How to Make the Perfect Cup of Loose Leaf Tea

If you're a tea lover, then you know that there's nothing quite like a good cup of loose leaf tea. And if you're looking to up your tea game, then learning how to make the perfect cup of loose leaf tea is a must. Many tea enthusiasts believe that loose leaf tea is the best way to enjoy the beverage. Unlike pre-packaged tea bags, loose leaf tea allows the leaves to unfurl and release their full flavor and aroma. Sure, you can get by with using those little tea bags. But if you really want to enjoy all that tea has to offer, loose leaf is the way to go. Not only does it allow for a more robust flavor, but it also provides a better overall experience.

Why chose loose Leaf or prefilled tea bags

Loose leaf tea is the best for several reasons. First, loose leaf tea contains more of the plant's essential oils and flavors than tea bags. This means that loose leaf tea has a richer taste and aroma that can delight the senses. In addition, loose leaf tea allows for a greater degree of customization. When you make loose leaf tea, you can control the strength, flavor, and even the color of your brew. Tea bags, on the other hand, are typically made from lower quality leaves and dust, so you don't have as much control over the final product. Finally, loose leaf tea is just plain better for the environment. Tea bags often contain plastic or other non-biodegradable materials, while loose leaf tea is completely natural and compostable. So not only does loose leaf tea taste better, it's also better for the planet.

The perfect cup of tea starts with good quality water

Making the perfect cup of tea starts with using good quality water. This means using water that is clean and free of impurities. The best way to achieve this is to use cool filtered water. Once you have your water, it's time to choose your tea. Loose leaf tea is always best, as it contains more nutrients and gives the best flavor. Once you have your tea, it's time to heat the water to the appropriate temperature. Boiling water will result in a bitter tasting tea. allow the water to cool for a minute or two before adding your loose leaf tea or tea bag. Finally, add milk or honey to taste and enjoy!  

We said the perfect cup starts with a good quality water, and that's just the beginning. Like any masterpiece, we need to have the right tools. Brewing loose leaf teas can be as simple as using a French press, tea ball or pouring water over leaves placed directly in the cup or tea pot. Some experienced tea drinkers may even consume a few leaves or use them in recipes.  

How to properly measure your tea leaves

When it comes to loose leaf tea, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to measuring the leaves. The amount of tea you'll need will depend on the type of tea, the strength of flavor you prefer, and the size of your teapot or cup. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to use about 2 grams of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water. However, this can vary depending on the type of tea. For example, lighter-bodied teas like green and white teas generally require less leaf, while fuller-bodied teas like black and oolong teas need a bit more. If you're unsure how much tea to use, start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Once you've found the perfect ratio for your taste buds, measuring your loose leaf tea will be a breeze. 

Loose leaf tea is usually brewed using a tea infuser, a small device that holds the loose leaves while they steep. The length of time that the leaves are left to steep will depend on the type of tea being brewed. For example, black teas generally require a longer steeping time than green teas. This is because black teas are more oxidized, meaning that they have undergone a longer fermentation process. As a result, they tend to be more robust and can withstand longer brewing times without becoming bitter. In contrast, green teas are less oxidized and more delicate in flavor. As a result, they should be steeped for a shorter period to avoid bitterness. The table below provides general guidelines for steeping times for different types of tea.

Type of Tea: Steeping Time:

• Black Tea: 3-5 minutes

• Green Tea: 1-3 minutes

• White Tea: 2-3 minutes

• Herbal Tea: 5-10 minutes

 Conclusion

Brewing the perfect cup of tea is an art, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to do. Just remember to start with good quality water,  loose leaf tea, and to control the steeping time according to the type of tea you're brewing. With a little practice, you'll be brewing up cups of tea that are sure to please. Now that you know how to make the perfect cup of loose leaf tea, put your skills to the test and enjoy a cup today! 

Looking to perfect your tea brewing skills? Download our guide to selecting and brewing tea at home. With our easy-to-follow tips, you'll be brewing the perfect cup of tea in no time!

Tea Time, the perfect way to relax

There’s something about a hot cup of tea that seems to make everything better. Whether you’re stressed out after a long day at work or feeling sick and run down, a nice cup of tea can help to soothe and relax you. But did you know that drinking tea can also be good for your health? Tea is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which help fight off disease. It can also help with weight loss and cancer prevention. So how does one learn to drink tea for better health? By reading this article, of course!

Drinking tea may help to improve your health in a variety of ways.

Drinking tea is a popular pastime around the world, and for good reason – tea is not only delicious, but it also has some impressive health benefits. Tea is packed full of antioxidants and polyphenols which help to fight off disease. It may also help with weight loss and supporting of the immune system. So how does one learn to drink tea for better health? By reading this article, of course! In this article, we will discuss the many health benefits of drinking tea and provide tips on how to make the most of these benefits.

In this article, we will discuss the many health benefits of drinking tea and provide tips on how to make the most of these benefits. Tea has been linked with improved heart health, weight loss, cancer prevention and a host of other health benefits. By drinking tea regularly, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

Is it tea or tisane?

A tisane, also known as an herbal infusion or often mislabeled as tea, is a drink made from herbs, spices, fruits or other plants. Unlike regular tea (black, green, oolong, white), which is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, tisanes are made from a variety of different plants. Tisanes are often drunk for their health benefits and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.

There are many types of tisanes, each with its own unique flavor and health benefits. Some of the most popular types of tisanes include chamomile, ginger, mint, lemon balm, and lavender. Each of these tisanes has its own unique set of health-supporting benefits. For example, lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm are known for their calming and relaxing effects, while ginger and mint are great for soothing stomach aches. Other tisanes you will find in my cabinet are raspberry leaves, rooibos, lemon, and meadowsweet, to name a few.

