how to use loose leaf tea properly (and actually get the benefits)
loose leaf tea is my favorite way to make tea. while it can be a bit more inconvenient, the taste and the option to brew it to your exact liking is the best part.
one of the most common questions i get is how to properly brew loose leaf tea. thankfully, it is as simple as can be. (plus each of our blends has the directions on the bag.)
once you find a method that works for you, making tea becomes a part of your daily ritual.
how much tea should i use?
• a pretty even starting point is around 1 teaspoon for smaller herbs and ½ tablespoon for larger herbs.
• a standard amount of water is 8 ounces.
you can absolutely adjust this based on your personal taste buds as well. some folks like a lighter brewed beverage compared to a stronger blend.
water temperature matters
not every blend needs to boil. in fact, some perform better when they don’t get as hot.
herbal teas favor a temperature around 205 to 212º fahrenheit.
black teas, such as our london fog a’s way and migraine blends, enjoy a temperature of around 200 to 212º fahrenheit.
green teas, like our inflammation blend, can perform well around 170 to 185º fahrenheit.
your water temperature can affect how bitter the tea becomes, especially for more delicate teas like lavender or hibiscus.
how long should i steep?
my go-to time range is 5 to 8 minutes. even 5 to 10 minutes is ideal.
if you’re one who enjoys a stronger cup, steep the blend a tad bit longer instead of adding more tea. you can also cold steep, which is a favorite method of mine occasionally. you prepare it the same way but leave it at room temperature or in the fridge for at least 6 to 8 hours. you can even go overnight.
do i need a fancy tea infuser?
no. no one needs an extra gadget in the kitchen. i know.
you can use:
• a tea infuser
• a tea steeper like our pretty little gold one
• a tea ball
• reusable tea bags
• a fine mesh strainer
• a french press
the goal is to allow the herbs space to expand while they are steeping.
can i steep it more than once?
on occasion, the short answer is yes.
some loose leaf teas can be steeped a second time, although the second cup is usually a bit lighter in terms of flavor, but obviously still delicious.
storing your tea
keep your tea in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight. you don’t want your tea hanging around where there is a lot of moisture or humidity. avoid storing it near strong spices or coffee as well.
enjoy the process
this ritual is about creating a moment for yourself and slowing down, not convenience and rushing.
if your first cup isn’t how you imagined, play around with how long you brewed it, the amount of tea, and the water temperature until you find the perfect recipe.
there’s not a right or wrong way to enjoy your tea, unless you’re tossing it in the microwave... but the best cup is the one you are excited to make and drink. it’s more about how you feel drinking your tea than how it looks.
