Steeping Loose Leaf Tea
Stepping away from pre-packaged bags opens up a range of flavor profiles, from grassy and light to deep and malty. The goal is to extract the oils and tannins without over-steeping, which leaves a bitter, flat residue on the tongue.
Temperature is your primary tool
If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, simply let boiling water sit with the lid off for three minutes to bring it down to the range required for green or white teas.
- Kettle
- Tea infuser or mesh strainer
- Teapot or mug
- Timer
What goes in.
- 1 tsploose leaf tea
- 8 ozfresh, cold filtered water
Giving the leaves room
Tea leaves expand to several times their dry size; use a large enough infuser to ensure the water flows through the leaves rather than trapping them in a tight, compressed ball.
The method.
Heat the water
For green or white tea, aim for 175°F (80°C). For black, oolong, or herbal, use boiling water at 212°F (100°C).
Warm the vessel
Pour a splash of hot water into your mug or pot, swirl it, and dump it out. This prevents the cold ceramic from dropping the temperature of your tea immediately.
Steep
Add the tea, pour the water over, and cover the vessel to keep the heat in. Steep green tea for 2-3 minutes, black tea for 3-5 minutes, and herbal infusions for 5-7 minutes.
Remove the leaves
Lift the infuser or pour the tea through a strainer. Do not squeeze the bag or leaves; this releases trapped tannins that make the final cup harsh.
Other turns to take.
Cold Brewing
Combine the leaves and room-temperature water in a jar and leave it in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours for a mellow, sweet extraction.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always use fresh water; re-boiling water that has already been heated loses oxygen, which flattens the tea's character.
Store loose leaf tea in an opaque, airtight container away from light and spices to keep the leaves from absorbing stray odors.
If you find the tea too bitter, decrease the steep time by thirty seconds before you increase the amount of tea used.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use the same leaves twice?
Yes. High-quality oolong and green teas often yield two or even three steepings. Increase the steep time by a minute for the second round.
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