How to Drink Loose Leaf Tea

Brewing loose leaf tea is simple and rewarding! Here's how to do it:

Preparing Your Tea

Measure your tea: Use approximately 1 teaspoon (2-3 grams) of loose leaf tea per 180ml (6 ounces) cup of water. This is a general guideline; adjust to your taste preference.
Heat your water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a rolling boil (100°C or 212°F). The water temperature may vary slightly depending on the type of tea; some teas are best brewed at slightly lower temperatures. For black teas, a full boil is ideal.
Steep the tea: Place the loose leaf tea in a teapot, infuser, or even a fine-mesh strainer directly in your cup. Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves.
Brew to perfection: Allow the tea to steep for 4-6 minutes. Steeping time will influence the strength and flavor of your tea; experiment to find your preference. Over-steeping can result in a bitter taste.
Strain and serve: Carefully pour the brewed tea through a strainer into your teacup, removing the leaves.

Choose your tea: Experiment with different types of loose leaf tea to discover your favorites. The world of tea is vast and varied!
Add milk or sweetener: Add milk (dairy or non-dairy) and/or sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.) to taste, after steeping. This is a matter of personal preference.
Clean your equipment: Regularly clean your teapot and infusers to prevent a build-up of tea residue that could affect the flavor of future brews.

Use fresh water: Fresh, filtered water will yield a cleaner, more flavorful cup of tea.
Don't over-steep: Over-steeping can result in a bitter and astringent brew.
Experiment with steeping times: Find the perfect steeping time for your preferred strength and flavor profile.