Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Brewing tea is a breeze, and all you need are a few simple items:

• Teapot or mug: Choose your preference. A teapot is perfect for multiple servings, while a mug is ideal for a solo tea ritual.
• Tea infuser: This handy device contains your tea leaves and allows easy removal after steeping. Nelson's Tea offers a variety of tea infusers and strainers to match your style.
• Tea kettle: An electric kettle makes heating water a snap, but any stovetop kettle will work fine.

Now, grab your loose-leaf tea. Nelson's Tea boasts a vast selection, from classic black and refreshing green teas to soothing herbal teas and unique loose-leaf oolong teas. We even have white and loose-leaf rooibos teas for those seeking something different.

Step 3: Heat the Water

Water temperature is critical for steeping the perfect cup of loose-leaf tea, and this applies to all the methods we've discussed. Here's a guide to ensure you get the most out of your tea leaves:

• Black Tea – A bold classic choice for any tea lover. To fully extract its flavor steep at: 195°F (90.5°C).
• Oolong Tea: These robust varieties thrive in hotter water. To fully extract their flavor and health benefits, aim for almost a full boil, around 185°F (85°C).
• Green and White Tea: Delicate green tea and white tea leaves prefer a gentler touch. Use water just off the boil, around 175°F (80°C), to prevent bitterness and unlock its refreshing character.

Don't have a fancy electric kettle? No problem. You can heat water for tea in a pot on the stovetop. Just be mindful of reaching the desired temperature for your chosen tea with a thermometer. With some practice, you'll be a stovetop water heating pro soon.

Step 4: Measure and Add Tea Leaves

Measuring loose-leaf tea might seem daunting at first, but don’t worry. Here's a simple guide to help you achieve your desired cup strength:

• The Golden Ratio: As a general rule, start with 1 tsp of loose-leaf tea per 8 oz of water. It's a great starting point for most black, green, and oolong teas.
• Going Bold: Feeling adventurous or craving a robust cup? Experiment by adding a bit more tea leaves, like 1 ½ tsp per 8 oz. The result is a stronger flavor profile, perfect for waking up in the morning or enjoying a hearty meal.
• Seeking Subtlety: Do you prefer a more delicate tea experience? Opt for less, like ¾ of a tsp per 8 oz. This step is ideal for green and white teas, allowing their subtle flavors to shine.
• Embrace the Experiment: Remember, this is only a starting point. The beauty of loose-leaf tea lies in its customizability. Feel free to adjust the amount of tea leaves based on your taste preference and the specific tea you're brewing.

Pro Tip: Invest in a spoon designed for loose-leaf tea. These scoops often hold more than a regular tsp and have more precise measurements for consistent brewing.

While teaspoons are commonly used, some loose-leaf teas may call for a different approach. Delicate white teas or floral infusions might enjoy a single whole leaf or by weight (around 2-3 grams).

Some large-leaf teas, like oolong, might need a larger heaping tsp to achieve the desired strength. When in doubt, refer to the steeping recommendations provided by Nelson's Tea or trusted tea vendors — they often offer specific measurements for their blends.

How Much Loose-leaf Tea to Use Per Cup?

One tsp per 8 oz is the mantra most tea folks preach. But what if you crave a bolder brew that wakes you up or a whisper-soft sip to soothe your evening?

Think of loose-leaf tea like spices in the kitchen. A pinch of cinnamon can be warming, a whole stick fiery. It's all about finding your personal preference. Start with that tsp, then adjust based on your mood:

• Morning Kick: Feeling groggy? Add a smidge more tea leaves, maybe a heaping tsp. It'll pack a more potent punch to jumpstart your day.
• Subtle Serenity: Want a delicate experience? Use a bit less, like ¾ of a tsp. Let the tea's natural flavors dance on your tongue.
• Embrace Adventure: Don't be afraid to experiment. Nelson's Tea offers incredible blends. Try them out and see what strength unlocks their unique personalities.

Remember, there's no right or wrong amount. It's your tea journey — explore and find your perfect cup.

Step 5: Brewing Tea

The water is hot, the tea leaves are measured, and anticipation simmers. Now comes the steeping — the heart of your loose-leaf tea ritual.

Unlike tea bags, loose leaves need space to unfurl and release their magic. Always pour the hot water over your tea leaves, ensuring every part gets a good soak. This gentle approach coaxes out the best flavors, unlike submerging the leaves, which can result in bitterness.

