Brewing Guide

Learn the differences between the the Chinese and Western style of tea brewing here.  If you are new to brewing high quality loose leaf tea, the following guide can get you started:   

1.  HEAT WATER

Start with heating filtered or bottled water.  Using tap water will negatively affect the taste of your tea due to its chemicals or mineral content.

2.  WARM TEA VESSELS (optional)

In addition to cleaning your tea vessels, pouring hot or boiling water over your tea vessels will prevent a sudden drop in water temperature during the steeping process.

3.  MEASURE AND ADD TEA

Measure the appropriate amount of tea and add it to your tea vessel.  In general, one teaspoon of semiball-rolled style tea (like most oolongs) is equal to about 3 grams, while one tablespoon of strip-style leaves (like most black and green teas) will provide the same weight.  Add or subtract the amount of leaves according to taste preferences.

4.  ADD WATER AT CORRECT TEMPERATURE

Add water to your tea vessel at the appropriate temperature.  Be especially careful not to use boiling water with green oolongs or green teas as the leaves can be burned and lose their flavor.  An easy way to gauge water temperature is by first bringing water to a boil and then waiting one, two, or three minutes (black, oolong, and green tea respectively) for the water to cool down.

5.  STEEP FOR PROPER LENGTH OF TIME

Use a timer or pay close attention to steeping time in order to prevent oversteeping.  For Chinese style brewing, add 10 to 15 seconds to each subsequent steeping.

6.  POUR INTO SHARING VESSEL OR CUP

If pouring multiple cups of tea, you may first pour your tea into a sharing vessel.  This will prevent oversteeping and ensure consistency of flavor for each cup.

7.  ENJOY AND REPEAT

Using the Chinese brewing method, repeat steps 4 through 6 several times or until the tea leaves lose flavor.  With high quality tea leaves, the Western style of brewing may also be repeated once or twice.  Premium loose leaf tea is both delicious and can help relax the body and mind.  Enjoy our teas without any added ingredients for the best health benefits.

Note:  Tea makers can drastically change their tea drinking experience by changing water temperature, amount of tea, length of steeping, and teaware.  

Always make sure to use pure water at the correct temperature.  Add tea leaves or steeping time to weak brews, or reduce the amount of leaves or steeping time if the tea is too strong or bitter.  Above is only a rough guide to get started brewing delicious loose leaf tea - make adjustments as necessary to suit your own personal tastes.