What's so great about loose leaf tea?
Do you want to find out how to brew loose leaf tea?
If so then keep reading.
Loose-leaf teas originated in the far east and became popular in the United Kingdom centuries ago.
They are still not very common in the United States, where herbal tea bags are considered the norm.
Loose tea leaves are a great way to get a higher quality tea for a lower price, but how do you actually brew loose leaf tea?
There are many benefits to loose leaf tea and the best part is, you can make it at home.
Before we discover what they are, let’s find out a bit more about loose leaf tea.
What Is Loose Leaf Tea?
As the name suggests, loose leaf tea uses the whole leaf, as opposed to the traditional teabag.
It offers a fuller and more concentrated flavor than tea bags, also giving you more control over the strength of your tea.
Loose leaf tea is traditionally made in a teapot, alternatively, you can brew it in a tea press.
Making loose leaf tea is a great way to experience a whole new world of tea flavors and differences.
Popular Types of Loose Leaf Herbal Tea
There are many different types of tea, and we are going to take a closer look at some of the more popular ones, below.
All types of true teas are made using the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant.
This plant originated in China and has been used to make teas for thousands of years.
All true teas come from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant. Other herbal teas are named so because they are a plant-based solution infused with water.
All of these loose-leaf teas are made using the Camellia Sinensis tea plant.
- Green Tea
- Black Tea
- White Tea
- Pu-Erh Tea
- Oolong Tea
- Herbal Teas
6 Types of Herbal Tea
Herbal infusions of these teas are used to help treat different medical conditions.
Each tea has its own unique benefits.
Let’s take a look at the most popular types in more detail.
1. Black Tea
Black tea is a variety of tea that is more oxidized than oolong, green, and white tea.
It is generally stronger in flavor than the less oxidized teas.
All true tea comes from the same plant, called Camellia sinensis, the difference in color and flavor of tea depends upon the processing.
However, black tea leaves are allowed to oxidize before they are dried, which turns their color black.
In comparison to other teas, this has much more caffeine.
Black tea is good for heart health as well as having anti-cancerous properties too.
How black tea is made?
There are different types of black tea that are found in tea bags like English and Irish breakfast teas.
Tea leaves are crushed using the CTC method.
They are then converted into small pieces which are fully oxidized and put into bags.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is another regular tea and has been deemed the world’s healthiest beverage.
It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which originated in China.
Green tea differs from black tea in the way that its leaves have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process which makes them dark.
This is also why green tea has a lighter taste to it and isn’t as bitter as black tea.
How is Green tea made?
After harvesting the tea, it is instantly steamed and then pan-fired.
In order to stop the process of oxidation, it is then immediately dried into tea leaves.
Fresh herbs like green tea are beneficial for weight loss.
It will also protect you from a number of diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Green tea is renowned for its immune system-boosting qualities.
3. White Tea
A great cup of tea made from dry herbs can have the best results on your health.
White tea is a type of tea that is made from young Camellia sinensis leaves.
This tea is a light and delicate tea that some consider to be the most flavorful tea available.
It is almost never fermented, and it is usually served fresh.
The natural herbs found in these different tea types have a number of health benefits.
White tea has a large number of antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals, lower the risk of heart diseases and fight against osteoporosis.
4. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is one of the more traditional teas from China and comes in many forms.
The tea is often rolled into small pellets to help speed the oxidation process.
After oxidation, the leaves are often pan-fried to stop the oxidation process.
The amount of oxidation and the roasting process will determine the color of the tea.
A lot of tea drinkers have no idea about the benefits of oolong tea.
It has a variety of benefits including improving the function of your nervous system.
The perfect cup of oolong tea can protect you from diseases like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
5. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf tea is a great herbal tea that is especially useful to women.
It is a natural alternative to the drugs and chemicals used in labor and is also believed to improve the overall health of the uterus after giving birth.
Raspberry tea is packed with minerals and vitamins vital to reproduction and has no known side effects.
The practice of drinking red raspberry leaves during pregnancy has been passed down for generations in the UK and is now gaining popularity in the United States.
Dried leaves of this plant are used to make tea.
This tea can reduce the risks associated with childbirth, shorten menstrual cramps and ease labor pains.
6. Chamomile Tea
Sleepytime chamomile tea is filled with minerals and vitamins like vitamin c.
Chamomile tea is a popular choice for people who want to relax their body and mind.
It is used as a mild sedative and the fragrance is great for soothing you and helping you to relax.
It is great for people who have trouble sleeping or who suffer from anxiety disorders.
Chamomile is also a favored ingredient in many beauty products.
Chamomile tea is made from dried flowers from the chamomile plant, which is a perennial herb.
Most people drink chamomile tea to reduce pain and inflammation, promote digestion, and boost their immune system.
Some people also believe that it has anti-aging effects and can help cure skin conditions like psoriasis.
How do you brew loose leaf tea?
The great thing about loose-leaf tea is that whatever variety you choose, it is really easy.
Here are the 4 universal steps for brewing loose-leaf tea:
Step 1: Add one level scoop of your tea leaves to 350ml of hot water.
Do not boil your water for green teas as it will make them bitter, black teas do better with 100-degree water.
Step 2: Let the tea brew for 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you like it.
Do not stir or disturb the leaves, just let them steep naturally.
Step 3: Pour the tea into a cup, using a strainer to make sure that none of the leaves make it into your cup.
Step 4: Enjoy!
How to brew loose leaf tea - The Bottom Line
There are many different varieties of loose-leaf herbal tea as discussed above.
Keep these dried leaves in an airtight container at room temperature to ensure they hold their flavor.
Tea lovers and tea people everywhere will certainly get a kick out of brewing their own loose leaf teas.
Remember, drinking loose-leaf tea means that you’re consuming it just as nature had intended, packed with goodness.
Check out one of the articles below to read more about awesome herbal teas.
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