Learn About Tea: Quick Guide On How To Drink Loose Leaf Tea

If you've always wanted to learn about specialty loose-leaf tea but needed to know where to begin, this guide is the perfect place.

One of the most common questions I get about tea is how to prepare it properly. This includes questions about the temperature of the water, how much tea to use, and how long to steep the tea. 

Other common questions include the differences between types of tea, the health benefits of tea, and the best way to store tea to keep it fresh.

Here is a simple overview of the common questions people have about tea. Within each summary are links to my more detailed posts. If you would like to go beyond that, I highly recommend the best tea book for beginners: The Tea Book by tea expert Linda Gaylord.

HOW TO PREPARE TEA PROPERLY:

While there is no perfect cup of tea, this guide will help you achieve a lovely and delicious cup.

• Temperature: The ideal water temperature for brewing tea varies depending on the tea you are brewing. Generally, black teas are best brewed with water just off the boil, 203-212°F (around 95-100°C); green and white teas with slightly cooler water, 170-185°F (around 75-85°C), and herbal teas with boiling water. If you want a universal brew temperature, consider using 190°F (88°C).
• Amount: The amount of tea you should use depends on your teapot or cup size and your personal taste preferences. A good starting point is to use one teaspoon of loose tea or one tea bag per cup of water.
• Steeping time: The time you should steep your tea also depends on the type of tea you are brewing. Generally, black teas should be steeped for 3-5 minutes, green and white teas for 2-3 minutes, and herbal teas for 5-10 minutes.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TYPES OF TEA: 

Black, white, oolong, and green tea are the main categories of tea types, all made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Pu-erh and yellow tea are two other less popular tea types. The differences between these teas are based on factors such as processing, oxidation, and brewing methods. Here are some key characteristics of each type:

BLACK TEA

Black tea is fully oxidized, so the leaves are exposed to air for extended processing time. This results in a dark color, robust flavor, and higher caffeine content. Black tea is often brewed with boiling water for 3-5 minutes and is commonly enjoyed with milk and sugar. 

POPULAR BLACK TEA

• Assam: A strong and bold black tea from India, often used in blends for English Breakfast tea.
• Darjeeling: A black tea from the Darjeeling region of India, known for its floral and musky flavors.
• Earl Grey: A black tea flavored with bergamot oil gives it a distinct citrusy flavor.
• English Breakfast: Breakfast tea blends come in many versions, but the most popular is the English Breakfast Tea which usually features teas from Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Assam. 

WHITE TEA

Made from the youngest leaves and buds of the tea plant, white tea is the least processed type of tea known for its delicate, subtle flavor. Some white tea is made only from young, delicate buds. The leaves are withered and dried, which results in a light color, mild flavor, and low caffeine content. White tea is typically brewed with water below boiling and steeped for 1-3 minutes. 

POPULAR WHITE TEA

• Silver Needle: A delicate and light white tea made from the young, unopened buds of the tea plant.
• White Peony: A slightly more robust white tea made from both buds and leaves, with a mild and sweet flavor

OOLONG TEA

Oolong tea is partially oxidized in varying percentages, meaning the leaves wilt and oxidize for a shorter period than black tea. This results in a medium color and flavor between black and green tea. Oolong tea is often brewed with water below boiling and steeped for 2-3 minutes.

POPULAR OOLONG TEA

• Ti Kuan Yin: A floral and fruity oolong tea from China with a sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
• Wuyi Rock tea: A complex and earthy oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains of China with a roasted and nutty flavor.
• Oriental Beauty: Taiwanese Oolong is A rare extraordinary tea, also known as Imperial Formosa Oolong, Champagne Oolong, and White Tip Oolong. Bai Hao is the traditional Taiwanese name meaning “white-tipped.”

GREEN TEA

Green tea is unoxidized, so the leaves are heated shortly after picking to prevent oxidation. This results in a light color, delicate flavor, and lower caffeine content. Green tea is typically brewed with water below boiling and steeped for 1-2 minutes. Unoxidized tea leaves are known for their grassy, vegetal flavors and high antioxidants.

Japanese green teas are steamed, producing a more vegetal flavor, while Chinese green teas are roasted, giving a more nutty flavor.

POPULAR GREEN TEA

• Sencha: A popular Japanese green tea with a grassy and vegetal flavor.
• Matcha: A popular Japanese green tea powder used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Dragonwell: A well-known Chinese green tea with a nutty and slightly sweet taste.

Overall, the different types of tea offer a range of flavors, aromas, and health benefits. It's worth trying different kinds of tea to discover your personal favorites.

In addition, each type of tea has wide varieties, and the flavor can vary depending on factors such as where it was grown, the season it was harvested, and how it was processed.

HERBAL TEA

Herbal infusions are made from various plants and herbs. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and can have many flavors and health benefits. Herbal teas are called tisanes and are made not from the Camellia sinensis plant but from various herbs and spices.

