How To Brew Loose Leaf Tea

Step by Step Guide to Brewing Loose Leaf Tea

Brewing loose leaf tea is both an art and a science, but with a little guidance, it’s an easy thing to master. At Café du Monde, we believe that the perfect cup of tea starts with the right preparation, so follow these steps to learn how to brew loose leaf tea properly. 

Step 1: Choose Your Tea

Your tea journey begins with selecting the type of loose leaf tea that suits you.

• Green Tea offers fresh, grassy flavours and delicate aromas, ideal for a calming break.

• Black Tea provides bold, robust flavours, perfect for an energising start to your day.

• Oolong Tea strikes a balance with its complex, floral, and slightly fruity notes.

• White Tea is subtle and refreshing, often with sweet or floral undertones.

• Herbal Teas are caffeine free options bursting with natural flavours, from soothing chamomile to invigorating peppermint.

Each type has unique brewing techniques to bring out its best, so understanding these nuances is key.

Step 2: Measure Your Tea

If you’re concerned about how much loose leaf tea to use per cup, this is an essential part as the right amount of tea is crucial for achieving the perfect strength.

• A general guideline is 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water.

• For larger teapots or stronger preferences, you can increase this slightly, but avoid overloading to maintain balance.

• Some teas, like lighter white or herbal varieties, may need a little extra, while others, like robust black teas, may require less.

Step 3: Heat the Water

Water quality and temperature are critical to bringing out the tea’s full potential. Always use fresh, filtered water to avoid any unwanted flavours. Here’s how to get the temperature just right:

• Green Tea: 75–85°C (170–185°F) to avoid scalding the delicate leaves.

• Black Tea: 95–100°C (200–212°F) for a full-bodied brew.

• Oolong Tea: 85–95°C (185–205°F) to preserve its nuanced flavours.

• Herbal Tea: 95–100°C (200–212°F) for a rich infusion of flavors.

If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, let boiling water sit for a minute to cool slightly for green or oolong teas.

Step 4: Prepare Your Brewing Tool

Select a teapot, infuser, or basket that allows the tea leaves to steep freely.

• Add your measured tea leaves to the chosen brewing tool.

• Ensure there’s ample room for the leaves to unfurl and expand, which is essential for releasing their full flavour.

Teapots with built-in strainers or reusable baskets are particularly convenient.

Step 5: Steep the Tea

This is where the magic happens. Pour your heated water over the tea leaves, ensuring even coverage. Steeping times vary by tea type:

• Green Tea: 2–3 minutes for a light, fresh taste.

• Black Tea: 3–5 minutes for a robust, hearty brew.

• Oolong Tea: 4–7 minutes to explore its layered complexity.

• Herbal Tea: 5–7 minutes for maximum flavour extraction.

Using a timer ensures you don’t over-steep, which can lead to bitterness or overly strong flavours. Once you’re comfortable with your tea, you can adjust steeping times based on personal preference.

Step 6: Strain and Serve

Once the tea has steeped to your personal perfection:

1. Remove the tea leaves or infuser promptly to prevent over-extraction.

2. Pour the tea into your cup, inhaling its rich aroma as you go.

Additions like honey, lemon, or milk can complement certain teas, but enjoying it as-is lets you fully appreciate its natural flavour profile.

Tips for the Perfect Brew

Now, we understand that every tea drinker’s taste is unique, and while the steps above provide a solid foundation, a few additional tips can help you refine your personal technique. 

1. Experiment with Leaf Quantity and Steeping Time
Tea is a personal kind of pleasure and small adjustments can make a big difference.

• Start with the recommended 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water, but feel free to tweak it. If you prefer a stronger cup, add a little more; for a lighter brew, use slightly less.

• Similarly, play with steeping times. Shorter times yield milder flavours, while longer times intensify the brew. Keep experimenting until you find your perfect balance.

2. Avoid Over-Steeping
Over-steeping is a common pitfall that can lead to a bitter or astringent cup.

• Use a timer to stay on track and avoid letting the leaves sit in the water longer than recommended.

• If you accidentally steep for too long, don’t worry. Diluting the tea with a little hot water can help balance the flavour.

3. Try Multiple Infusions with Re-Steepable Teas
Certain teas, like oolong, green tea, and some white teas, are designed to be re-steeped.

• Each infusion releases new layers of flavour, offering a unique tasting experience with every cup.

• To re-steep, simply add fresh hot water to the same tea leaves and adjust the steeping time slightly (typically increasing by 30 seconds to a minute for each additional brew).

This not only enhances your tea enjoyment but also gets the most out of your leaves.

4. Use High Quality Loose Leaf Tea
The quality of your tea leaves makes all the difference.

• Look for whole leaves rather than broken or dust-like particles, as these provide a fuller flavour and aroma.

• At Café du Monde, we pride ourselves on offering a premium selection of loose leaf teas that guarantee an exceptional brew every time.

High-quality tea ensures that every sip is smooth, balanced, and brimming with character.

Benefits of Brewing Loose Leaf Tea

Brewing loose leaf tea is a step up from the ordinary tea bag experience, and with an array of benefits that elevate your tea-drinking experience, you’ll certainly want to take up this new hobby. Benefits include:

• Fresher and richer flavours: Loose leaf teas retain their full essence, providing a deeper and more nuanced flavour compared to tea bags, which often contain broken leaves or tea dust.

• A more authentic and calming experience: Preparing loose leaf tea is a mindful ritual that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the process, turning a simple cup of tea into a moment of relaxation.

• Customisation of strength and flavour: Loose leaf tea allows you to control the quantity of leaves and steeping time, giving you the freedom to craft the perfect cup tailored to your taste.