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Home » Posts » How to Make Loose Leaf Tea

August 4, 2021 by Courtney | Updated: March 4, 2024 |

How to Make Loose Leaf Tea

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Learn how to make loose leaf tea! See what supplies you will need and some variations to make this tea perfect! It has never been easier to brew loose leaf tea!

loose leaf tea in tea cup with infuser

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • What is Loose Leaf Tea? 
  • Supplies You Will Need | Types of Tea Infusers
  • How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
  • More Tea Recipes You Will Love!
  • How to Make Loose Leaf Tea

What is Loose Leaf Tea? 

Loose leaf tea is tea that is not contained in a bag or sachet. It can be any sort of tea-  from black, green, or an ensemble of herbal teas.

While tea bags or sachets can be preferable as a quick and already prepared option, there are a few benefits to loose tea leaves. 

  • Loose leaves tend to be fresher and taste better.
  • Environmentally friendly. Tea leaves can also be easily composted.
  • Tea is good for your health and contains many health benefits varying between types of tea.
  • Deceivingly easy to make!
  • Very Economical. Loose leaves can often be steeped a second time.

Why You Will Love Loose Leaf Tea

  • Tastes better!
  • Easy to make.
  • Good for your health.
  • Fun to make.
  • Loose leaf teas are very pretty.
butterfly pea flowers
butterfly pea flowers

Supplies You Will Need | Types of Tea Infusers

If you are brewing a single cup of tea, or even a pot, a tea infuser is a must! No, one wants residual tea leaves from brewing in their cup. An infuser is the perfect way to easily strain them out after the steeping process. 

Loose Leaf Tea Infuser Guide

  • Teapot with built in infuser – Making tea in a teapot perfect for brewing a large quantity of tea. I have this one, and I couldn’t be more satisfied! 
  • Tea cup with fitted infuser – This tea infuser mug is my favorite for when I’m making a single cup. The infuser fits perfectly within the teacup. Once the tea is finshed steeping, simply remove the infuser and enjoy! Oftentimes, this combo comes with a fitted lid.  
  • French press – Wondering how to make make loose leaf tea without an infuser or a strainer? If you don’t have an infuser you can use your fresh press. Add your tea, pour over hot water and allow to steep. After steeping, press down the top to push your loose leaves to the bottom and pour into your favorite cup. 
  • Ball Infuser – This is a very practical infuser as you can use this infuser in either tea pot or tea cup. Add your tea leaves into the ball and fasten close. Once the tea has finished steeping, remove ball infuser.
  • Tea Strainer – One of my favorites especally for herbal tea is a tea strainer. After preparing tea, hold the strainer over your cup to catch the tea solids.
loose leaf fresh mint tea in french press
fresh mint leaves in a french press

How to Make Loose Leaf Tea

  1. Bring water to a boil on stovetop or in an electric kettle.
  2. Add tea leaves to your infuser.
  3. Pour water over your tea into cup or pot.
  4. Cover your tea.
  5. Set your timer too steep the appropriate amount of time.
  6. Remove tea infuser.
  7. Enjoy your tea!

Water Temperature Guide

  • Black Tea – 212˚ F 
  • Green tea – 185˚ F
  • White tea – 185˚ F
  • Herbal tea – 212˚ F

Steeping Length Guide

  • Black Tea – 3-5 Minutes
  • Green tea – 3 Minutes
  • White tea – 3 Minutes
  • Herbal tea – 5 Minutes

Tea Measurement Guide – How much Loose Leaf Tea Per Cup

As a general rule, use 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 ounces (1cup) of water.

loose tea leaves in tea cup with infuser

Tips for the Perfect Cup of Tea

  • Use freshly drawn water (filtered or spring water) Fresh water contains more oxygen and this plays an important roll in the flavor of your tea. It helps in the transmission of atomic components.
  • Use good water! This plays an important roll in the flavor of your tea!
  • Use the correct water temperature for tea type.
  • Steep covered.
  • Add milk, sweetener, or lemon to finished tea if desired. 

Questions:

Can Loose Tea Leaves be Composted?

Yes, tea is an organic matter and can be composted.

Does Loose Leaf Tea taste Better?

Loose leaf tea generally does taste better than tea bags as it is often fresher and of higher quality.

Can Loose Leaf Tea be Reused?

Yes, loose tea leaves can be steeped a second time.

More Tea Recipes You Will Love!

  • Matcha Latte
  • Fresh Mint Tea
  • Turmeric Tea
  • Peach Iced Tea
  • Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
rose hip tea in tea infuser in tea cup

I hope you enjoy this tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect! 

signature
loose tea leaves in tea cup with infuser

How to Make Loose Leaf Tea

Courtney
How to make the perfect cup of loose leaf tea!
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Additional Time 1 minute min
Total Time 11 minutes mins
Servings 1 Cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Teaspoon Tea Leaves
  • 1 Cup Water

Instructions
 

  • Bring water to a boil on the stovetop or in an electric kettle.
  • Add tea leaves to your infuser.
  • Pour water over your tea into a cup or pot.
  • Cover your tea.
  • Set your timer to steep the appropriate amount of time.
  • Remove tea infuser.
  • Enjoy your tea!

Notes

Water Temperature Guide
  • Black Tea – 212˚ F 
  • Green tea – 185˚ F
  • White tea – 185˚ F
  • Herbal tea – 212˚ F
Steeping Length Guide
  • Black Tea – 5 Minutes
  • Green tea – 3 Minutes
  • White tea – 3 Minutes
  • Herbal tea – 5 Minutes
Tea Measurement Guide
  • Generally 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water (1 cup)

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.

Keyword how to make loose leaf tea, tea, Tea Recipe

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Comments

  1. Luca says

    August 14, 2021 at 10:43 am

    Some really good tips. Especially the temperature/steeping length guide is really useful.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      August 18, 2021 at 10:30 am

      I’m so glad you found this helpful!

      Reply

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MEET THE AUTHOR, COURTNEY

Tea has been part of the fabric of humankind since time immemorial and with each variation of tea, there is a memory and experience to enjoy with every sip. For me, it was my grandmother who first taught me to love tea: this blog is dedicated to her. She was and always will be my inspiration! Read More…

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