How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea Properly

Did you know that the way you brew your herbal tea can influence how much of the beneficial plant compounds end up in your cup?

As a naturopath, I've always believed that choosing quality herbs is only part of the picture. How we prepare them matters too. From water temperature to steeping time, here are eight simple tips to help you get the most out of your loose leaf tea.

1. Start with quality herbs

Not all herbal teas are created equal. The quality, freshness and storage of your herbs can influence their flavour, aroma and naturally occurring plant compounds. At Mayde Tea, we carefully select organic herbs, flowers, roots and spices, with a focus on quality and traditional herbal knowledge.

2. Get the water temperature right 

Hotter isn't always better!
Water temperature influences which compounds are extracted from your herbs. Many herbal infusions are best brewed around 90–100°C, while delicate green teas generally prefer cooler water, around 70–80°C.
Using water that's too hot can also make certain teas taste bitter.

3. Always cover your tea when brewing

This is one of my favourite tips, that not many people know about!

Aromatic herbs like peppermint, lemon balm and chamomile contain volatile compounds that contribute to their beautiful fragrance. Some of these can escape with steam, so covering your tea while it steeps helps retain warmth and more of those lovely aromas. It's one of the reasons we designed our Mayde Tea Stainless Steel Infuser with a lid. Otherwise, use our teapot.

4. Give your herbs enought time to steep

A quick dip in hot water isn't always enough to extract the compounds you're after. Many herbal infusions benefit from around 5–10 minutes of steeping, depending on the ingredients. Always check the recommended brewing time for your blend.

5. Use enough tea

If your tea is too weak, you may not be extracting the amount of plant compounds you'd expect from a full serving. As a general guide, start with one teaspoon of loose leaf tea