Not Using Enough Tea
Too little tea = weak, flat flavour.
Brewing Guide
Learn how to brew loose leaf tea properly, from strong black teas to bright herbal infusions.
What is Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea refers to tea made from larger, more complete leaves, herbs, spices, and botanicals that need space and time to release their full flavour properly. When brewed correctly, these ingredients open up and infuse the water with depth, aroma, natural sweetness, and character you simply cannot get from a standard teabag.
Unlike many teabags, which often contain broken tea particles and dust that brew quickly but can taste flat, harsh, or one dimensional, loose leaf tea delivers a fuller, smoother, and more expressive cup with greater control over strength and brewing style. The result is a richer and more authentic tea experience designed to be enjoyed slowly, not rushed.
Loose Leaf Tea vs Teabags
| Feature | Loose Leaf Tea | Teabags |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Size | Larger leaves, herbs, spices, flowers, and botanicals | Smaller broken particles and dust |
| Flavour Depth | Fuller, smoother, and more layered | Often flat, harsh, or one dimensional |
| Aroma | Richer and more natural aroma | Muted and limited aroma |
| Brewing Control | Better control over strength, time, and flavour | Limited control |
| Quality | More complete ingredients with greater character | Often lower grade tea particles and fillers |
| Tea Experience | A slower, more authentic brewing ritual | Quick and convenient, but less expressive |
Why Correct Brewing Matters
Even the highest quality tea can lose its depth, balance, and character if brewed incorrectly. Water temperature, infusion time, brewing method, and the amount of tea used all play an important role in how the final cup tastes.
Loose leaf tea is designed to be brewed slowly and properly, allowing the ingredients to fully open and release their flavour naturally. Correct brewing transforms the tea experience completely, bringing out the richness, aroma, smoothness, and depth the blend was crafted to deliver.
Tea Brewing Methods
Brewing Black Tea
Brewing Herbal Teas
Traditional Middle Eastern Single-Pot Brewing Method
Makes
Approximately 4 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups freshly boiled water
- 2–3 tablespoons loose leaf black tea(preferably a strong Ceylon blend)
Brewing Instructions
- Bring the water to a full boil in a teapot or saucepan.
- Add the loose leaf tea directly into the pot.
- Allow the tea to boil gently for 20–40 seconds only.
- Reduce to very low heat, cover, and allow the tea to slowly brew for 10–15 minutes.
- Pour into cups and sweeten to taste.
For Best Results
Crafted for slow brewing methods that develop a deeper colour, fuller body, and smoother flavour. Avoid aggressive boiling, as this can reduce the tea’s natural depth and balance.
Traditional Double-Teapot Brewing Method
Native to Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Russia.
Makes
Approximately 4–6 cups
Equipment
- Lower teapot or kettle for boiling water
- Small upper teapot for the tea
- Loose leaf black tea
- Freshly boiled water
Brewing Instructions
- Fill the lower teapot with water and bring to a boil.
- Add approximately 2–3 tablespoons of loose leaf tea to the upper teapot, depending on preferred strength.
- Pour freshly boiled water into the upper teapot until it is half to three-quarters full.
- Place the upper teapot on top of the lower teapot and reduce to very low heat.
- Allow the tea to slowly brew using gentle steam heat for 10–20 minutes.
- To serve, pour a small amount of the concentrated tea into each cup, dilute to preferred strength using hot water from the lower teapot, and sweeten to taste.
Brewing Note
Crafted for slow traditional brewing methods that develop a deeper ruby-red colour, fuller body, and smoother flavour. Avoid prolonged aggressive boiling, as this can create bitterness and reduce the tea’s natural balance. The longer the tea is gently brewed, the deeper the colour and fuller the flavour become. For best quality, avoid keeping the tea brewing for extended periods beyond approximately 2-3 hours. Prolonged holding times should be kept over gentle heat only and not under continuous strong boiling.
Modern French Press & Teapot Brewing Method
Adapted for modern coffee & loose leaf tea brewing.
Makes
Approximately 1 cup per serving
Equipment
- French press or teapot
- Loose leaf tea
- Freshly boiled water
Brewing Instructions
- Place 2 level teaspoons of loose leaf tea into your teapot or French press.
- Add 200 ml of freshly boiled water directly over the tea and stir gently.
- Cover and allow the tea to infuse for 8–10 minutes to achieve full depth of colour and flavour. For a lighter infusion, steep for approximately 6 minutes.
- If using a French press, press the plunger down slowly before serving. If using a teapot, strain before pouring.
- Sweeten to taste and serve hot.
Brewing Note
Crafted for slower brewing methods that allow the tea leaves to fully open and develop a deeper colour, fuller body, and smoother flavour. The longer the tea is brewed, the deeper and darker the infusion becomes. For best quality and flavour balance, avoid excessively long steeping times, as this can gradually increase bitterness and reduce the tea’s natural smoothness.
How to Brew Our Herbal Teas
Makes
Approximately 1–2 cups per serving
Equipment
- French press or teapot
- Herbal tea blend
- Freshly boiled water
Brewing Instructions
- Place approximately 3–4 level teaspoons of herbal tea blend (around 8g) into your teapot or French press.
- Add 200 ml of freshly boiled water.
- Gently stir, cover, and allow the tea to steep for 7–8 minutes.
- For teapot use, it is recommended to steep over very low, gentle heat. Do not allow the mixture to boil, as this can reduce the tea’s natural flavour and balance.
- If using a French press, press and serve slowly. If using a teapot, strain into a cup before serving.
- Sweeten to taste and serve hot.
Brewing Note
Crafted for slower brewing methods that allow the botanicals to fully develop their depth of flavour, colour, and aroma. Longer steeping times will produce a deeper and fuller infusion. For best quality and flavour balance, avoid aggressive boiling or excessively prolonged heating.
Brewing Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing the Infusion
Good tea takes time. Let it steep properly.
Boiling Delicate Teas
Aggressive boiling can flatten delicate flavour, release excess tannins, and reduce natural value.
Not Covering the Tea
Cover while steeping to keep the aroma in.
Treating Loose Leaf Like a Teabag
Loose leaf needs space to open and infuse.
Discover Tea as It Was Meant to Be Enjoyed
Explore heritage loose leaf blends crafted for depth, aroma, and authentic brewing rituals.
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