Here are some popular methods for brewing tea at home.
In cup infuser. A mug tea infuser is a complete and simple way to brew combining two tools. The infuser gives you a perfect even brew every time, and enables you to brew fine ground teas such as Rooibos tea, as well as large whole-leaf teas.
French press You can use a French press to make several cups of tea at one time. Make sure that you don’t over-steep your tea, since the leaves aren’t removed after you steep them.
Tea brewing strainers A tea strainer sits over your cup and holds tea leaves in a mesh-style basket. You pour hot water over the strainer, and it passes over the tea leaves and through the mesh. Remove the strainer, and enjoy your tea. Just remember that you don’t get much brewing time with this method, but it’s a good option for a quick cup.
Paper sachet Paper pouches are great for brewing tea, or you can make your own using a coffee filter. Paper sachet tea bags are disposable or compostable and easy to brew and steep.
Teapot A classic teapot is another great way to make your favorite tea. Choose an iron teapot to make your favorite Asian green tea, or use a glass teapot for white tea. Or use a teapot with strainer that heated water gets added to.
Brewing Tips
Considerations to help you learn how to make the tastiest tea at home.
Use the ideal water temperature.
Try to avoid heating your water in the microwave, since it may make your tea taste bitter. Instead, make tea using water that has been boiled on the stove or electric kettle, for freshest flavor.
Black tea: 212 degrees
Green tea: 175 to 180 degrees
White tea: 175 to 180 degrees
Oolong tea: 195 degrees
Pu-erh tea: 212 degrees
Purple tea: 175 to 180 degrees
Herbal tea: 212 degrees
Rooibos tea: 212 degrees
Mind your water quality. Use clean, filtered water rather than tap water, which may make your tea taste “off,” particularly if you have well water or hard water.
Keep an eye on the clock. Steep times vary depending on the type of tea blend or tea leaves you use. You may need to experiment until you find the right time, but it’s best to do a small taste test every 30 seconds as you go.
| Black | 1 level tsp. per 6oz. | full boil (212°) | 3-5 minutes |
| Green | 1 level tsp. per 6oz. | steaming briskly (175-180°) | 1-2 minutes |
| White | 2 level tsp. per 6oz. | steaming briskly (175-180°) | 2-3 minutes |
| Oolong | 1 level tsp. per 6oz. | almost boiling (195°) | 2-3 minutes |
| Pu-erh | 1 heaping tsp. per 6oz. | full boil (212°) | 5 minutes |
| Purple | 1 heaping tsp. per 6oz. | steaming briskly (175-180°) | 3 minutes |
| Mate | 1 level tsp. per 6oz. | steaming (150-160°) | 3-5 minutes |
| Herbal | 1 heaping tsp. per 6oz. | full boil (212°) | 5-10 minutes |
| Rooibos | 1 level tsp. per 6oz. | full boil (212°) | 5-10 minutes |
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Use the right amount of tea leaves. Use more tea leaves for a stronger brew. A good starting point is to use 1 tsp of tea for every six ounces of water, then add more if you find that you prefer a stronger flavor or a deeper, richer taste.
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Stay on top of tea trends. Trends in tea change on the regular. The most popular current trends include Chai tea, Matcha tea, new tea blends with spices, mushroom-based teas like Chaga, Hojicha Tea, new flavors, and biodegradable tea bags.
With the right tools, the right quality teas and some practice, it’s easy to brew delicious tea at home. Find the tea and brewing method that works best for you, and remember to use the cleanest, freshest water and the best possible tea blends.
