Quick answer

Brew Madagascar Peach at 175–180°F (80–82°C) for 2–3 minutes, then remove the leaves immediately. This short, cooler steep keeps the green tea smooth and lets the peach and vanilla notes come through without a bitter edge.

Why this blend turns bitter so easily

Madagascar Peach combines green tea and oolong tea, so you are steeping two leaf types with different tolerances. Green tea releases bitterness quickly above 180°F, while the oolong needs enough heat to open up. Staying in the 175–180°F range gives you a balanced cup without sacrificing the earthy base.

The peach, red currant, and vanilla flavors are delicate. Over-steeping or using boiling water flattens them and leaves a dry, astringent finish. Treat the first steep as a short infusion, not a long soak.

Hot vs iced: adjust the ratio, not the temperature

For hot tea, use 1 teaspoon of leaves per 8 ounces of water. For iced tea, double the leaf amount to 2 teaspoons per 8 ounces so the drink stays flavorful after chilling and dilution. The water temperature and steeping time stay the same for both methods, so you do not need a separate iced tea recipe.

If you want a stronger peach note, add a few fresh peach slices to the pitcher after brewing rather than steeping the tea longer. Longer steeping pulls out bitterness, not more fruit flavor.

Step-by-step brewing

  1. Heat water to 175–180°F (80–82°C): Bring water to a boil, then let it rest for 2–3 minutes before pouring over the leaves. Use a thermometer the first few times to calibrate your kettle. Do not pour boiling water directly on the leaves; that is the most common cause of bitterness.
  2. Measure 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces (double for iced): Use a scale if you have one: about 2–3 grams per 8 ounces for hot tea, 4–6 grams for iced tea. Adjust slightly for your taste after the first pot. More leaves does not mean more flavor if you steep too long; keep the ratio consistent.
  3. Steep for 2–3 minutes, then remove the leaves: Set a timer. Taste at 2 minutes; if you want more strength, steep up to 3 minutes but no longer. Remove the leaves completely to stop extraction. A fine-mesh strainer or basket helps you pull the leaves out cleanly at the right moment.
  4. For iced tea, chill immediately and add fruit: Pour the hot tea over ice or refrigerate it. Add fresh peach slices or a splash of vanilla syrup after chilling if you want a sweeter, fruitier glass. Do not steep longer to make up for ice dilution; double the leaves instead.

About this tea

  • Madagascar Peach: Madagascar Peach blends green tea and oolong tea with peach, red currant, and Madagascar-Bourbon vanilla. The mixed tea base means you need a middle-ground temperature that respects both leaf types.

    Madagascar Peach

    Madagascar Peach