Learning how to brew your tea is very important to make sure we get all the flavour out of the tea.
Brewing loose leaf teas, especially whole leaf teas, requires a slightly different approach compared to tea bags or broken leaf teas. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brew loose leaf teas, specifically whole leaf teas:
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Measure the tea: Use approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per cup of water. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences and the specific tea you're using. With whole leaf teas, you might need to use slightly more tea leaves compared to broken leaf teas for a full-bodied flavour.
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Heat the water: Heat fresh, filtered water to the appropriate temperature for your specific tea. Different types of teas require different water temperatures. Here are some general guidelines:
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Black tea: Boiling water (212°F or 100°C)
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Green tea: 160°F to 180°F (70°C to 82°C)
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White tea: 150°F to 160°F (65°C to 70°C)
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Herbal tea: Boiling water (212°F or 100°C)
It's important to use the correct water temperature to avoid over- or under-extraction of flavours.
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Preheat your teapot or teacup (optional): You can preheat your teapot or teacup by rinsing it with hot water. This helps maintain the temperature of the brewed tea.
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Steeping time: Place the loose leaf tea in a teapot or infuser basket. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and let them steep for the recommended time. Whole leaf teas generally require a longer steeping time compared to broken leaf teas. Steeping times can range from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the type of tea and your personal preference.
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Strain and serve: Once the desired steeping time has elapsed, remove the tea leaves from the teapot or infuser basket. If needed, use a strainer to separate the leaves from the liquid. Pour the brewed tea into serving cups.
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Enjoy: Whole leaf teas offer complex flavours and aromas, so it's best to enjoy them without milk or sugar to fully appreciate their nuances. Sip and savor the tea while it's still hot.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and specific teas may have their own brewing recommendations. So your mileage may vary.
Happy Brewing!