How to Make Loose Leaf Tea

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!

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

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.

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 – This is 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.

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

Generally 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water (1 cup)

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 often be steeped a second time.

How much loose leaf tea per cup?

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

More Tea Recipes You Will Love!

• Matcha Latte
• Fresh Mint Tea
• Turmeric Tea
• Peach Iced Tea
• Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

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