Ready to swap tea bags for something a little more special? Brewing loose leaf tea is easier than you might think, and the flavour is well worth it. Here's our simple, step-by-step guide to making tea with loose tea leaves, whether you're using a teapot, a mug or an infuser.
Why Choose Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea uses whole or larger pieces of leaf, which have room to unfurl as they brew. Many tea lovers find this gives a fuller, more rounded flavour than standard tea bags. It also means you can try all kinds of blends, from spiced chai to citrus black tea and delicate green tea. Learn more about the history and types of tea.
What You'll Need
- Loose leaf tea, such as our loose leaf tea range
- A teapot with a built-in strainer, like our teapots for one, or an infuser
- A kettle and fresh water
- A teaspoon and your favourite cup
How to Make Tea with Loose Tea Leaves: Step by Step
- Boil fresh water. Use freshly drawn cold water for the best taste, rather than water that's been boiled before.
- Warm your teapot. Swirl a little hot water around the pot and pour it away. This helps keep your tea hot while it brews.
- Measure your tea. Add around one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup to the strainer. For a stronger brew, add one extra "for the pot".
- Pour over the water. Use the right temperature for your tea (see the guide below).
- Brew. Leave the tea to steep for the recommended time.
- Remove the leaves. Lift out the strainer so your tea doesn't over-brew and turn bitter.
- Pour and enjoy. Add milk, lemon or honey to taste.
Loose Leaf Tea Brewing Guide
- Black tea: freshly boiled water, 3 to 5 minutes. Try our Orange Black Tea or Cinnamon Black Tea.
- Chai: freshly boiled water, 4 to 5 minutes, then add milk if you like. Try our Chai Black Tea.
- Green tea: water that has cooled slightly, around 70 to 80°C, for 2 to 3 minutes. Try our Green Tea with Lemon and Ginger.
- Rooibos and herbal blends: freshly boiled water, 5 to 7 minutes. Try our On Angel's Wings blend.
Always check the brewing guidance on your tea, as every blend is a little different. The UK Tea & Infusions Association also has lots of helpful brewing information.
How to Make Loose Leaf Tea Without a Teapot
No teapot? You can brew loose leaf tea in a mug using an infuser basket, or brew it in a jug and pour it through a fine tea strainer. That said, a teapot with a built-in strainer is the easiest way, with no stray leaves and no mess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Brewing too long: this makes tea bitter rather than stronger. Add more leaf instead.
- Water too hot for green tea: let the kettle cool for a few minutes first.
- Leaving leaves in the pot: remove the strainer once your tea is ready.
- Storing tea badly: see our guide on how to store loose leaf tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much loose leaf tea do I use per cup?
Around one teaspoon per cup is a good starting point. Add an extra teaspoon for a stronger pot.
Can I reuse loose tea leaves?
Some teas can be brewed a second time, though the flavour will usually be lighter. Most flavoured black teas are best brewed once.
Do I need a special teapot for loose leaf tea?
A teapot with a built-in strainer makes it much easier. Read our guide to using a teapot strainer.
Loose leaf tea also makes a lovely present. See our Christmas gifts for tea lovers guide.