POPULAR HERBAL TEAS

• Chamomile tea: Made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, chamomile tea is known for its soothing, calming effects and is often consumed before bedtime to aid with relaxation and sleep.
• Peppermint tea: Made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, peppermint tea has a refreshing, minty flavor and is often consumed to aid digestion and relieve stomach discomfort.
• Ginger tea: Made from fresh or dried ginger root, ginger tea is often consumed for its warming, spicy flavor and has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
• Rooibos tea: Made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, rooibos tea is a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often consumed for its antioxidant properties and is prevalent in South Africa.
• Hibiscus tea: Made from the dried flowers of the hibiscus plant, it has a tart, fruity flavor and is often consumed for its high levels of vitamin C and potential health benefits such as lowering blood pressure.
• Echinacea tea: Made from the echinacea plant, it is often consumed for its immune-boosting properties and potential benefits for reducing the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. It has a slightly earthy flavor.
• Yerba Mate: A popular caffeinated herbal tea from South America made from the leaves of the evergreen shrub Ilex paraguariensis.

These are just a few examples of the many different herbal teas available; other varieties are popular worldwide.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA:

Medicinal properties of tea abound, and many studies and tea books have been written on the health benefits of tea. But in general:

• Tea contains antioxidants that can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
• Some studies have suggested that tea may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
• Tea may also help boost your immune system and improve cognitive function.

BEST WAY TO STORE TEA:

Freshness is the most critical factor in your tea's flavor and nutritional potency. You want to avoid tea storage that harms your tea's freshness. Proper storage is not complicated once you know the basics.

• Store your tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
• Avoid storing tea in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can cause the tea to absorb moisture and odors.
• Try to use your tea within 6-12 months of purchasing it to ensure freshness and optimal flavor. Green tea has the shortest shelf life.

HOW TO START DRINKING SPECIALTY LOOSE-LEAF TEA

Specialty tea is high-grade loose-leaf tea from small tea estates. This segment of the tea industry produces premium tea, usually from single tea gardens. Here are some steps to get started with drinking specialty loose-leaf tea:

1. Find a reputable tea vendor: Look for a vendor that specializes in higher quality loose-leaf tea and has a good reputation. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or online tea communities.
2. Choose your tea: There are many types of specialty loose-leaf teas available, including black, green, white, oolong, herbal, and more. Consider your personal taste preferences and choose a tea that appeals to you.
3. Invest in quality equipment: To brew loose-leaf tea, you will need a tea kettle, an infuser, and a teacup or mug. Choose high-quality equipment, such as food-grade stainless steel, to help you get your tea's best flavor.
4. Measure the tea: Use a kitchen scale or a spoon to measure the correct amount of tea for your cup or pot. Generally, use one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea for every six to eight ounces of water.
5. Heat the water: Different types of tea require different water temperatures for optimal brewing. Black teas should be brewed with boiling water, while green and white teas should be brewed with below boiling water. Check the recommended temperature for your chosen tea and heat the water accordingly. Filtered water is best.
6. Steep the tea: Place the tea leaves in the infuser and place it in the cup or teapot. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let the tea steep for the recommended time. Typically, black teas require 3-5 minutes of steeping, while green and white teas require 1-3 minutes.
7. Enjoy your tea: Remove the infuser from the cup or teapot and enjoy your freshly brewed tea. You can drink it plain or add milk, honey, or sugar to taste.

Experiment with different types of tea, brewing methods, and flavorings to find what works best for you. Enjoy the journey of discovering the many wonderful flavors and aromas of specialty loose-leaf tea!

Overall, the different types of tea offer a range of flavors, aromas, and health benefits. It's worth trying different kinds of tea to discover your personal favorites.

BEST ONLINE TEA SHOPS

For some of the best teas, here is a list of reputable online tea vendors that offer a variety of the highest quality loose-leaf tea:

BLACK TEA:

• Harney & Sons: A family-owned tea company that offers a wide range of black teas from various regions worldwide.
• Adagio Teas: A company that sources black teas from India, China, and other countries and offers classic blends and unique flavors.
• Vahdam Tea: A company specializing in Indian black teas, including single-origin and chai-blended teas.

WHITE TEA:

• Rare Tea Company: is known for various high-quality white teas, including Silver Needle and White Peony.
• Art of Tea: A company that sources white teas from China, India, and Sri Lanka and offers classic and unique blends.
• The Tea Spot: A company that offers a selection of organic and fair-trade white teas, including Silver Needle and White Peony.

OOLONG TEA:

• EcoCha: A company that sources oolong and other teas from Taiwan and offers a variety of flavors and grades.
• Tea Drunk: A company specializing in Chinese teas, including oolong teas from various regions of China.
• Rishi Tea: A company that offers a range of organic and fair-trade oolong teas from Taiwan and China.

GREEN TEA:

• Ippodo Tea: A Japanese company specializing in high-quality green teas, including Sencha and Matcha.
• Firebelly Tea: A company that sources organic and fair-trade green teas from China, Japan, and other countries and offers a variety of flavors and blends.
• Teavivre: A company that sources green teas directly from tea farmers in China and offers a range of flavors and grades.

There are many other reputable online tea vendors, and it's worth exploring different companies to find the ones that best suit your taste and budget.

THE MOST POPULAR TEA

In the United States, black tea and iced tea are generally the most popular type of tea, followed by green tea. This is likely because black tea has a more robust and bolder flavor that appeals to many Americans and is often consumed with milk and sugar.

Green tea has also gained popularity recently due to its health benefits and lighter, more delicate flavor. Oolong and white tea are less famous but are still enjoyed by enthusiasts and those looking to explore different types of tea. However, it's worth noting that tea consumption and preferences can vary greatly depending on geographic region and cultural background.

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