The majority of tea that people drink will come in tea bags. Tea bags are convenient to use, easy to dispose of, and generally just quicker to make tea with.
That is why the majority of people will steer clear of loose leaf tea, and instead pick up tea bags during their grocery shop.
But nothing tastes better than loose leaf tea.
Loose leaf tea is so much better than tea made using a tea bag. It has a stronger flavor, and it generally tastes like a much heartier cup of tea.
But, because tea bags are used so frequently, a lot of people don’t actually know how to make loose leaf tea.
In this guide, we’re taking a look at how to make loose leaf tea, with a step-by-step guide that will ensure that you make the perfect cup of tea every single time.
Keep on reading to find out more!
How To Make Loose Leaf Tea
When you haven’t made loose leaf tea, this activity can be particularly daunting.
Making loose leaf tea is very different from the effortless way in which you can prepare tea using a tea bag. However, it isn’t actually that difficult.
Everybody has a different method for heating their water that they may prefer. Some people like to use a stove-top pan to heat water for their tea, while others prefer to use the microwave.
If you frequently drink tea then it may be worth investing in an electric kettle as they are a real game changer.
No matter your method of choice, you should begin by heating your water to boiling point.
Step Two – Measure Your Tea
When you use a tea bag, your tea will already be measured. But when you are making tea with loose leaf tea, you will need to measure your tea yourself.
While the water boils, take your loose leaf tea and begin to measure. Typically, you should use around one teaspoon of tea for every 8 ounces of water.
But the measurements may vary depending on the blend, so always check the measurements for whatever specific tea you are using.
With your tea measured, simply add the correct amount to your tea strainer. Then place your tea strainer in your mug before moving on to the next step.
Step Three – Add Your Water
When your water has boiled, it is then time to add it to your tea.
Take the boiling water and pour it over your loose tea that is sitting in the infuser.
Ensure that the tea is fully saturated as this is the best way to get a nice, strong cup of tea. You should then leave your tea to steep.
Steeping time will differ depending on the specific type of tea that you are using.
Generally, the time will be longer for herbal teas (up to 7 minutes), and much shorter for white (up to 3 minutes) or black tea (up to 5 minutes).
Always check for the specific type of tea you are using when it comes to steeping time.
Step Four – Remove Your Tea Leaves
Once the steeping time has passed, it is then time to remove your tea leaves. To do this, simply lift your strainer out of the mug, and the tea will come with it.
If you prefer a sweetened cup of tea, this is the stage where you should add your sweetener of choice. Stir your tea with a teaspoon, and then it is ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea is essentially just tea that is bought in leaf form, rather than in the form of a tea bag. To prepare loose leaf tea, you must use a strainer and measure out the right amount of leaves for the job.
A lot of people assume that loose leaf tea is difficult to prepare and that is why many people tend to stick to tea bags.
But as we have seen in this guide, loose leaf tea is actually really easy to prepare, and it typically tastes a lot better than tea made using a tea bag too!
So if you haven’t already, we would definitely recommend giving loose leaf tea a try.
What Is The Loose Leaf Tea To Water Ratio?
The loose leaf tea to water ratio will differ depending on the type of tea you are making. So it is very important to check the instructions for the specific type of tea you are using before you get started.
However, the standard rule of thumb for loose leaf tea is to use around 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea for every 8 ounces of water.
A typical mug of water will contain around 8 ounces of water, so this equates to roughly 1 teaspoon for each mug of tea you make.
How Long Should I Steep Loose Leaf Tea?
The amount of time that you should steep your tea for will also differ depending on the type of tea that you are making.
For white tea, you will only need to steep your loose leaf tea for around 1-3 minutes.
For black tea, you will typically steep your loose leaf tea for around 3-5 minutes, and for herbal teas you should steep for up to 7 minutes for a delicious cup of tea.
Can You Put Loose Leaf Tea Directly In Water?
You can put loose leaf tea directly in water, but then you will need to blow the leaves away every time you take a drink.
That is why most people use a tea strainer as it removes the need to blow your tea every time you want to take a sip.
Summary
In short, loose leaf tea is surprisingly easy to make, and it tastes great! Check out the guide above to find out how to make loose leaf tea.
