Proper Technique on how to brew loose leaf tea

by Nicole Wheeler May 30, 2021

Step 1 - Choose a Tea Infuser/Tea Filter

A tea infuser/tea filter keeps any tea leaves from floating freely in your cup while you drink. It also lets you stop steeping tea after a specified time. This keeps your tea from getting bitter. There are disposable filters if you want something you can throw away. Otherwise, you can use a tea infuser to place in your mug or pot. Tea infusers can be a basket or a tea ball (various shapes and sizes). There are teapots that come with an infuser.

Step 2 - Teapot or Tea Cup/Mug

The teapot or tea cup/mug is what you place the infuser in to brew tea. Some tea cups/mugs and tumblers have tea infusers that come with it.

Step 3 - Tea Kettle

You will need a tea kettle to boil water. Traditional stovetop kettles are just as good. An electric kettle, will work as well.

Step 4 - Loose Leaf Tea

Now all you need is your favorite loose leaf tea.

Step 5 - Steeping time

Steeping times vary based on the type of tea your drinking.

Black Tea - 1-2 teaspoons; steep 2-4 mins; temp. approx. 208'F; sweeten as needed
Green Tea - 1-2 teaspoons; steep 1-3 mins; temp approx. 170'F; sweeten as needed
Oolong Tea - 1-2 teaspoons; steep 3-5 mins; temp. approx. 190'F; sweeten as needed
Herbal Tea - 1-2 teaspoons; steep 4-5 mins; temp. approx. 208'F; sweeten as needed
White Tea - 1-2 teaspoons; steep 2-3 mins; temp. approx. 175'F; sweeten as needed

Instructions

1. Boil your water 2. While waiting for water your to boil, add your desired amount of loose leaf tea to your tea infuser. Place the tea infuser inside your teapot or mug. Tip: Double the amount of tea you use when making iced tea 3. When the water reaches the desired temperature, pour it over the tea infuser into your mug or teapot. This will allow the water to circulate through the leaves. 4. Steeping Time. Once the time is up, dunk the infuser a couple of times to circulate the water. Remove the infuser and set aside for a second steeping. 5. Serve in your favorite mug, or pour over ice for a satisfying iced tea. Tip: when resteeping your tea, add another minute to the steep time, this is because the tea needs longer to draw out the flavor.