How to brew loose-leaf tea perfectly – Dosage, equipment and techniques
Loose tea offers a great deal of flexibility in making the perfect cup of tea for you , unlike pre-made tea bags. This flexibility can also be challenging at first while getting to know loose tea. Loose tea can provide a much richer flavor experience than tea bags, but to get the most out of the leaves, it is important to know how to use loose tea correctly. Dosage, steeping length, and choice of brewing equipment can have a big impact on the result. In this post, we take a closer look at how long to steep tea, how much tea you should use, and how different brewing methods affect the flavor. This can be useful for those of you who want to switch from tea bags to loose tea, but we will not go into the use of gaiwans or clay pots here. That may come in a later post for more advanced enthusiasts.
How long should loose-leaf tea steep?
Brewing time has a big impact on the taste, and the wrong brewing time can either make the tea too weak or bitter. All of our products have their own recommendations written on the package, but we can say this in general about recommended brewing times:
| Type of tea | Recommended steeping time |
|---|---|
| Green tea | 1–3 minutes |
| White tea | 2–4 minutes |
| Oolong tea | 3–5 minutes |
| Black tea | 3–5 minutes |
| Pu-erh | 3–7 minutes |
| Herbal tea | 5–10 minutes |
Especially for green tea, it is important not to steep too long , as this can give a bitter taste. Herbal teas, on the other hand, can steep longer, as they do not contain the same tannins that can make the taste sharp.
How much tea per liter of water?
Correct dosage is crucial for the balance of flavor. A good rule of thumb is:
- Green and white tea: 2–3 grams per 2 dl of water (10–15 grams per liter)
- Black tea and oolong: 3–4 grams per 2 dl of water (15–20 grams per liter)
- Herbal tea: 4–5 grams per 2 dl of water (20–25 grams per liter)
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can increase the amount of tea instead of letting it steep longer – this gives a fuller result without increasing the bitterness.
How much is 3 grams of tea?
3 grams of tea can vary in volume depending on the type. Some varieties have large leaves that take up a lot of volume but weigh little. In general we can say:
- Green tea: Approximately 1 heaped teaspoon
- Black tea: Approximately 1 level tablespoon
- Oolong tea: 3–4 rolled leaves
- Herbal tea: 1.5 heaped teaspoons (lightweight ingredients like flowers take up more space)
It's best to use a small digital kitchen scale for accurate dosing, but if you have to measure with spoons, adjust according to the type of tea.
How to use loose tea – Choosing equipment
There are several ways to brew loose tea, and the choice of equipment affects the taste and the tea brewing process.
Using a tea strainer
A tea strainer is an easy and convenient way to brew tea, especially for a single cup. But remember:
- Avoid small tea strainers , as the leaves need room to expand.
- Choose a spacious stainless steel tea strainer for even steeping.
- Perfect for black tea and simple herbal teas that don't need much space.
- Perfect for green, white and oolong teas , where the movement of the leaves improves the brewing process.
Using our tea brewer
A tea brewer is a simple solution for those who want a practical brewing method with optimal taste .
- Provides plenty of space for the leaves and ensures even brewing.
- Has a built-in filter so that leaves do not get through.
- Perfect for both loose leaf tea and herbal teas .
Using a teapot
A teapot is ideal for larger quantities of tea and for teas that require a longer brewing time.
- Ceramic and glass teapots are well suited for green and white tea.
- Cast iron teapots retain heat well and are perfect for oolong and black tea.
- Make sure the jug has a built-in strainer or use a large tea infuser for best results.
Dosage of teas
Different types of tea require different dosages for optimal taste. Here's a quick overview:
| Tea type | Amount per 2 dl water | Quantity per liter |
|---|---|---|
| Green tea | 2–3 grams | 10–15 grams |
| White tea | 2–4 grams | 10–20 grams |
| Oolong tea | 3–4 grams | 15–20 grams |
| Black tea | 3–4 grams | 15–20 grams |
| Pu-erh | 3–5 grams | 15–25 grams |
| Herbal tea | 4–5 grams | 20–25 grams |
This dosage provides a balanced taste without being too bitter or too weak. Please note that this table shows a general recommendation, all our products have specified brewing suggestions on the packaging.
Summary
- How long should loose-leaf tea steep? It depends on the type of tea – green tea 1–3 min, black tea 3–5 min, herbal tea 5–10 min.
- How much tea per liter of water? Generally 10–20 grams, but varies with the type of tea.
- How to use loose tea? Use a tea strainer, tea infuser or teapot for best results.
By using the right dosage and equipment, you can get a perfect cup of tea every time . Try out different brewing methods and find the one that suits you best!
Want an easy solution for loose leaf tea? Explore our selection of tea strainers, tea infusers and teapots for an even better tea brewing experience!
Om forfatteren:
Kjetil Frøitland Eide er en anerkjent te-ekspert og grunnleggeren av Norges Tehus. Med over 15 års erfaring har han bygget opp en solid kunnskap om te og har mottatt flere utmerkelser, inkludert tre stjerner i den prestisjetunge Great Taste Awards. Les mer