How to Make Loose Tea

Making loose tea is easy.

Loose tea makes delicious brewed tea. With loose tea, also called loose leaf tea, you can determine just how strong your tea will taste by measuring the tea leaves yourself. Tea bags also constrict the tea leaves, but with loose tea you get the full flavor of the tea. You can also mix and match with loose tea, creating the perfect blend for you. Making loose tea doesn't take much more effort than using a tea bag as long as you have the right tools.

Things You'll Need

• Loose tea
• Infuser
• Tea cup or mug
• Tea kettle

Instructions

1. Boil water in the tea kettle.

2. Place loose tea in the tea infuser. Remember that tea gets stronger the longer it steeps, not the more tea you use. Use about 1 tbsp. of loose tea to get the full flavor.

3. Pour hot water into the tea cup.

4. Place the infuser in the tea cup of hot water.

5. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on how strong you want the tea to taste.

6. Add any sweeteners you desire and enjoy your tea.

References

• "The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook: A Guide to the World's Best Teas"; Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss; 2010
• "The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide"; Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss; 2007
• "The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea"; Michael Harney; 2008
• "The New Tea Companion"; Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson; 2008