Brewing Loose Leaf Tea
To brew loose leaf tea, measure one teaspoon of leaves per six ounces of water, heat the water to the specific temperature for the tea type, and steep for the recommended duration before straining completely to halt the extraction.
Water quality and temperature are your primary controls.
Use filtered water to avoid chlorine masking the tea's natural character. Most leaves require a precise heat range to avoid extracting bitter tannins prematurely.
- Kettle with temperature control
- Fine-mesh infuser or strainer
- Ceramic or glass vessel
- Timer
What goes in.
- 1 tsploose leaf tea
- 6 ozfiltered water
Respect the Finish
The moment the timer hits zero, remove all leaves from the water. If the leaves remain submerged, the tea will turn astringent and lose its clarity.
The method.
Heat the water
For green or white tea, aim for 175°F (80°C). For black tea, use 205°F (96°C) or just off-boil.
Warm the vessel
Pour a splash of hot water into your mug or teapot, swirl it, and discard. This prevents the brewing vessel from dropping the water temperature upon contact.
Add the leaves
Place the tea into your infuser. If using a teapot, place leaves directly in and add the water over them.
Steep
Pour the water and cover the vessel to trap the aromatics. Steep green tea for 2-3 minutes; black tea for 3-5 minutes.
Strain and serve
Lift the infuser or pour through a fine-mesh strainer. Ensure no damp leaves remain in the liquid.
Other turns to take.
Cold Brew
Combine leaves and room temperature water in a jar. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours before straining for a smooth, low-tannin result.
Multiple Infusions
High-quality whole-leaf teas can be re-steeped. Add 30 seconds to the steeping time for each subsequent round.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Never squeeze the tea leaves after steeping; this releases excess tannins that ruin the balance.
Use a dedicated scale if you want consistency, aiming for 2-3 grams per cup.
Store leaves in an airtight, opaque container away from light and strong cooking odors.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why does my tea taste bitter?
The water temperature was likely too high, or you left the leaves in the water too long.
Do I need a teapot?
No. An infuser basket that fits inside your mug is sufficient and makes cleanup easier.
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