Steeping Tea

The magic of loose-leaf tea unfolds during the steeping process. Here, time and temperature become your allies, coaxing out the unique flavors of each variety. Remember, these are starting points — feel free to adjust the steeping time based on your desired strength.

Black Tea: A Bold Embrace

Black tea thrives on a longer steep, typically between 2 and 5 minutes. This timing allows the hot water to fully extract its robust character, resulting in a rich and stimulating cup. Imagine it as a warm hug on a chilly morning or a powerful pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Green Tea: Delicacy Unveiled

Delicate green tea leaves require a gentler touch. Steeping for 1-2 minutes allows them to release their refreshingly light flavor profile without succumbing to bitterness. Think of it as a breath of fresh air on a hot day or a calming companion during a midday meditation session.

White Tea: Subtly Sweet

White tea, the subtlest of teas, deserves a cooler embrace. Steeping for 2-3 minutes at a slightly lower water temperature (around 175°F or 80°C) coaxes out its delicate floral notes and natural sweetness. It’s like a whisper of springtime on your tongue, perfect for a moment of pure serenity.

Oolong Tea: The Versatile Dancer

Oolong tea's adaptability shines during steeping. A 2-3 minute steep is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment! Shorter steeping times will yield a lighter, more floral cup, while longer steeps will unlock richer, earthier notes. Oolong tea is your playground — explore and discover your perfect balance.

Pu-erh Tea: A Robust Journey

Aged pu-erh tea can handle a more potent brew, but it’s best to brew for 2-3 minutes. This tea is a patient companion, rewarding those who take the time to savor its depth. It’s like a comforting cup by a crackling fireplace on a winter evening.

Herbal Tea & Rooibos Tea: Let Beauty Bloom

Herbal and rooibos tea boasts a treasure trove of calming and flavorful properties. To fully extract their magic, allow them to steep for 4-7 minutes. Witness the beauty of the botanicals unfurl in your cup, releasing their soothing scents and gentle flavors. Let these teas be your companions for unwinding after a long day or a quiet moment of reflection.

These are simple guidelines, but you can feel free to adjust based on your preferences. Like a seasoned chef, tweak the steeping time based on your desired strength. If you want a stronger black tea, go for 5 minutes. Maybe you're craving a lighter green tea? Steep for only a minute. The beauty of loose-leaf tea lies in its ability to adapt to your taste.

Bonus Brew Tips

Are you craving a refreshing iced tea? Steep your loose-leaf tea in cold water for several hours (typically 4-8) in the refrigerator. This slow brewing process extracts flavor without bitterness. You'll enjoy a smooth, refreshing iced tea on those hot summer days.

But what if you don't have a fancy tea infuser? Resourcefulness is key. You can improvise with a small mesh strainer or even a coffee filter (opt for unbleached filters to avoid papery taste).

Place your loose-leaf tea leaves in the strainer or filter, and pour the brewed tea into your cup to separate the leaves. This method may need more finesse, but it allows you to enjoy loose-leaf tea without specialized equipment.

Step 6: Pour Your Tea

Your tea has finished steeping, and the captivating aroma fills the air. It's time to indulge in your creation. But first, let's discuss the perfect pour and how to avoid unwanted tea leaves in your cup.

If you used a tea infuser, lift it out and rest it on a designated saucer or heat-resistant surface. Next, hold your teapot or mug slightly above your cup and slowly pour the steeped tea. This gentle approach allows the larger tea leaves to remain behind while the flavorful liquid flows through.

Consider using a strainer or small mesh sieve for an extra clear cup, especially if you don't have an infuser. Hold it over your cup as you pour, catching stray tea leaves for a completely leaf-free experience.

Now comes the true reward. Breathe in the enticing aroma, appreciate the beautiful color of your tea, and take a sip of pure loose-leaf bliss. Remember, with a bit of practice, you'll be pouring like a pro and enjoying a perfect cup of tea every time.

Brewing Loose Leaf Tea: Easy and Rewarding

Unleash the rich taste and captivating aroma of loose-leaf tea. Unlike tea bags with unknown contents, loose-leaf tea offers a world of flavor exploration. With Nelson's Tea's high-quality loose-leaf selections and simple brewing guide, you're only a few steps away from a perfect cup, any time of the day.

Nelson's Tea is your one-stop shop for everything loose-leaf tea. Explore our vast selection of teas and tea accessories today. We offer a variety of black teas, green teas, white teas, oolong teas, tea infusions, rooibos teas, and even pu-erh tea. You’ll be a loose-leaf tea pro with our high-quality teas and this easy brewing guide.