Tea Brewing Tips: Getting the Most from Your STEAP Mug
A simple guide to brewing loose-leaf tea
Brewing loose-leaf tea is simple, and once you get the hang of it, it quickly becomes part of a daily routine.
Your STEAP mug is designed to make the process easy: add the leaves to the infuser, pour hot water, let them steep, then remove the infuser and enjoy. Below is everything you need to know to get the best from your brew.
The Basics
For most loose-leaf teas, a good starting point is:
- 1 teaspoon of tea
- 250–300ml hot water
- 2–4 minutes brewing time
Add the tea to the infuser, pour over hot water, and allow the leaves to unfurl and steep. Once brewed to your taste, remove the infuser and enjoy.
Water Temperature
Different teas prefer slightly different temperatures. As a rough guide:
| Tea | Temperature | Brew Time |
|---|---|---|
| Green tea | 70–80°C | 2–3 minutes |
| Oolong tea | 80–90°C | 3–4 minutes |
| Black tea | 90–100°C | 3–4 minutes |
| Herbal infusions | 90–100°C | 4–5 minutes |
If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, allow freshly boiled water to cool for a minute before pouring.
The Cold Water Trick
If your water has just boiled, adding a small splash of cold water directly into the mug before brewing helps bring the temperature down quickly — particularly useful for delicate teas like green tea. This simple step prevents the leaves from burning, reduces bitterness, and brings out more balanced, nuanced flavours.
Re-Using Your Leaves
One of the great pleasures of loose-leaf tea is that the leaves can be brewed more than once. Simply re-steep with slightly longer brewing times for each infusion. Many teas — especially oolongs and greens — reveal different flavour notes on the second or third brew.
Finding Your Perfect Brew
Tea brewing isn't an exact science. Adjust the amount of leaves, steeping time, and water temperature to suit your taste.
- Too strong? Reduce the brewing time.
- Too light? Add a little more tea or steep slightly longer.
Part of the enjoyment of loose-leaf tea is discovering the balance that suits you best.
Love the Leaves
Loose-leaf tea offers deeper flavour, more aroma, and a more enjoyable brewing ritual. STEAP was designed to make that ritual simple enough to enjoy every day.