How do you make tea from fresh leaves?

To make tea from fresh leaves, you generally need to muddle them, then steep them in hot water.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Steps for Making Tea from Fresh Leaves:

Harvest the Leaves: Choose fresh, healthy leaves from your desired tea plant or herb. Pick them in the morning after the dew has dried.
Prepare the Leaves (Muddling): Gently muddle or bruise the leaves. This helps to release their essential oils and flavors. For delicate leaves, a light bruising is sufficient.
Quantity: A general guideline is to use approximately one tablespoon of muddled leaves per one cup (8 ounces) of water. Adjust the quantity to your personal preference for strength.
Heat the Water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a near boil. The ideal temperature varies depending on the type of leaf. For most herbal teas, water just off the boil (around 200-212°F or 93-100°C) is suitable.
Steep the Leaves: Place the muddled leaves in a teapot, infuser, or directly into your cup. Pour the hot water over the leaves.
Steeping Time: Let the tea steep for the desired duration. Steeping times usually vary from 3-7 minutes, depending on the type of leaf and desired strength. Shorter steeping times result in a lighter tea, while longer steeping times produce a stronger, more intense flavor. Taste the tea periodically during steeping to achieve your preferred strength.
Strain and Serve: Once steeped to your liking, strain the tea to remove the leaves. Pour the tea into your cup and enjoy! You can add honey, lemon, or other sweeteners if desired.

Use Fresh, Clean Water: The quality of the water affects the taste of the tea.
Experiment with Steeping Times: Find the steeping time that suits your taste.
Consider the Type of Leaf: Different leaves have different flavor profiles and require different steeping times and temperatures. Research the specific plant for optimal results.
Avoid Over-Steeping: Over-steeping can make the tea bitter.