How to Use a Tea Steeper

Use a tea steeper to make a perfect mug of tea.

Tea steepers, also known as tea infusers, come in various shapes, sizes and styles. Some are as simple as a mesh ball on the end of a chain, while others can be mesh cones that are part of the teapot. Tea steepers all have one thing in common, however; they hold loose-leaf tea suspended in hot water so you can brew a cup without needing to pick leaves out of the finished product. They essentially replace a tea bag when you are using loose-leaf tea.

Things You'll Need

• Loose-leaf tea
• Measuring spoon
• Mug or teapot
• Pot or teakettle
• Sugar and milk, optional

Instructions

1. Measure out approximately 1 tsp. of loose-leaf tea for every 6 to 8 oz. of tea you wish to make. Place this loose tea into your tea steeper, then close it, if this is possible with your particular type of steeper.

2. Fill a mug or teapot with hot water. Allow the water to heat the mug or teapot for several minutes, then swirl the water around the mug and pour it out. Put the tea steeper into your mug or teapot.

3. Bring water for your tea to a boil in a pot or teakettle while you heat the mug or teapot. Turn off the heat and pour the hot water into the mug or teapot immediately if you are brewing black or herbal tea. If you are making oolong tea, white tea or green tea, allow the water to cool to approximately 190 degrees F, 180 degrees F or 160 degrees F, respectively, before pouring it into the mug or teapot.

4. Steep the tea until its flavor suits your taste. This generally ranges from 2 to 3 minutes for green tea, all the way up to 5 to 8 minutes for herbal tea. Pour the finished tea into a mug (if you brewed it in a teapot), or remove the tea steeper from the mug.

5. Add sugar and milk to taste to the tea, if desired. Discard the used tea leaves from the tea steeper.

References

• 2BASnob: Guide to Brewing Tea
• ILoveIndia.com: How to Steep Tea
• Sexy Red-Headed Nuns: How to Make Tea

Resources

• 2BASnob: Tea Information and Types of Tea