Article: How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
Loose leaf tea is a simple pleasure. It’s fresher, more aromatic, and lets you control the strength and flavor of your brew. Unlike tea bags, good quality loose leaf tea can be steeped multiple times, revealing new flavors with each infusion. Whether you're brewing a single cup, a teapot to share, a cold brew for hot days, or using the traditional gong fu method, getting the tea-to-water ratio right makes all the difference.
How Much Loose Leaf Tea Per Cup?
For a balanced cup, start with one teaspoon (about 2g) of loose leaf tea per 180ml (6oz) of water. Some teas, like fluffy white teas or large herbal blends, need a little extra—about a heaping teaspoon instead of a flat one. If you prefer a stronger cup, add more tea rather than steeping longer to avoid bitterness.
Suggested Ratios by Tea Type:
| Tea Type | Amount | Water Temperature | Steep Time | Re-Steeping? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black tea | 1 teaspoon (2g) per 180ml (6oz) | 100°C (212°F) | 3–5 min | Yes, 1-2 times |
| Green tea | 1 teaspoon (2g) per 180ml (6oz) | 80°C (175–180°F) | 1–2 min | Yes, 2-3 times |
| White tea | 2 teaspoons (3-4g) per 180ml (6oz) | 80°C (175–180°F) | 2–3 min | Yes, 3-5 times |
| Oolong tea | 1 teaspoon (3g) per 180ml (6oz) | 90–95°C (195–203°F) | 2–3 min | Yes, 4-6 times |
| Herbal & Rooibos | 1 heaping teaspoon (3g) per 180ml (6oz) | 100°C (212°F) | 5–10 min | No, usually once |
Re-Steeping Loose Leaf Tea
High-quality loose leaf tea should not be discarded after one brew. The best oolongs, green, and white teas can be steeped multiple times—each infusion bringing out new flavors. When re-steeping:
- Increase the steep time slightly (10-15 seconds more per steep).
- Use the same tea leaves until the flavor starts to fade.
- Delicate teas (white, green, oolong) improve with multiple infusions.
How Much Loose Leaf Tea for a Pot?
If you're brewing tea for company (or just want extra for yourself), use one teaspoon (2g) of tea per 180ml (6oz) of water and scale up:
- 350ml (12oz) teapot → 2 teaspoons (4g)
- 700ml (24oz) teapot → 4 teaspoons (8g)
- 1.4L (48oz) teapot → 8 teaspoons (16g)
For large pots, using a scale (2g per 180ml / 6oz of water) ensures consistency. A tea press or roomy strainer makes it easy to remove the leaves when it’s ready.
How Much Loose Leaf Tea for Cold Brew?
Cold brew tea is smooth, naturally sweet, and refreshing. It takes longer to steep but is worth the wait.
Cold Brew Method:
- Use 1 tablespoon (6g) of loose leaf tea per 500ml (16oz) of cold water.
- Place the tea in a pitcher or The Tea Infuser and cover with cold, filtered water.
- Let it steep in the fridge for 6–12 hours (longer for a stronger brew).
- Strain out the leaves and enjoy.
This method works beautifully for green teas, white teas, and herbal blends. If using black tea, steep for 6–8 hours to prevent it from becoming too strong. Good quality tea can be re-steeped for another cold brew batch!
How to Brew Tea Without a Teapot
No teapot? No problem. You can still brew loose leaf tea using simple household items.
Easy Methods Without a Teapot:
- Mug & Strainer: Place tea leaves directly into a mug, pour in hot water, and let them steep. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the leaves before drinking.
- French Press: Add tea leaves to a French press, pour in hot water, and press down the plunger to separate the leaves.
- Mason Jar: Steep tea directly in a heatproof jar, then strain it into another cup. Works well for cold brew too.
- Tea Ball or Infuser: Fill a tea ball or reusable tea infuser with leaves, place it in your cup, and remove it when steeped.
Tip: If using a mug without a strainer, let the leaves sink to the bottom and sip carefully, just like traditional Chinese “grandpa style” brewing.
How to Brew Tea Gong Fu Style (Chinese Brewing Method)
For a richer, more concentrated tea experience, try gong fu cha, the traditional Chinese method of tea brewing. This style uses a small teapot (or gaiwan) or our own Tea Brewer - and multiple short infusions.
Gong Fu Brewing Basics:
- Use More Tea Leaves: About 5-8g of tea per 100ml (3oz) of water.
- Short Steeps: First infusion is usually 5-10 seconds, with each following steep increasing slightly in time.
-
Lower Water Temperature for Green & White Teas:
- Oolong, black, and pu-erh: 90-100°C (195-212°F)
- Green and white tea: 80°C (175-180°F)
- Multiple Infusions: Good quality tea can be brewed 5-10 times, revealing different flavors with each steep.
This method works best with oolong, pu-erh, white, and black teas. Each infusion brings out new layers of aroma and taste, making it a mindful and immersive tea experience.
FAQs About Loose Leaf Tea
Can I reuse loose leaf tea?
Yes! Good quality loose leaf tea can be steeped multiple times. Oolong, green, and white teas are especially good for re-steeping, often improving with each infusion.
What happens if I use too much tea?
Your tea will be too strong or bitter. If that happens, just add more hot water to dilute it.
How do I measure loose leaf tea without a spoon?
A kitchen scale is the most precise method—2g of tea per 180ml (6oz) of water. Otherwise, a regular teaspoon works well.
Should I always boil water for tea?
No. Black and herbal teas need boiling water (100°C), but green and white teas taste best at lower temperatures (80°C).
Final Thoughts
Making loose leaf tea is easy once you get the basics down. One teaspoon per 180ml (6oz) of water, adjust for tea type, and let the leaves fully expand. Whether you're making a hot cup, a teapot, a cold brew, or trying the gong fu method, you’ll get a fresh, flavorful tea experience every time.
Invest in high-quality loose leaf tea—it can be re-steeped multiple times, offering new flavors with every infusion. And for a cozy treat, try pairing your tea with baked sweets or a splash of milk and honey.
