Why Tea Tastes Bitter: Understanding Bitterness in Tea

Many tea drinkers have experienced it: you brew a cup of tea expecting a smooth and enjoyable flavor, only to find it unpleasantly bitter. But why does tea taste bitter in the first place?

The answer often lies in brewing technique rather than the tea itself. Understanding the causes of bitterness can help you make better tea and appreciate its natural sweetness and complexity.

What Causes Tea Bitterness?

Tea naturally contains compounds called catechins, caffeine, and polyphenols. When extracted in excess, these substances can create a bitter or astringent sensation.

Bitterness itself is not always a flaw. In high-quality teas, a slight bitterness can transform into a pleasant lingering sweetness known in Chinese tea culture as "hui gan."

"The finest teas often possess a balanced bitterness that returns as sweetness."

— Prof. Chen Chuan

Reason 1: Over-Steeping the Tea

The most common cause of bitter tea is steeping the leaves for too long. As brewing time increases, more tannins and caffeine are released into the water.

• Green tea: 1–2 minutes
• White tea: 20–40 seconds (Gongfu style)
• Black tea: 10–30 seconds (Gongfu style)
• Oolong tea: 10–20 seconds initially

"Timing is one of the most important skills in tea preparation."

— Wu Juenong

Reason 2: Water Temperature Is Too High

Using water that is too hot can cause delicate teas to become harsh and bitter.

Reason 3: Using Too Much Tea Leaves

Adding excessive amounts of tea leaves can overwhelm the brew and intensify bitterness.

For most Gongfu brewing methods, 5–7 grams of tea per 100–120ml gaiwan is a reliable starting point.

At Chaliland, our Wuyi Rock Tea collection—including Da Hong Pao, Rou Gui, and Shui Xian (Narcissus)—is designed to perform beautifully when brewed using traditional Gongfu ratios.

"Tea brewing is a balance between strength and elegance."

— Chen Zongmao

How to Reduce Bitterness in Tea

• Use the correct water temperature.
• Reduce steeping time.
• Measure tea leaves accurately.
• Choose high-quality loose leaf tea.
• Adjust brewing parameters to your preference.

A well-brewed tea should feel balanced, with sweetness, aroma, body, and only a gentle hint of bitterness when appropriate.

"The goal of tea brewing is harmony."

— Lu Yu

If your tea tastes bitter, the tea itself may not be the problem. Small adjustments to water temperature, brewing time, and tea quantity can dramatically improve the flavor.

Understanding why tea tastes bitter allows you to brew with greater confidence and discover the true character hidden within every cup.

Sources

• Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University – Tea Science Research
• China National Tea Museum
• The Classic of Tea – Lu Yu
• Chinese Tea Brewing Studies

Editorial Note

This article was compiled by the Chaliland Tea Research Team to help tea lovers better understand tea brewing science and improve their daily tea experience.