How to drink tea for better health

So now that you know all about the fantastic health benefits of drinking tea, how do you incorporate it into your daily routine? And if you’re looking for a healthy drink without the caffeine and tastes great, too, be sure to try a tisane. Be adventurous; mix a few of the flavors and enjoy a personal blend. Here are a few tips:

 • Drink black tea for the greatest health benefits. Black tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may help to fight off disease. If you are a coffee drinker, substitute a cup or two with a cup of strong black tea for an after-lunch pick-me-up.

• Drink green tea for weight loss. Green tea is high in catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps to promote weight loss.

• Drink oolong tea for better heart health. Oolong tea is high in polyphenols which can help to improve heart health.

• Drink herbal tisanes for added health benefits. Herbal tisanes are packed full of vitamins and minerals that can help to improve your overall health.

Many people enjoy drinking warm tea for its calming effects. Herbal tisanes are especially beneficial in this regard, as they are packed full of vitamins and minerals that can help to relax and soothe the body. Some of the most popular calming herbal tisanes include chamomile, lavender and ginger. Lemon balm is also a comforting drink to enjoy during the day to calm stress and anxiety, without the drowsiness we desire from lavender and chamomile. Ginger is often recommended for those struggling with nausea or motion sickness. The best part, all are easily brewed at home and can be enjoyed either hot or cold. So why not give them a try? Chances are, you’ll soon find yourself relying on herbals to help you relax and de-stress after a long day.

Drinking tea is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing. Tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help to fight off disease. It also has calming and relaxing effects, making it the perfect drink to enjoy after a long day. So why not start drinking tea today? You’ll be glad you did!

Making Tea, Drinking Tea

Growing up, my parents drank black tea every day, Lipton Tea more specifically. Every trip to the grocery store included Lipton Tea bags. We had a whistling tea kettle which resided on the back burner of the stove, but as irony would have it, it was the most used appliance in the house. I loved how that warm tea with a bit of condensed milk warmed me from the inside out.

As an adult I continued to drink tea, but had also introduced coffee into my routine. It was quick when on the go and it was hot. It was in 1997 I discovered Dr. Weil. I remember reading 8 Weeks to Optimum Health. (There is an updated released in 2007). I began to research Dr. Weil and was hooked. I learned of the benefits of green tea and an anti-inflammatory diet and began incorporating some of the practices and haven't turned back since.

Everyday I drink green tea. Almost everyday I drink black tea. Almost every night I drink a tisane. Most times there are no sweetners added to my teas and tisanes. When there is, I use honey or coconut sugar. This has become a part of my life. I must admit, there isn't much else I drink besides tea so it is not a huge accomplishment. Lately, I have been making Matcha Lattes. There is no doubting the calming effects of taking the time to prepare and enjoy a cup of tea. It is a must before a meeting.

Preparing your tea properly is the key to enjoying the tea. Green tea can be bitter if the water is too hot. Black tea can be overpowering if left in the water too long. You get the point. Below is a guide to proper water temperature for each type of tea.

Next time, let’s talk my favorite tisanes, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Ashwaganda.

Something about tea

For as long as I can remember, I have been consistent with one thing, drinking tea. The hot drink made from plants, berries and fruit often referred to as tea, but are actually tisanes. I drink lots of black and green tea. Herbal tisanes high on my list, Chamomile and Lemon Balm.

The scientific name for tea is Camellia Sinensis. Most teas come from the same plant and get their identities by how and when the leaves are harvested and how those leaves are prepared. Variations of this plant can be found all over the world resulting in many cultivars. Cultivars are the gene lineage of plants. Cultivars arise from the impact of environmental conditions and also human interference. These variations range from a light sweetness to a bold bitterness.

Types of Tea

• Black

• Green

• White

• Oolong

• Pu-erh

Common benefits of drinking teas and tisanes

• Supports lowering cholesterol levels

• Supports lowering risk of heart disease

• Relaxation benefits

• Relief from symptoms of illness

What makes tea healthy

Tea is best known for its antioxidants in support of health. Polyphenols have been proven to be the component of tea to have positive effects to health. The higher the polyphenols the healthier the tea. White teas, which are neither cured nor fermented, have the highest levels of antioxidants.

Counter effects of tea

It is important to inform your healthcare providers of anything you consume. Independently teas and tisanes have been shown to have positive effects, but may have negatives effects and interactions with medications. It is important to research potential harmful effects of tea for your circumstances.

In the next post, we will discuss tea brewing and why water temperature matters.

Tisane...not tea

Tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. It is the most common plant varietal from which green, black, oolong and white teas are produced. Tisanes, most known as herbal teas, come from various herbs, flowers and other plants. Tisanes are such a comfort whether drinking a cup of mint tea to soothe and calm the stomach or snuggling up to a cup of chamomile, lemon balm, or lavender right before bed. Tisanes are herbals used to sooth the body mentally and physically. Since the beginning of time herbs have been used to heal by infusion in water, oils, or alcohol.

Other popular infusions include ginger, lemon, mint, and hibiscus. Herbs, roots, leaves, and bark such as Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cinnamon, Tulsi, to name a few, have also made their way into the westerners daily routines.

Consequently, the use of herbs such as Thyme, Oregano, Lemongrass are also used in concoctions to soothe and comfort the body.

Other herbs include:

• Mountain Tea or Siderities

• Rooibos

• Honey Bush

As with any new practices, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before introducing items to your diet.

Next time, we will dive deeper into the properties of tisanes and the benefits of each. This will be a 4 part series.