How To Brew Loose Leaf Tea: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make Tea With Just Leaves » How To Brew Loose Leaf Tea: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Nicole Wilson

Last Updated: May 16, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Mastering Tea-Steeping Basics
    • |
  • Using Tea Strainers
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Nicole Wilson. Nicole Wilson is a Tea Writer and Educator based in Bayonne, New Jersey. Nicole is the founder and author of Tea for Me Please, one of the longest-running tea blogs on the internet. Since 2008, Nicole’s blog has been a comprehensive resource for tea enthusiasts, featuring tea reviews, industry news, and educational content. In addition, her over a decade of experience delving into the tea industry has led her to develop both in-person and online courses to help people learn more about tea. In 2022, Nicole published The Tea Recipe Book: 50 Hot and Iced Teas from Lattes to Bobas, which includes brewing basics, tea recipes, and recommendations for the perfect cup. She has also served as a judge for the North American Tea Masters Cup. This article has been viewed 408,738 times.

All you really need to prepare loose leaf tea is hot water, the leaves themselves, and a tea strainer. However, each type of tea requires slightly different steeping techniques. For the best cup, follow the recommended measurements, water temperature, and steeping time outlined on the package of tea. Experiment with different quantities of tea or steeping durations. Finally, add in your favorite sweetener or milk for a soothing cup of tea that really hits the spot.

The Best Way to Brew Loose Leaf Tea

Tea educator Nicole Wilson says to use a strainer or infuser when brewing loose-leaf tea to avoid a bitter, over-brewed taste. Boil fresh water in a kettle (or simmer it for delicate teas like green or white). Pour hot water over the leaves, steep for 3-5 minutes, then remove the strainer or infuser from your cup.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Mastering Tea-Steeping Basics

