friend