“If you have one pot and can make your tea in it. That will do quite well. How much does he lack himself who must have a lot of things.”—Sen Rikyu (Japanese tea master)

 

 

Brewing loose leaf tea is a simple endeavor. You need a few tea utensils and basic tea brewing knowledge.  

First you need a kettle, where you heat your water. Next you need an infuser or strainer, allowing the tea to infuse and comfortably expand. Infuser can be many shapes and sizes. In Asia and Europe, tea pots have built in infusers. A few examples are pictured. Lastly, brew your tea in cup or teapot that will retain heat, i.e., porcelain, glass. Now that you have a basic utensils, you can practice brewing fundamentals.

 

 Each person will brew tea differently, but mastering the fundamentals will yield a delicious cup. Each culture has a different tea brewing regiment. Here are a few basic techniques: 

1.      Use the best fresh loose leaf tea you can find. A secret to brewing a strong cup of tea is the amount of tea you use. A good rule of thumb is 2 teaspoons per 8 oz. Add more tea for a stronger cup. Steeping for over 5 minutes will turn the brew bitter.

2.      Use filtered or spring water only. Tap water has chemicals and minerals which negatively affects the flavor. A lot of refrigerators have filters or invest in a Brita filter.

3.      Heat water to a rolling boil when bring black tea. Heat water to an almost boil for oolong, green and white teas.

4.      Always pour water over the tea leaves. Placing leaves in hot water slows down the infusion time.

5.      Brew tea in enclosed container, i.e., tea pot or cup with infuser. You need to trap the steam, while the tea is brewing. The trapped heat helps extract all the flavor.

6.      Brew your tea in a vessel that will hold heat. Porcelain or ceramic is best. It will keep you tea hot for a long time. Glass tea pots are nice, but tea cools down faster.

7.      True tea is enjoyed without sugar. Sugar adds calories to your tea and diminishes the oral health benefits of tea. Tea has fluoride with protects teeth from cavities.

Now you have the basic tools to easily enjoy a fresh loose leaf tea. Start experimenting!