If you've ever wondered whether loose leaf tea is really worth the extra step, the answer is a resounding yes. Loose leaf tea delivers a fuller flavour, richer aroma, and a more nuanced cup than anything you'll find in a standard teabag. The leaves have room to expand, releasing their full complexity — and once you've tasted the difference, there's no going back. Whether you're new to loose leaf tea or looking to refine your technique, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What You'll Need to Brew Loose Leaf Tea
You don't need a lot of equipment- just the right pieces. Here's what we recommend:
- A quality teapot — a teapot with a built-in strainer gives the leaves space to move. Our Avanti Dahlia Glass Teapot is a beautiful and functional choice.
- A mug infuser for on-the-go brewing — if you're in a hurry or don't have a teapot handy, our TBTS Micromesh Gold Mug Infuser is a handy way to brew loose-leaf tea straight in your mug.
- A kettle with temperature control — different teas require different water temperatures (more on that below).
- Loose-leaf tea - start with a bestseller like our No. 02 Deluxe South Coast Breakfast, or unwind with the calming No. 107 Peace and Quiet Organic.
- A timer - steeping time matters more than most people realise.
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
Follow these steps for a consistently great cup:
- Measure your tea. Use about 1 teaspoon (2–3g) of loose-leaf tea per 250ml of water. Adjust to taste.
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Heat your water to the right temperature. This is where most people go wrong - boiling water can scorch delicate leaves and turn your cup bitter.
- Black tea: 95–100°C (full boil)
- Green tea: 70–80°C
- White tea: 75–85°C
- Oolong tea: 85–95°C
- Herbal & fruit tisanes: 95–100°C (full boil)
- Pre-warm your teapot or mug. Swirl a little hot water around your vessel before brewing - it keeps the temperature stable and improves extraction.
- Add your tea and pour. Place your infuser or loose leaves in the pot or mug, then pour water over them slowly.
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Steep for the right amount of time.
- Black tea: 3–5 minutes
- Green tea: 2–3 minutes
- White tea: 3–5 minutes
- Oolong tea: 3–5 minutes
- Herbal & fruit tisanes: 5–7 minutes
- Remove the leaves promptly. Don't leave them sitting in the water - over-steeping is the number one cause of a bitter cup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced tea drinkers fall into these traps:
- Using boiling water for green or white tea. It scorches the leaves and creates bitterness. Let your kettle cool for a minute or two first.
- Over-steeping. Set a timer - it makes a real difference. A few extra minutes can completely change your cup's character.
- Using too little tea. A weak brew often comes from under-measuring, not under-steeping. Start with the recommended ratio and adjust from there.
- Skipping the pre-warm. A cold teapot or mug drops the water temperature quickly, affecting extraction. It's a small step with a noticeable impact.
- Using poor-quality water. Tap water with a strong chlorine taste will affect your brew. Filtered water makes a genuine difference.
Ready to Start Brewing?
The best cup of tea starts with exceptional leaves. Browse our hand-blended loose leaf teas — from everyday breakfast blends to rare single-origin varieties — and find your perfect brew. Each tea comes with recommended brewing notes so you're set up for success from the very first cup.
Watch our How to Brew Videos for more details on brewing each type of tea.
