Brewing Tea Simply, Well

A slow and mindful guide for everyday tea moments

Brewing tea doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need fancy tools or deep knowledge — just care, attention, and a willingness to pause. Whether you're a beginner or a long-time tea lover, this guide offers a grounding approach to tea brewing: simple, flexible, and made for real life.

Here’s how to brew better tea — one quiet step at a time.

Step 1: Choose Your Tea

Start with what you’re curious about — or what your body and mood are asking for.

• Feeling sluggish? A bright green tea may help.

• Want something cozy? Try a roasted oolong or black tea.

• Craving calm? A white tea or gentle herbal blend could be just right.
  

Loose-leaf tea tends to offer better flavor and more infusions than bagged tea. Store your tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.

Step 2: Heat Your Water

Water temperature makes a big difference. Too hot, and delicate leaves can become bitter. Too cool, and the tea may taste flat.

Here’s a basic guide (no thermometer needed — just observe your kettle):

Tea Type	Water Temperature	Visual Cue
Green / White	~70–80°C	Steam rising gently, no bubbles
Oolong	~85–90°C	Small bubbles forming
Black / Herbal	~95–100°C (boiling)	Rolling boil

Tip: If your water’s too hot, just let it sit for 1–2 minutes before pouring over your leaves.

Step 3: Measure the Leaves

A general rule: 1 teaspoon of tea per 200ml cup (5 - 7 grams). But don’t overthink it — different teas have different shapes. For larger, rolled leaves (like oolong), use a rounded teaspoon. For fluffier leaves (like white tea), use more by volume.

No teapot? No problem. You can brew in a mug with a strainer or even a heatproof jar with a lid. The vessel matters less than your presence.

Step 4: Steep with Care

Steeping is when the leaves open and release their essence. This step shapes not just the flavor, but the experience.

For best results:

• Keep the first few steeps short. This allows the leaves to stretch slowly and preserves their complexity for multiple infusions.

  
  

• For later steeps, go longer (add 30s–1min each time) to fully extract remaining flavor.

  
  

• Slightly hotter water for subsequent steeps — even for green or white teas — can help flush out deeper notes and aromatics.

  
  

• Aim for balance. Each steep should gently flow into the next. If one cup tastes weak and the next overwhelmingly strong, adjust steep times for more consistency. Avoid a roller-coaster ride.

  
  

Tip: Taste as you go. Take a small sip midway through the steep — let the tea guide you.

Step 5: Pour, Sip, Repeat

Once it’s ready, pour your tea slowly. Inhale the aroma before tasting. Let your tea invite you into a pause.

Most good teas can be brewed beyond 5 times, sometimes more. Each infusion reveals something new — a softer floral, a deeper roast, a clearer sweetness. You don’t need to chase complexity. Just pay attention, and enjoy the unfolding.

A Final Note

There’s no need to brew tea perfectly.What matters is that you make space for it. That you show up for the quiet moments, and let them show you something in return.

Happy sipping, LT