The brewing procedure is the same, but the quantity of tea, water temperature, brewing time, etc. vary for each individual type of tea.
There is no manual that instructs us on one single perfect way to brew the perfect cup of tea. Although certain types of tea should generally be brewed in certain ways, it is most important to tailor the temperature of the water and waiting time to your own personal taste preference.
The "Waiting time" for each tea listed below are standard brewing times. Some people may prefer to brew tea longer for a stronger flavor, or due to differences in water mineral content.
Gyokuro or Gyokuro Karigane (2cups)
Tea leaves: 1 1/2 tablespoons (7 - 8g)
Water temperature: 60 - 70C (140 - 158F)
Amount of water: 200ml (7.04fl oz)
Waiting time: 1 1/2 - 2min.
Gyokuro's best features are its sweetness and mellow aroma. It is better to brew with low temperature water to enhance the sweetness and avoid any bitter taste.
Sencha or Sencha Karigane (2cups)
Tea leaves: 1 1/2 tablespoons (7 - 8g)
Water temperature: 80C (176F)
Amount of water: 200ml (7.04fl oz)
Waiting time: 1min.
Sencha's best features are its refreshing yet mellow aroma, and balance of sweet and bitter taste. It's better to brew Sencha with 176F (80C) water so that the refreshing aroma and the mildly bitter taste of Catechin and Caffeine are enhanced. If Sencha is brewed for too long, it may become a little too bitter. Brewed with a lower water temperature such as 167F (75C), the flavor will become more mellow and less brisk. Please try the different brewing times and temperatures to find the one you prefer.
Sencha Fukamushi (2cups)
Tea leaves: 1 1/2 tablespoons (7 - 8g)
Water temperature: 80C (176F)
Amount of water: 200ml (7.04fl oz)
Waiting time: 40 - 45sec.
Sencha Fukamushi is brewed much more quickly than standard Sencha. So it is best to brew Fukamushi Sencha for only a short time.
Genmaicha or Genmaicha Matcha-iri (2cups)
Tea leaves: 1 1/2 tablespoons (7-8g)
Water temperature: 80C (176F)
Amount of water: 200ml (7.04fl oz)
Waiting time: 1min.
Houjicha or Houjicha Karigane (2cups)
Tea leaves: 3 tablespoons (7-8g)
Water temperature: boiling water
Amount of water: 200ml (7.04fl oz)
Waiting time: 15 - 30sec.
Houjicha / Houjicha Karigane is only half the weight of Sencha tea leaves; it is 50% lighter. So, please put about two times (2x) the cubical content of tea leaves in the tea pot (Kyusu). To extract the excellent nutty and smooth aroma from Houjicha, please brew the tea leaves in boiling water for a short time.
Teabag Gyokuro, Teabag Sencha, or Teabag Genmaicha Matcha-iri (1cup)
Put one tea bag in a teapot or teacup.
Water temperature: about 80C (176F)
Amount of water: 120ml (4.22fl oz)
Waiting time: 1min.
Teabag Houjicha (1cup)
Put one tea bag in a teapot or teacup.
Water temperature: boiling water
Amount of water: 120ml (4.22fl oz)
Waiting time: 15 - 30sec.
All Hibiki-an teas can be brewed three times with full flavor.