Why does tea get stronger the longer you leave it?

Here's how it works:

* Tea leaves contain various compounds, including tannins, caffeine, and flavonoids. These compounds are responsible for the flavor, aroma, and health benefits of tea.

* When tea leaves are steeped in hot water, these compounds start dissolving. The hotter the water, the faster the extraction process.

* The longer the tea steeps, the more of these compounds are released into the water. This leads to a stronger flavor, a higher concentration of caffeine, and a deeper color.

Factors influencing strength:

* Type of tea: Some teas have higher concentrations of soluble compounds than others. For example, black tea typically has more tannins than green tea, resulting in a stronger brew.

* Water temperature: Hotter water extracts more compounds faster.

* Leaf quantity: More leaves mean more compounds are available to be extracted.

* Steeping time: The longer the steeping time, the more compounds are extracted.

Note: Over-steeping can result in a bitter, astringent taste. It's important to find the optimal steeping time for each type of tea.