Brew Academy: How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea
HOW TO BREW LOOSE LEAF TEA
Simple Steps for a Better Cup, Every Time
Why Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea contains larger, higher-quality leaves that have room to expand during brewing. This allows more flavor, aroma, and complexity to be extracted compared to most tea bags.
When brewed correctly, loose leaf tea delivers a richer, fuller experience—and many teas can be steeped multiple times.
The 5 Keys to Better Tea
1. Start with Fresh Water
Tea is more than 95% water, so quality matters. For the best results:
- ✔ Use fresh cold water
- ✔ Filtered water is preferred
- ✔ Avoid repeatedly boiling the same water
Fresh water helps highlight the tea’s natural flavors and aromas.
2. Measure Your Tea
Using too much tea can create bitterness. Using too little can make your tea weak and watery.
A good starting point is:
1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8-ounce cup
Some larger leaf teas may require slightly more.
3. Use the Right Water Temperature
Different teas require different temperatures. Water that is too hot can scorch delicate leaves and create bitterness.
| Tea Type | Water Temperature |
|---|---|
| Green Tea | 170–180°F |
| Jasmine Green Tea | 175–180°F |
| White Tea | 175–185°F |
| Oolong Tea | 185–205°F |
| Black Tea | 200–212°F |
| Herbal Tea | 212°F |
| Matcha | 170–180°F |
4. Steep for the Proper Time
Longer isn’t always better. Over-steeping often creates excessive bitterness and astringency.
| Tea Type | Steep Time |
|---|---|
| Green Tea | 2–3 minutes |
| Jasmine Tea | 2–3 minutes |
| White Tea | 3–5 minutes |
| Oolong Tea | 3–5 minutes |
| Black Tea | 3–5 minutes |
| Herbal Tea | 5–7 minutes |
5. Let the Leaves Expand
Loose leaf tea needs space. Use:
- Tea infuser
- Tea basket
- Tea pot with filter
- French press dedicated to tea
The leaves should be able to fully open during brewing.
Can You Re-Steep Tea?
Absolutely. Many premium loose leaf teas can be brewed multiple times. Second and third infusions often reveal new flavors and aromas.
As a general rule:
- Green teas: 2–3 infusions
- Oolong teas: 3–5 infusions
- High-quality black teas: 2–3 infusions
- Jasmine teas: 2–3 infusions
Simply increase the steep time slightly with each additional brew.
Common Tea Brewing Mistakes
- ❌ Water that’s too hot
- ❌ Steeping too long
- ❌ Using too much tea
- ❌ Using stale tea
- ❌ Not giving leaves room to expand
Avoiding these simple mistakes can dramatically improve your cup.
Brew Academy Takeaway
Great tea doesn’t require complicated equipment—just quality leaves, fresh water, proper temperature, and patience.
Small adjustments to how you brew can unlock better flavor, smoother texture, and a more enjoyable tea experience.