Steeping time
German: Ziehzeit Also known as: Zugzeit, Ziehdauer
The time tea or coffee steeps in hot water before it is poured off or removed.
The steeping time determines how many compounds dissolve. For tea a rough guideline is: black tea about three to five minutes, green tea considerably shorter, about one to three minutes, herbal and fruit infusions often longer. Exact figures are usually printed on the packaging.
A short steeping time gives a mild, light infusion; a long one gives stronger colour, more tannins and more bitterness. Besides duration, water temperature and amount of leaf are also decisive for the result.