Why does my tea taste bitter or weak?

Bitter or drying

Shorten the steep and remove the leaves completely. For green tea, try a lower starting temperature. Some bitterness is part of a style; the goal is a cup you enjoy rather than a rule that tea must never be bitter.

Thin or watery

Check the water amount. A few leaves for a small cup cannot always flavor a large mug. Increase leaf modestly before steeping for a very long time. Old, poorly stored tea or a clogged strainer can also disappoint.

Name the problem

Bitterness is a taste. Astringency is a drying feeling. Thinness describes strength or texture. These observations point to different changes and are more useful than calling tea bad after one attempt.

Know when to stop

You may simply dislike the flavor. After two sensible adjustments, try another style instead of forcing yourself to finish a large purchase. Do not drink tea with visible mold or an unexplained unpleasant odor. Brewing adjustments are not safety tests.