Quick fixes by symptom
| Problem | First change | Then check |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter or drying | Shorter steep | Lower temperature, smaller dose, water chemistry |
| Weak or watery | Slightly more leaf | Correct volume, hotter water within range |
| Flat aroma | Fresh water and preheated vessel | Leaf freshness, kettle cleanliness |
| Too smoky or roasted | Shorter, cooler steep | Whether the flavor is intrinsic to the style |
| Musty, chemical, moldy | Stop and inspect | Packaging, leaf condition, water, equipment |
When should tea be discarded?
Do not drink tea with visible mold, pest damage, wet or compromised packaging, or a persistent foreign chemical or musty odor. Normal aging aromas vary by tea, but a calculator should not talk you into consuming questionable material.
