Learning how to make loose leaf tea is easy with this three step tutorial. Included are tips for making the best tasting cup of British tea just like the Royals enjoy!
There’s absolutely no need to feel intimidated about making loose leaf tea.
As a Scottish Grocer affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I received the Coronation cup and saucer and tea towel from The Bee’s Knees British Imports as part of our collaboration.
There’s also no need for any special equipment, other than a teapot, to make a satisfying cup of British tea using loose leaf tea versus teabags. You may have already read my tutorial on how to make a proper cup of British tea using teabags.
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I’ve teamed up with The Bees Knees British Imports again, to offer this fabulous giveaway: a Victoria Eggs Coronation cup and sauce, and matching tea towel (over $60 value) to celebrate
the upcoming British Coronation.
SEE DETAILS BELOW
Before I begin, I want to explain that I have both experience and knowledge in regards to British tea. I’ve been drinking tea practically since I was born! Mothers give their children baby bottles with milk and a little tea, in the UK. I have had tea all over the UK: in homes, restaurants, and 5 star hotels (for afternoon tea). My tea-making tutorial is trustworthy, and will give you excellent results in YOUR home.
You Have Probably Never Tasted Good Tea! (If you Think you Don’t Like Tea)
I want to preface this with saying that if you have only tasted tea that’s made in the US with Lipton tea bags and hot water, and decided it’s not your cup of tea (sorry, couldn’t resist!) I DO NOT BLAME YOU! This “tea” is a travesty and it’s definitely not British! Honestly, it’s nothing like a real cup of British tea!
Do you really think the tradition would have lasted as long and the Royal Family would be having tea every day if it wasn’t an enjoyable experience? I have converted many non-tea drinkers who have visited me. When they tell me they don’t like tea, and I convince them to try a cup I make, they are always stunned, even if it’s made with teabags.
If you have read my “how to make a proper cup of (British) tea” post, then you’ll already have the basic idea and simplicity of how to make loose leaf tea. I think most people may think there’s more to it than there really is! However, there are a few things that will definitely impact the flavor of your cup of tea.
What Makes the Best Tasting Cup of Tea?
There are several things that need to be checked off when making British loose leaf tea (or even when using tea bags).
1. Use boiling water. I don’t mean hot water, I mean 212℉ (100℃) water. If you don’t think it makes a difference, then make tea using very hot water, and make another pot using boiling water, and you’ll understand. There’s a reason every British home has an electric kettle.
NOTE: do not make your tea in your kettle; you should only use water in your kettle.
2. Use a teapot. You can’t get the same outcome when brewing tea in a cup, or mug. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but you do need a pot. Don’t try making it in another container or a pot, as you won’t have the same outcome.
3. As always, use good quality loose leaf tea. How will you end up with a good cup of tea if you don’t start with good quality tea leaves?
Here’s an example, and a tea I really enjoy: Brodie’s teas from Scotland.
The Scottish Grocer online will provide you with an array of choices for loose leaf teas, and as I’m an affiliate, if you place an order, use this link THE SCOTTISH GROCER and code CHRISTINASCUCINA for 10% off your entire purchase. Isn’t it a beautiful caddy? I think it makes a perfect hostess gift!
What Does Loose Leaf Tea Look Like?
Here are two samples of loose leaf tea. The one on the left is a black Assam tea, and the one on the right is the black Scottish breakfast tea from Brodies.
Afternoon tea is just so civilized, especially when you add scones, cream and jam.
Once you learn how to make loose leaf tea, all you need next is a little afternoon tea time! You can have your tea with (British) biscuits. You can make afternoon tea scones to enjoy with your cuppa. You can also make finger sandwiches and have a full on English party, for example, to celebrate the Coronation!
When Should you Have Tea?
Afternoon tea time is different than asking when should you have tea. You can make a pot of loose leaf tea (or use teabags) any time of day. It’s perfect with breakfast, instead of coffee. In fact, it’s always a part of a full British breakfast, like this Scottish fry-up with Lorne sausage.
Now I’m excited to show you how to make loose leaf tea, so you can try it and see what you think! And if you’re lucky, you may end up with the beautiful Victoria Eggs brand, Charles III Coronation cup and saucer, and the matching tea towel! Don’t forget to check out all the amazing china, housewares, textiles and even British food at The Bee’s Knees British Imports. GIVEAWAY DETAILS BELOW.
How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
by Christina Conte makes 2 cups
FULL PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS BELOW
What you Need to Make Loose Leaf Tea
- a 2 or 4 cup teapot (preferably made in the UK or Europe/USA)
- loose leaf tea
- a kettle (or boiling water)
Step 1. WARM THE TEAPOT: Boil about a cup of water in the kettle, and pour it into the teapot. Put the lid on and leave it.
Step 2. MAKE THE TEA: Add about 2 cups of water to the kettle and just before it comes to a boil, empty the hot water into the teapot and bring it close to the kettle. Add 2 to 3 teaspoonfuls of loose leaf tea (I prefer 3) directly into the teapot (or you can use an infuser if you have one). Pour the boiling water into the teapot, close the lid.
Step 3. STEEP THE TEA: Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes (I prefer 5 minutes), and allow the loose leaf tea to brew. If you have a tea cosy, you can put it on the teapot.
That’s it: you’ve made loose leaf tea! I told you there was nothing to it! Now all that’s left to do is to pour and enjoy.
If you have a tea strainer, you can use it to catch any stray leaves that may go into your cup. However, as you can see here, the tea leaves fall to the bottom of the pot, so it’s not necessary. Any stray leaves that may go into your cup will also fall to the bottom, so just give your tea a second to settle if you stir it with a spoon.
I take my tea with milk only, but it’s perfectly acceptable to add a little sugar. I highly recommend trying out any of my scone recipes. My afternoon tea scones are a classic, but you can also make these apple scones, which are very easy to make. Take your pick from any of these scone recipes.
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How to Make Loose Leaf Tea
The proper way to make British loose leaf tea.
Materials
- loose leaf tea
- water
Tools
- 2 or 4 cup teapot (preferably made in the UK or Europe/USA)
- kettle
Instructions
WARM THE TEAPOT, MAKE THE TEA, STEEP THE TEA
- Boil about a cup of water in the kettle, and pour it into the teapot. Put the lid on and leave it.
- Add about 2 cups of water to the kettle and just before it comes to a boil, empty the hot water into the teapot and bring it close to the kettle. Add 2 to 3 teaspoonfuls of loose leaf tea (I prefer 3) directly into the teapot (or you can use an infuser if you have one). Pour the boiling water into the teapot, close the lid.
- Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes (I prefer 5 minutes), and allow the loose leaf tea to brew. If you have a tea cosy, you can put it on the teapot.
Notes
- It is critical to the flavor of the tea for the water to be boiling, but don't let it boil for long. Don't re-boil water, either.
- Use good quality loose leaf tea for the best results.
- Add the milk after pouring the tea. (Do not add cream to British tea, only whole milk.)
- Sugar is optional.
- If you have a tea strainer, you can use it to catch any stray leaves that may go into your cup. However, the tea leaves fall to the bottom of the pot, so it's not necessary. Any stray leaves that may go into your cup will also fall to the bottom, so just give your tea a second to settle if you stir it with a spoon.
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