How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea

Lipton loose leaf tea

On hot summer days very little is more refreshing than a glass of iced tea. On cold winter evenings there is very little that is more soothing than a cup of hot tea. Both of these beverages have one thing in common; they are best prepared by brewing loose leaf tea. Brewing tea is a straightforward process that allows for plenty of experimentation to get your tea tasting just the way you like it. This is how to brew loose leaf tea for Southern sweet iced tea.

Things You'll Need

• A tea kettle or a 2 quart saucepan with a lid
• 1/4 cup of loose orange pekoe tea
• Fine mesh strainer
• A 2 quart pitcher
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• Long handled spoon
• 4 16 oz glasses
• Ice
• Lemon wedges or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour two cups of fresh, cold water into the tea kettle or saucepan. Place the kettle or saucepan on the range. Turn the heating element to a medium high heat. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Remove the kettle or saucepan from the heat and turn off the heating element. Add 1/4 cup of loose orange pekoe tea to the water. Place the lid onto the kettle or saucepan. Allow the tea to steep until the leaves settle to the bottom, approximately five to 10 minutes.

3. Pour 3/4 cup of sugar into the bottom of the 2 quart pitcher. Pour the tea-infused water from the kettle or saucepan through the fine mesh strainer into the pitcher. Add one cup of fresh, cold water to the kettle or saucepan. Allow the water to absorb the remains of the tea liquor then pour the water through the strainer into the pitcher. Set the strainer and kettle aside.

4. Add fresh, cold water to the pitcher until it is full. Stir the contents of the pitcher with a long handled spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved.

5. Fill the glasses with ice. Pour the tea from the pitcher into the glasses over the ice. Add a wedge of lemon or sprig of mint leaves if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use fresh, cold water to prepare loose tea. Distilled water or water that has been boiled loses much of its ability to produce robust tasting tea.

• Finely ground teas steep faster than coarsely ground teas. Adjust steeping time accordingly.

• To preserve its flavor tea should be stored in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight and away from foods with strong smells. Do not refrigerate or freeze loose leaf tea.