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Pour fresh, cold water into a saucepan or kettle. 1 Pour fresh, cold water into a saucepan or kettle. Don’t use distilled or previously boiled water as it may negatively affect the taste of your tea. Instead, start with fresh, cool water from the tap.[1] Use an electric kettle, stovetop kettle, or a saucepan to warm up the water.
    • If your local water is especially hard (i.e. high in mineral content), consider using bottled water for a more pleasant taste.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 2 Heat the water until it reaches 160 to 212 °F (71 to 100 °C). Remove the water from its heat source once it begins to steam, simmer, or reach a rolling boil. Depending on the tea variety you’re preparing, you may need it to be slightly warmer or cooler to bring out the best flavors in the leaves.[2] Use an instant-read thermometer to get the most accurate temperature.
    • If you prefer, you can boil the water and allow it to cool down to the correct temperature before adding it to the tea leaves.
    • In general, white and green teas can be brewed at a lower temperature with the water just starting to steam, while oolong tea is typically best prepared at a moderate simmering temperature. Black and Puerh teas can withstand a higher temperature when the water hits a rolling boil.[3]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Weight out 2 to 3 grams of loose leaf tea for every 6  fl oz (180 mL) of water. 3 Weight out 2 to 3 grams of loose leaf tea for every 6  fl oz (180 mL) of water. Since tea leaves come in different shapes and sizes, it’s best to measure out your tea by weight (i.e. grams) rather than by volume.[4] But if you do measure by volume, start with roughly 1 teaspoon for smaller leaves and about 1 tablespoon for larger leaves. Spoon out your desired amount of tea into a tea strainer or teapot, depending on how you plan to steep it.
    • A teacup holds about 6  fl oz (180 mL) of water, but since most coffee mugs hold about 10 to 12  fl oz (300 to 350 mL) of water, you may need to double the amount of loose leaf tea you use in a larger mug.
    • The amount of tea you decide to use is completely a matter of taste. Steep more or less to see which flavor you prefer.[5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 4 Steep the tea in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the hot water directly over the tea leaves and allow the flavors to seep out for a few minutes. Different tea varieties require slightly different steeping times, so be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. If you’re not sure how long to steep the leaves, start with 3 minutes for your first cup. Then add 30 more seconds for each subsequent cup until you find the perfect taste.
    • Generally speaking, green and oolong teas can be steeped for about 3 minutes, white tea for 4 minutes, and black and Puerh teas for 5 minutes.[6]
    • Avoid steeping tea longer than 5 minutes; it will only taste bitter. If you want a stronger cup, just add more tea leaves and keep the timing the same.
    • Since herbal teas don’t contain any actual tea leaves, they can often be left to steep longer without taking on a bitter flavor.[7]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 5 Remove the tea leaves from the water once they’ve steeped. How you do this will depend on the type of strainer you’re using. Basket-style strainers, metal or silicone infusers, and filter bags can be lifted out of your teapot or cup to stop the infusion. Place the strainer on a spoon rest or saucer to catch the drips from the soggy tea leaves.
    • If you steeped the tea directly in the teapot, hold a strainer over your teacup to catch the damp leaves as you pour out the tea.
    • Discard the used tea leaves while they’re damp, or wait until they’ve dried out to more easily tip them out of the strainer.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Using Tea Strainers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 1 Place the tea leaves directly into a tea strainer for easy cleanup. Place a basket-style tea strainer into a cup or teapot first. Measure out the loose leaf tea into the strainer and pour the hot water directly over it. Make sure you completely cover the tea leaves with water so that they steep properly.[8]
    • After a period of 3 to 5 minutes, simply remove the strainer and the damp tea leaves.
  2. Step 2 Choose a disposable filter bag for fine, powdery teas. 2 Choose a disposable filter bag for fine, powdery teas. Buy a packet of disposable tea filter bags from a tea shop or grocery store. Use one when you’re preparing especially fine tea which tends to slip through mesh strainers easily. Keep the bag upright with the opening well above the water level so the tea leaves don’t float out.
    • You can also use a filter bag if you just want to make 1 cup at a time with easy cleanup.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 3 Use a mesh, basket-style tea strainer for larger tea leaves.[9] Most loose leaf teas can be successfully steeped in these types of strainers. Choose one that fits correctly within the opening of the cup or teapot you’ll be using; it shouldn’t shift around or sink into the vessel, otherwise the tea leaves will escape.[10]
    • Try a travel tea mug with a built-in basket strainer if you’ll be on the go. Just remember to remove the tea after it’s steeped for 3 to 5 minutes.
    • While a short or rounded basket strainer may work for a single cup, use a deeper basket to steep loose leaf tea in a deep mug or teapot.
  4. Step 4 Avoid using tea balls or infusers for large or fine leaves. 4 Avoid using tea balls or infusers for large or fine leaves. Metal tea balls and silicone tea strainers are popular since they come in playful designs, but keep in mind the limited practicality of these tools. Refrain from using them for large-leafed tea as they won’t leave much room for the leaves to unfurl as they become hydrated. Additionally, avoid using a tea ball or infuser for fine, powdery teas as the tea leaves may slip through the holes easily.
    • If you’re steeping medium-sized tea leaves in small quantities of water, a tea ball or infuser might not pose any problems.
    • Hinged tea balls are difficult to fill and the mechanisms can be tricky to open and close, especially when the metal is hot.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 5 Leave plenty of room for the tea leaves to expand in the strainer. Loose leaf tea leaves can grow up to 5 times their original size once you hydrate them with hot water. For this reason, aim to leave plenty of space in the tea strainer or filter bag. Don’t overfill it with too much tea.[11]
    • A mesh basket-style strainer will allow the tea to expand, while a tea ball may compress the leaves.[12]
    • A little extra space will allow the water to flow around the tea leaves so you’ll have a better result.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Brew Loose Leaf Tea 6 Strain the tea after it steeps in the teapot if you prefer.[13] This is a useful technique if you don’t have a tea strainer that fits correctly in your teapot. Instead of placing the leaves into a strainer, what you can do is measure out the tea leaves and drop them directly into your teapot. After the leaves have steeped, hold a tea strainer over your cup. Carefully pour the liquid into the cup and you’ll see the strainer catch the leaves.[14]
    • Since there will still be leaves sitting in the teapot, the tea will grow more bitter as it continues steeping.
    7. Advertisement

Join the Discussion...

