Brewing Tips: Your Guide to Loose Leaf Tea
New to loose leaf tea? Welcome!
It’s easier than it looks, and once you try it, you may not go back to tea bags. Here’s everything you need to brew a really good cup at home. No special skills required.
All the info you need to get started!
THE BASICS IN 30 SECONDS
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1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea
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8 ounces of water
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Steep, strain, and sip
That’s it.
Adjust to your taste: use a little more tea if you like it stronger, or steep a little less if you like it lighter.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
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Loose leaf tea (we have samples if you want to try before you commit!)
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An infuser or strainer to hold the leaves while they steep
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Hot water (a kettle is great, but a pot on the stove works too)
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A mug and a timer (your phone works)
Need an infuser? Our Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Strainer is an easy place to start, or try the Infuser Bottle if you like your tea on the go.
HOW TO BREW A PERFECT CUP
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Measure. Add 1 teaspoon of tea to your infuser for every 8 oz you plan on putting in your cup.
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Heat your water. Check the chart below to see what your tea likes.
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Pour and set a timer. Steeping time matters more than you’d think.
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Lift out the infuser. This stops the tea from getting bitter.
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Sip, and add milk, honey, or lemon if you like.
STEEPING GUIDE
Not sure how long? Find your tea type:
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Black Teas & Chai
Water boiling
Time: 4 to 5 minutes
Includes: Spiced Masala Chai, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Vanilla, Peach, Mango, Raspberry, Ginger, Orange Spice, Pumpkin Spice, Marzipan Walnut Rose
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Green Teas
Water: boil, then let it cool for 1 minute
Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Includes: Moroccan Mint, Gunpowder, Passion Fruit Kiwi, Sweet Pear, Green Paradise, Velvet Hibiscus
Tip: green tea can turn bitter if the water is too hot or it steeps too long.
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Herbal Blends & Fruit Tisanes
Water: boiling
Time: 5 to 7 minutes
Includes: Sundown, Serenity Spice, African Sunset, Lemon & Ginger, Peppermint, Camomile, Guava Strawberry, Barbados, Sunshine Fruit Medley, Jasmine’s Fruit Basket Delight
(Each product page also has a “How to Steep” section for that tea.)
HOW MUCH TEA DO I GET FOR EACH SIZE LISTED ON THE WEBSITE?
All of our loose leaf is measured the same way: 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 oz cup of water. Here’s what that gets you:
SAMPLE SIZE
1 Tablespoon of loose leaf, which makes about 3 cups of 8 oz tea when you follow the 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water.
TEA TASTER POUCH
3 Tablespoons of loose leaf, which makes about 9 cups of 8 oz tea when you follow the 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water.
4 OZ POUCH
4 oz of loose leaf makes 40–50 cups of 8 oz tea when you follow the 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water. (Some teas are light and fluffy like Peppermint Leaf, Sundown Herbal, or Camomile & weigh less but it still makes about the same number of cups as the 4oz size.)
SINGLE STEEP TEA BAGS
1 tsp of loose leaf tea per each pyramid single serve tea bag. You get 15 individual servings per bag ordered.
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TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN
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Fresh, cold water makes the best cup.
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Give the leaves room. A bigger infuser lets the tea open up.
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Want iced tea? Steep it a little stronger, then pour it over ice.
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Try a latte! Our Earl Grey makes a wonderful London Fog and our chai makes a cozy chai latte.
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Store your tea in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight, in a sealed container.
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Not sure what you like? Start with a sample pack. It’s the easiest way to find your favorites.
QUESTIONS NEW TEA DRINKERS ASK
What’s the difference between loose leaf and tea bags?
Loose leaf tea is whole or larger pieces of leaves, flowers, and fruit, with more room to open up as they steep. Many people notice a fuller flavor and aroma.
What’s a tisane?
A tisane (say “tih-ZAN”) is a tea-style drink made from herbs, flowers, and fruit instead of tea leaves. Our herbal blends and fruit tisanes are examples.
Does tea have caffeine?
Black tea, green tea, and chai are made with tea leaves, which contain caffeine. Herbal blends and fruit tisanes are made without tea leaves. Check the ingredients list on each product page.
My tea tastes bitter. What happened?
Usually the water was too hot or it steeped too long, especially with green tea. Try cooler water or a shorter time.
Do I need a special teapot?
Nope. A mug and an infuser are all you need.
Can I steep a tea a second time?
Many people do! The flavor will be lighter. Try it and see what you think.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Still not sure where to start? Send me a message and I’ll help you pick a tea you’ll love. I really appreciate you!!
Cheers,
Nikki