These tannins are astringent and give tea its bitter flavor. The longer the beverage is steeped, the more tannins are released—this is why over-steeped tea can taste particularly unpleasant.

Hot tea is a favorite beverage around the world, but in the United States -- the country where iced tea truly took off during ...

With herbal teas, you can steep longer,” explains Segal. “With any really high-quality tea, like oolong, you don’t want to use scalding hot water. You end up with an over-caffeinated or bitter cup, ...