Step 1: Choose Your Tea

Select the type of loose leaf tea you’d like to brew – from black, green, white, oolong, or pu-erh – as each tea requires different brewing techniques.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need a tea infuser, a teapot, and a mug or cup. Optionally, you can also use a kitchen scale and timing device to ensure precise measurements.

Step 3: Measure Your Tea

As a general rule, use one teaspoon of tea leaves per eight ounces of water. If desired, use a kitchen scale for greater accuracy.

Step 4: Heat Your Water

Fill your kettle with fresh cold water and heat it according to the tea type:

– Black Tea: Boil (212°F/100°C)

– Green Tea: Below boiling (170°F-185°F/77°C-85°C)

– White Tea: Below boiling (160°F-185°F/71°C-85°C)

– Oolong Tea: Below boiling (190°F/88°C)

– Pu-erh Tea: Boil (212°F/100°C)

Step 5: Preheat Your Teapot

Pour hot water into the teapot and let it sit for about one minute, then pour out the water. This preheating process helps maintain the optimal brewing temperature.

Step 6: Add the Leaves to Your Infuser

Place your measured quantity of loose leaf tea into the infuser, making sure there is enough room for the leaves to expand during brewing.

Step 7: Pour the Hot Water

Slowly pour heated water over your tea leaves through your infuser. This ensures that all the leaves get evenly saturated with water.

Step 8: Steep Your Tea

Allow your tea to steep according to its type and desired taste:

– Black Tea: 3-5 minutes

– Green Tea: 2-3 minutes

– White Tea: 2-5 minutes

– Oolong Tea: 1-5 minutes

– Pu-erh Tea: 3-5 minutes

Step 9: Remove the Infuser

After the appropriate steeping time, carefully remove the infuser to prevent over-extraction and bitter taste.

Step 10: Serve Your Tea

Pour the brewed tea into a cup or mug and enjoy it as is, or add sweeteners, milk, or lemon – according to your preference.

Step 11: Re-steep Your Leaves (Optional)

Many loose leaf teas can provide multiple infusions. Simply add more hot water to your tea leaves and steep for short intervals to explore different flavors and aromas.

Now you know how to brew loose leaf tea in just 11 simple steps. Enjoy exploring the range of tea types and their unique flavors and health benefits!