Brewing guide
Here we share everything you need to know about brewing the perfect cuppa wherever you go. The rituals and traditions of preparing tea varies across the globe but it doesn't have to be a daunting experience. In fact, brewing loose leaf tea is easy, enjoyable and accessible to everyone. Follow our steps below and you'll be brewing like a pro.
Brewing Green Tea
Many people claim to not like the taste of green tea having had a bad first experience while tasting it. The truth is that the most common mistake for brewing green tea is using water that is too hot, which causes the tea to over-brew and creates a bitter flavour. When brewed correctly, green tea should be floral, delicate, citrusy, and not bitter.
In general, 1g of tea per 100ml of water is used. The ideal brew conditions for green tea is water which is 80 degrees Celsius and brewed for 3 minutes.
*Pro tip- if you don't have a thermometer, brew with a splash of cold water first, then hot water off the boil.
Brewing Black Tea
When brewing black tea, generally 1g of loose leaf tea to 100ml of water is used. Water should be 90 degrees Celsius and brewed for 3 minutes. This will create a strong but not astringent cup of tea. If you enjoy milk in your tea, you can increase the amount of tea used slightly.
The longer the tea is steeped, it becomes bitter and astringent so be sure to keep an eye on that timer.
Our Belfast Brunch black tea is a great example of a well rounded. full bodied, malty tea. We love it without milk, but of course how you enjoy your cuppa is perfect and unique to you.
What to do with brewed loose leaf tea
Loose leaf tea which has been brewed can be thrown into your compost bin like normal organic food waste. We've also heard it makes great fertiliser for garden plants as tea leaves are rich in nitrogen. Do let us know if your roses are particularly vibrant after fertilizing with our loose leaf tea.