How to Make Loose Leaf Tea – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

What You Need to Use Loose Leaf Tea

The tools you need to make tea

• Loose leaf tea of your choice (green, black, oolong, etc.)
• Teapot, Covered bowl（gaiwan）, or tea strainer
• Kettle (with temperature control if possible)
• Fresh filtered water
• Teacup or mug

Remember to prepare your tools before making tea, and then you can make tea according to the steps.

How Much Loose Tea Per Cup? 

A good cup of tea starts with the right amount—generally 2 to 3 grams of loose leaf tea per 8-ounce cup, then adjust according to your tea type and personal taste.We covered this in detail in our article on How Much Loose Leaf Tea Per Cup,and you can also dive in deeper.

Tea Type	Amount per 8 oz cup
Green tea	1 tsp (~2g)
Black tea	1–1.5 tsp (~2.5–3g)
Oolong tea	1–2 tsp (~3g)
White tea	1 tsp (~2g)
Pu-erh tea	1 tsp (~3–4g)
Herbal tea	1.5–2 tsp (~3–4g)

How to brew Loose Leaf Tea– Step-by-Step Guide

Step1-Heat the Water

the Best Water Temperature for Loose Leaf Tea:

Tea Type	Water Temperature
Green tea	75–85°C（167–185°F）
Black tea	90–100°C（194–212°F）
Oolong tea	85–100°C（185–212°F）
White tea	80–90°C（176–194°F）
Pu-erh tea	95–100°C（203–212°F）
Herbal tea	90–100°C（194–212°F）

Step 2 – Measure and Add Tea Leaves

Measure and add loose leaf tea into a teapot or covered bowl（gaiwan）. The amount of tea varies depending on the type of tea and personal taste.

Step 3 – Add Hot Water

Pour the boiled hot water into the tea leaves in the teapot or covered bowl（gaiwan）.

Step 4 – Steep the Tea

How to Steep Loose Tea Properly-Steeping time for different types of tea：

Tea Type	Covered bowl(Gaiwan)	Yixing Teapot
Green tea	10–30 seconds	20–40 seconds
Black tea	10–30 seconds	20–40 seconds
Oolong tea	15–30 seconds	20–40 seconds
White Tea	20–40 seconds	30–60 seconds
Pu-erh tea	10–20 seconds	15–30 seconds
Herbal tea	30–60 seconds	1-2minutes

Note:Covered bowl(Gaiwan) highlights aroma; Yixing enhances body and roundness.

Step 5 – Strain and Serve

If you used an infuser, simply remove it. If the leaves are loose in your teapot, pour through a strainer. Sip and enjoy!

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – 《Tea and Health》states：For most adults, drinking 3–5 cups of tea per day is considered moderate and safe, providing beneficial antioxidants without excessive caffeine.

How to Use Loose Leaf Tea for the Best Flavor -Tips and Techniques

Choose Fresh, High-Quality Loose Leaf Tea

For the best taste, always start with premium loose leaf tea. Look for whole leaves with a strong, natural aroma and minimal tea dust or broken pieces. The fresher the tea, the more vibrant and complex the flavor.

Experiment with Brewing Variables

Getting the best flavor takes a bit of experimentation. Try different types of tea, adjust water temperature, and vary the steeping time. 

Re-Steep Your Leaves

High-quality loose leaf tea is meant to be re-steeped. Many teas—especially oolong, pu-erh, and green tea—can be infused 2 to 4 times, sometimes more. Each steep reveals new layers of flavor.

Store Your Tea Properly

To preserve freshness, store your tea in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid storing it near strong-smelling items, as tea can absorb odors easily.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best teapot for loose tea?

The best teapot for loose tea is a ceramic or glass teapot with a built-in infuser. These materials retain heat well and let the tea steep evenly. For traditional brewing, a Yixing clay teapot is great for oolong or pu-erh tea.

Can I reuse loose leaf tea?

Yes, you can reuse loose leaf tea—especially high-quality teas like oolong, pu-erh, and green tea. Many can be steeped 2 to 5 times, with some improving in flavor after the first brew. Just don’t wait too long between steeps

Can you cold brew loose leaf tea?

Absolutely. Use 2x the amount of tea and steep in cold water for 6–8 hours in the fridge.

Where to Buy Loose Leaf Tea – Try Dofo Tea

To enjoy the best flavor from loose leaf tea, it’s all about quality + technique. I believe that after reading the full text, you have mastered certain techniques.

So,If you're searching for where to buy high-quality loose leaf tea, try Dofo Tea — your source for authentic Chinese green, oolong, white, black, and pu-erh teas.

Carefully selected from traditional tea regions, Dofo Tea offers fresh, flavorful loose leaf tea you can trust—perfect for beginners and true tea lovers alike.