Loose leaf tea offers more flavour, aroma, and control than tea bags. If you’re new to loose leaf tea, it can feel slightly intimidating at first, but the process is simple once you understand the basics. This guide explains how to brew loose leaf tea like Velora Tea, with clear equipment options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
Why Choose Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea uses whole or partially whole leaves rather than finely ground tea dust. This allows the leaves to unfurl properly in hot water, releasing more complex flavours and aromas. It also gives you control over strength, temperature, and brewing time.
The Essentials You’ll Need
At its core, brewing loose leaf tea requires only three things:
- Loose leaf tea
- Hot water
- A way to separate the leaves from the liquid
How you achieve that final step depends on the equipment you choose.
Equipment Options (From Simple to Refined)
1. Tea Infuser Basket (Best All‑Round Option)
A tea infuser basket sits inside your mug or teapot and holds the loose leaves while they steep.
Best features:
- Large enough for the leaves to expand fully
- Easy to remove and clean
- Affordable and widely available
Who it’s for:
Ideal for everyday brewing at home or work. This is the most practical starting point for loose leaf tea.
2. Teapot with Built‑In Infuser
Many teapots include a removable metal or ceramic infuser.
Best features:
- Allows multiple cups from one brew
- Good heat retention
- Suitable for sharing
Who it’s for:
Perfect if you regularly brew tea for more than one person or enjoy a slower, more ritual‑based tea experience.
3. Teapot + Strainer (Traditional Method)
This method uses a standard teapot and a separate strainer placed over the cup when pouring.
Best features:
- Maximum space for leaves to open
- Traditional and visually appealing
Who it’s for:
Those who enjoy classic tea preparation and don’t mind an extra step.
4. Tea Press (French‑Press Style)
A tea press works like a coffee French press, with a mesh plunger to separate leaves after brewing.
Best features:
- Excellent flavour extraction
- Easy to control brew time
- Works well for herbal and green teas
Who it’s for:
People who enjoy precision and already own similar coffee equipment.
5. Travel Infuser Mug
An insulated mug with a built‑in infuser for brewing on the go.
Best features:
- Portable and mess‑free
- Keeps tea warm
- Ideal for commuting
Who it’s for:
Anyone who wants loose leaf tea outside the home without carrying extra tools.
How Much Tea Should You Use?
As a general guide:
- 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup (250ml)
- Adjust to taste depending on leaf size and personal preference
Velora Tea blends are designed to be forgiving, so small adjustments won’t ruin the brew.
Water Temperature Matters
Using the correct water temperature prevents bitterness and preserves delicate flavours.
- Green tea: 70–80°C (allow boiled water to cool for 5–7 minutes)
- Black tea: 95–100°C
- Herbal blends: 95–100°C
If you don’t have a temperature‑controlled kettle, time and observation are usually sufficient.
Brewing Time
- Green tea: 2–3 minutes
- Black tea: 3–5 minutes
- Herbal blends: 5–7 minutes
Longer brewing increases strength but can also introduce bitterness, especially with green tea.
Final Tips for Better Loose Leaf Tea
- Give the leaves space to move – cramped infusers reduce flavour
- Remove the leaves once brewing is complete
- Experiment slightly to find your preferred balance
Loose leaf tea is less about perfection and more about enjoying the process.
Enjoying Velora Tea
Velora Tea is crafted to highlight quality ingredients and subtle flavour balance. Whether you choose a simple infuser or a full teapot setup, the goal is the same: a calm, thoughtful cup of tea that fits into your day.
If you’re new to loose leaf tea, start simple. One good infuser and a favourite mug is all you need to begin.