How to Make Tea Using a Tea Ball

A tea ball can be used to brew quality loose-leaf tea.

Tea balls are designed to hold loose-leaf tea rather than the more familiar tea bags. Loose-leaf tea comes in varieties such as traditional black and green tea, oolong, white and rooibos. Many types of tea contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant thought to have positive effects on health. Some studies even link tea consumption to health benefits ranging from lower cholesterol to a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Things You'll Need

• Tea ball
• Loose-leaf tea
• Water
• Mug or teacup
• Teaspoon
• Sweetener (optional)
• Milk (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a cup of water to near boiling. You may accomplish this by using a tea kettle, microwave or coffee maker.

2. Measure 1 tsp. of loose tea for every 8 oz. cup of water. For a stronger drink, use more leaves; for a weaker drink, use less leaves.

3. Place the tea leaves into the tea ball and close it shut.

4. Pour the hot water into your mug or teacup.

5. Insert the tea ball into your mug or tea cup. If the tea ball has a chain, leave it draped over the side of the cup, just as you would the string on a tea bag.

6. Wait. Black and oolong tea should steep for three to five minutes, while green and other unprocessed teas should only steep one to three minutes.

7. Remove the tea ball from the cup. Open it and shake out the soggy leaves. Rinse well.

8. Stir sweetener, lemon juice or milk into your tea, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a tea ball with small openings so that tea leaves don't float into your cup.

• Do not touch the boiling water.

References

• The Color of Tea: Loose Tea Guide
• Health Castle: Tea
• University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension: Cook It Quick
• Planet Tea: Preparation
• English Tea Store: Mesh Infuser Ball