If you've only ever brewed tea from bags, loose leaf tea can feel like a small ceremony — and it is, in the best way. Whole leaves unfurl in hot water and give a fuller, fresher flavour, and the ritual of measuring, pouring and waiting a few minutes is a lovely pause in a busy day. Here's everything a beginner needs to know.
Start with the right amount of leaf
As a rough guide, use about one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup, plus one extra for the pot if you're brewing for several people. A small infuser, a teapot with a built-in strainer or a simple mesh basket all work well — the leaves just need room to move and expand in the water.
Water temperature matters
Black teas like fully boiled water, while green and white teas prefer it slightly cooler — leave the kettle to stand for a minute or two after boiling. Pour the water over the leaves, not down the side of the pot, and give the pot a gentle swirl. Most black teas need three to five minutes to brew; green teas are usually ready in two to three.
Taste, then adjust
Your first brew is a starting point, not a test. If the tea tastes weak, add a little more leaf next time rather than steeping it for much longer, which can make it bitter. If it's too strong, shorten the steep. Keep a note of what worked — leaf amount, water and time — and within a few brews you'll have your own perfect cup.
Try a set and find your favourite
A mixed set is the easiest way to explore. Our Loose Leaf Tea Set, priced at £32.50, is a generous introduction to brewing at home and makes a thoughtful gift for a tea lover. Store your leaves in an airtight tin away from light, heat and strong smells, and they'll stay fresh for months.
Make it a ritual
Loose leaf tea rewards slowing down: warm the pot first, watch the leaves unfurl, and sit down properly with your cup. On a dark winter afternoon, few small pleasures beat it.
Browse more gifts in our Under £50 collection, and for another tea gift idea, read The Best Tea Gifts for Christmas: A Loose Leaf Tea Gift Box Guide.