Brewing Methods

There is no right or wrong way to make tea and there are many ways to brew. Some methods are better suited for certain teas, but what matters most is that you enjoy the taste of your tea blend. Cold brew, hot brew, infusion, latte, and so many more…

Tea may become an entire hobby, and truth be told, you require only a few basic tools to make a lovely cup of tea. Tea bags are of course the simplest method to brew your cup or pot of tea, but loose leaf tea is just as easy once you get the hang of it.
1 TEASPOON =1 tea bag. ~ use 1-2 teabags or 1 tablespoon for every 8 ounces of water.

ELECTRIC KETTLE
This is your home brew most efficient and safest way to heat the water for making tea. There are even kettles now that help set the correct temperature for making the most delicate of teas and a perfect cup everytime.

FRENCH PRESS
The French press is a brewing device that usually consists of a glass or plastic beaker with a plunger that will filter the tea leaves. Tea leaves are placed at the bottom and then water is poured into the beaker. After pouring in your boiling water, you gently press down the plunger, however | don’t suggest going tightly down as you may make an over extract of the tea and the taste will be altered. After steeping for the allotted time, simply pour into your cup.

INFUSER
Infusing is submerging a tea in hot water for several minutes. The leaves are then strained, or the bag /infuser is removed from the water. Some infusers are open and sit on top of your cup or the side; while others are enclosed. Just fill with approximately 1 tbsp of your loose tea for each cup. A pot of tea will require at least 2 bags or 2 infusers typically.

COLD BREWING
As the name suggests, you are making your favourite ice tea by brewing in cold water for several hours and there is no heat involved. The flavour will be somewhat lighter, but there will be no bitterness. Typically, you will use double the amount of tea for cold brewing. You can cold brew just about any type of tea. An infuser is not recommended for cold brewing as it can stop the leaves from expanding completely.

SINGLE USE TEA BAGS
Perhaps the best known and easiest way to make a cup or pot of tea. Just put the bag in your cup and pour in the hot water, let it brew for the appropriate amount of time. Not all tea bags are created equal… if using paper disposable tea bags, look for unbleached or a pyramid style bag.

METAL STEEPERS
These often come in a ball mesh shape. Tea leaves are placed into the chamber and water is added into the cup or pot. Metal steepers are a convenient and inexpensive way to brew loose leaf teas.

BREWING BASKET
Brewing baskets are made of stainless steel or mesh that sits directly on your cup. The tea leaves are placed inside, hot water is poured in, and then you remove the basket after the desired brew time.