How do you make loose leaf tea? Steve Schwartz Steve Schwartz Master Tea Blender and Founder of Art of Tea The word ‘teaspoon’ was actually created for how much tea you should put inside your cup. You would basically take one teaspoon of dried leaf. If it's a small leaf, use a regular size teaspoon. If it's a large botanical, you use a heaping teaspoon per cup. When we say "per cup", that refers to about 8-10 ounces of liquid. There are multiple ways to steep tea. First, you can use a steeping device. Second, you can use a filter. I've actually created our own filter bags through my business, Art of Tea. We have our own patented design where you put the tea inside and you cinch the filter and you get the best of both worlds– both a loose-leaf tea and a tea bag. Another question that might come up is how much tea to steep to make a full pot. For example, if it's a three-cup pot, then you put one teaspoon per cup and one for the pot. In other words, you put four teaspoons in it all together and you want to give enough room. Then, when it's time to pour the tea you can pour the liquid through a strainer, like the stainless steel ones my business sells. The key is that you want to make sure the leaves have enough room to expand in the pot. They go through this process called the "agony of the leaf" where the leaves unfurl and unfold, which delivers a much more aromatic, rich, full cup with all those amino acids coming through. Ensuring that there's enough room in the filter will deliver that great taste experience that you're looking for. Read More Melissa Salazar Melissa Salazar Certified Tea Master and Blend Specialist To steep loose leaf tea, you'll measure about one teaspoon for every six to eight ounces of water, but if it's a tea with a larger leaf, like a white tea, then you may need around two teaspoons for ever six to eight ounces of water. I recommend using spring water when brewing tea. You will then steep the tea for the allotted amount of time for that particular type of tea. For example if it's a green tea, that may be one to two minutes. These data points can all be found on the International Tea Master Scale. Another important point is that different tea types steep best at different temperatures. Here's an overview of the ideal temperature for each major tea type:
  • Black tea: 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Oolong: 180 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Green tea: 165 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit
  • White tea: 180 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Matcha: 150 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
Read More See all 3 Replies and Read Discussion

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can pecan leaves be used as a tea? Community Answer Community Answer I suppose, as long as they are safe to eat (grown without pesticides and cleaned first), but I'm not too sure that would taste good. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
  • Question How do I brew matcha tea? Community Answer Community Answer Please see the article How to Make Matcha Tea. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
  • Question How do I steep boysenberry tea? Community Answer Community Answer For most herbal and fruit teas, it is recommended you leave the tea bag in for 5 minutes, but if you wanted to keep the tea bag in your cup, herbal teas are great for that. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Reader Videos

Tips

  • To keep the tea warmer for a longer period of time, pre-warm your teapot or cup by sloshing some boiling water around inside it. Tip this out before adding the tea and the rest of the heated water.[15] Alternatively, try covering the teapot with a quilted tea cozy to keep it warm. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Delicate green and white teas are best consumed immediately while more robust black teas can be enjoyed for a longer period of time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • After you’ve poured the tea into your cup, add milk, honey, lemon, or sugar to taste. Just avoid adding milk and lemon at the same time as the milk may curdle. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Kettle or saucepan
  • Cool, fresh water
  • Teapot
  • Teacup
  • Tea strainer
  • Loose leaf tea
  • Measuring scale or spoon

