Black Tea Steeping TimerFree black tea steeping timer for Assam, Darjeeling, English Breakfast, and Earl Grey. Recommended steep times to avoid bitterness.Frequently asked questionsHow long should I steep different types of black tea?Assam: 3–5 minutes at full boil (bold, malty). Darjeeling first flush: 3 minutes at 190°F (muscatel notes are delicate). Darjeeling second flush: 3–4 minutes at 195°F. English Breakfast: 3–5 minutes at full boil. Earl Grey: 3–4 minutes (bergamot oils are volatile — don't over-steep). Ceylon: 3–4 minutes.Will black tea become too bitter at 4–5 minutes?Black tea with milk can handle 4–5 minutes without tasting bitter, because milk proteins bind with tannins. Black tea without milk: 3–4 minutes is optimal. 5+ minutes without milk often produces a dry, astringent cup. The traditional builder's tea (very strong, with milk) uses 5+ minutes intentionally.What is "first flush" vs "second flush" Darjeeling and how does steeping time differ?First flush (March–May harvests): lighter, more delicate, floral and vegetal notes — steep 3 minutes at 185–195°F. Second flush (June–July): fuller, more muscatel (grapey) character — steep 3–4 minutes at 195°F. Autumn flush: bold, earthy — treat like Assam, 4–5 minutes at full boil.What's the right steep time for black tea bags vs loose leaf?Tea bags (CTC/fannings): 2–4 minutes. They are finely cut to extract very quickly and can become harsh at 5+ minutes. Premium tea bags (whole leaf): 3–5 minutes same as loose leaf. Loose leaf: 3–5 minutes depending on variety. Bags in general extract faster than loose leaf due to greater surface area.How does altitude affect black tea steeping time?At high altitude, water boils at below 212°F — at 7,000 feet, water boils at about 199°F. Black tea steeped at lower temperatures extracts more slowly. Add 30–60 seconds to your usual steep time above 3,000 feet. A thermometer confirms your water reached the right temperature before adding tea.