Loose Leaf Tea 101

Loose Leaf Tea 101

Tea is one of the world's most beloved beverages, with a long and rich history across many cultures. In these modern times, many people have become accustomed to tea being brewed from a bag. While tea bags are convenient, loose leaf tea offers an elevated experience in many ways that’s hard to match. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making the switch to loose leaf tea:

1. Superior Flavor and Quality

Loose leaf tea is typically made from whole or partially broken leaves and other bits of plants, such as roots and flowers, which preserves more of the plants’ natural oils, flavors, and medicinal compounds. Unlike bagged tea, which often contains dust and fannings (the smallest particles left over after sorting tea leaves), loose leaf tea delivers a fuller, richer taste. With loose leaf tea, you can truly savor the nuances and complexities of each variety of plant.

2. Better Health Benefits

Because loose leaf tea is less processed than bagged tea, it retains more of the beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The compounds in the leaves, roots, flowers, spices, and herbs blended into tea can support your health in so many ways, such as helping out your immune system, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting your mood or your stress response, aiding sleep, and promoting overall well-being. By choosing loose leaf tea, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also giving your body a healthier, more potent blend.

3. Customizable Strength and Flavor

Loose leaf tea allows you to control the strength and flavor of your brew with greater precision. You can adjust the amount of tea and the steeping time to suit your personal preferences. Whether you like your tea light and delicate or strong and bold, loose leaf tea gives you the flexibility to create the cup of tea that’s just right for you. 

4. Environmentally Friendly

Loose leaf tea is a more sustainable choice compared to tea bags, which often contain plastic and generate additional waste. By using loose leaf tea, you can reduce your environmental footprint. Many loose leaf teas are packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials, and you can further minimize waste by buying in bulk and using reusable tea infusers or strainers.

5. A Meditative Experience

The process of brewing loose leaf tea can be a calming, meditative ritual. Measuring the tea, heating the water to the right temperature, and watching the leaves unfurl as they steep can help you slow down and be present in the moment. This mindfulness practice can enhance your overall tea-drinking experience and bring a sense of ease and connection to your day.

Now that you’re ready to try loose leaf tea, let’s consider some

Other Important Things You Should Know 

1. Tools You’ll Need

  • Infuser or Strainer: These come in many types, shapes and sizes. There are teapots that have built in infusers, and there are infusers that go directly into your mug. There are strainers that come in the form of balls and others in the form of baskets. We personally prefer baskets, such as this one, because they give the tea more room to move around and release all its goodness. 
  • Teaspoon: Helps measure the right amount of tea.
  • Kettle: An electric kettle with temperature control is great to have, but a regular one works too. Using a pot to boil water on the stove is also a perfectly acceptable option.
  • Timer: Essential for steeping your tea for the correct duration. Use your phone or the timer built into your oven or microwave, unless you really want a reason to get yourself something cute. 

2. Measuring Your Tea

Generally, use about 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water. However, this can vary depending on the type of tea and your taste preference.

3. Not All Loose Leaf Teas are Brewed the Same 

Different teas require different water temperatures:

  • Green and White Teas: 160-185°F (71-85°C)
  • Oolong Teas: 185-205°F (85-96°C)
  • Black Teas and Herbal Teas: 200-212°F (93-100°C)

Using the right temperature helps extract the best flavors and avoid bitterness.

Similarly, different teas require different steeping times. Many medicinal teas are best steeped between 10 and 15 minutes to draw out the desired properties. 

Some teas are brewed totally differently. For example, a chai requires gently breaking up the herbs and spices with something like a mortar and pestle, and then simmering the tea on the stove in a pot of water for 10 minutes. And herbal teas–well, there are many other preparations for herbal tea remedies, such as long infusions, cold infusions…but more on that in another blog. 

Moral of the story: Follow the brewing instructions of the tea you are preparing. 

4. Cover Your Tea While Steeping


Many teapots and infusers come with lids, but if you don’t have a lid, cover your cup with a small plate or pot lid. Covering your tea while it steeps retains the heat so it will still be nice and hot when ready to drink; avoids contamination of dust or bugs or other things that you don’t want in your tea; and, most importantly, preserves the potency of the medicinal properties. The volatile oils in tea leaves, which hold many of the medicinal properties, are often sensitive to temperature and may evaporate or release through the steam if not covered. Cover to ensure maximum health benefits. 

5. Whistle While You Wait 


Or dance. Or sing. Or stretch. Or pet your dog or cat. Or check in with yourself. Or meditate. Or talk to a friend. 


Working with loose leaf tea can take a little extra time and effort, but instead of being a hassle or a barrier, it can be an opportunity to slow down and create a pause in your day to practice self-care, integrate, or simply create space to ease the pace or stress of the day. 


Continue the ritual by offering the same quality of attention as you take in the aroma and mindfully sip and savor your tea. A cup of tea  is a powerful opportunity to connect with the plants and with yourself to elevate your experience, as well as the healing effects of the tea. 

6. Storing Your Tea

Store your loose leaf tea in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture, and strong odors. Airtight containers, like mason jars, glass tupperware, or containers with latches, are ideal for maintaining freshness and flavor.

Conclusion

Working with loose leaf tea is a delightful ritual that connects you to yourself and the plants in your tea, as well as to centuries-old traditions. Loose leaf tea offers a richer taste and a more personalized and environmentally conscious experience compared to pre-packaged tea bags. 

Make the switch to loose leaf tea and be a part of the Slow Tea Movement! Share with us your favorite experiences of working with loose leaf tea, and how it helps you create ritual and connection. 

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