Video

Read Video Transcript

You Might Also Like

How Do You Make Loose Leaf TeaDiscussionHow do you make loose leaf tea? How toUse a Tea Infuser Steep TeaHow toSteep Tea Make a Good Cup of TeaHow toMake a Good Cup of Tea How to Make Tea with Tea Leaves or Tea Bags Drink TeaHow toDrink Tea How toMake Green Tea Make English TeaHow toMake English Tea Brew White TeaHow toBrew White Tea Drink Earl Grey TeaHow toDrink Earl Grey Tea How toMake Herbal Tea Decaffeinate TeaThe Best Way to Decaffeinate Tea Yourself Make Milk TeaHow to Make Milk Tea Boil Water Using a KettleHow to Use a Stovetop or Electric Tea Kettle to Boil Water Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-black-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-201670
  2. ↑ Nicole Wilson. Tea Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.ohhowcivilized.com/tea-brewing-guide-beginners/
  4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-black-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-201670
  5. ↑ https://mentalfloss.com/article/536417/how-long-steep-your-tea-according-science
  6. ↑ https://www.ohhowcivilized.com/tea-brewing-guide-beginners/
  7. ↑ https://mentalfloss.com/article/536417/how-long-steep-your-tea-according-science
  8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-black-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-201670
  9. ↑ Nicole Wilson. Tea Expert. Expert Interview
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-tea-steeper/
  2. ↑ https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-tea-steeper/
  3. ↑ https://www.ohhowcivilized.com/tea-brewing-guide-beginners/
  4. ↑ Nicole Wilson. Tea Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-black-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-201670
  6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-black-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-201670

About This Article

Nicole Wilson Co-authored by: Nicole Wilson Tea Expert This article was co-authored by Nicole Wilson. Nicole Wilson is a Tea Writer and Educator based in Bayonne, New Jersey. Nicole is the founder and author of Tea for Me Please, one of the longest-running tea blogs on the internet. Since 2008, Nicole’s blog has been a comprehensive resource for tea enthusiasts, featuring tea reviews, industry news, and educational content. In addition, her over a decade of experience delving into the tea industry has led her to develop both in-person and online courses to help people learn more about tea. In 2022, Nicole published The Tea Recipe Book: 50 Hot and Iced Teas from Lattes to Bobas, which includes brewing basics, tea recipes, and recommendations for the perfect cup. She has also served as a judge for the North American Tea Masters Cup. This article has been viewed 408,738 times. 16 votes - 90% Co-authors: 24 Updated: May 16, 2025 Views: 408,738 Categories: Featured Articles | Tea Article SummaryX

To brew loose leaf tea, start by measuring out 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves per cup of tea you're making. Then, put the leaves into the cups you're going to be drinking out of. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and then pour the boiling water over the tea leaves in the cups. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, remove the tea leaves, and enjoy! If you want to learn the different steeping times depending on the tea you have, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Italian Russian German French Indonesian Chinese Dutch Vietnamese Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 408,738 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Star Williams

    Star Williams

    Jun 2, 2017

    "This was very helpful. " Rated this article:
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Nicole Wilson Co-authored by: Nicole Wilson Tea Expert Co-authors: 24 Updated: May 16, 2025 Views: 408,738 90% of readers found this article helpful. 16 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote Star Williams

Star Williams

Jun 2, 2017

"This was very helpful. " Rated this article: Share yours!

Quizzes & Games

What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?Analyze Me Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How Do You Make Loose Leaf TeaDiscussionHow do you make loose leaf tea?Use a Tea InfuserHow toUse a Tea InfuserSteep TeaHow toSteep TeaMake a Good Cup of TeaHow toMake a Good Cup of Tea

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse? Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereHow Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereBest Personality TestBest Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Daily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧Compatibility TestCompatibility Test

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey FastWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving Quiz150 Unique & Sentimental Ways to Say “Happy New Year”150 Unique & Sentimental Ways to Say “Happy New Year”30+ New Year’s Eve Games to Keep Your NYE Party Going30+ New Year’s Eve Games to Keep Your NYE Party GoingWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Which Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family TestToxic Family Test

Quizzes & Games

Which Diet Is Right for Me QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Drinks
  • Tea
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --765

Tag » How To Make Tea With Just Leaves