Welcome to the wonderful world of tea! There are so many varieties to choose from all with their own unique brewing requirements, and if you're just stepping in, it can feel overwhelming! This guide breaks down the different categories of tea and how to brew them for maximum flavor and benefits.
Why drink tea?
Before we dive into the specifics of brewing, let's look at why it's beneficial to add a tea ritual into your daily routine.
There are many health benefits to be gained from drinking medicinal herbs. From digestive support to heart health to calming anxiety, tea is a great way to take your herbal remedies. Check out our house-made tea blends curated for a variety of health issues!
Drinking tea helps to stay hydrated & boost energy. Our on-the-go culture can make us feel chronically de-hydrated and exhausted. Incorporating tea time into your day helps to slow down, nourish, and irrigate your cells to keep you fresh and healthy.
And lastly, ritual tea drinking is practiced around the world for mindfulness and meditation. Adding any kind of ritual to your day helps the mind to slow down, focus on the present moment, and engage your senses. Engaging the brain in ritual has proven to reduce stress and anxiety and make you feel more connected to your own body or your spirituality.
Supplies Needed
Don't have what you need? Check out our tea supplies and accessories!
For a cup of tea:
– A mug/cup
– A strainer/small linen bag
– Pot or tea kettle
– Water, preferably filtered
– 1-3 tsp of your choice of herbs/tea
per 1 cup water
For batching tea:
– French press or large jar/pitcher
– Large linen bag/cheese cloth to strain
– Pot or tea kettle
– Water, preferably filtered
– 1-3 tsp of your choice of herbs/tea
per 1 cup water
Heat water and pour over the herbs.
Scroll through the next section for instructions on different types of teas!
Tisanes/Herbal Teas are brewed differently for optimal nutrient extraction based on what part of the plant is used.
Leaves & Flowers Infusion: Steep minimum 10-30 min at 200°F. Steep overnight for maximum medicinal benefits.
Roots, Barks & Berries Decoction: Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer herbs for 5-10 min, covered. Turn off heat & steep for 30 min.
Steep white teas for 1-2 min at 165°F.
Pro Tip: White tea herbs can be re-steeped up to 4 times!
Steep green teas for 2-3 min at 170°F.
Pro Tip: Green tea herbs can be re-steeped up to 4 times!
Steep Oolong teas for 4 min at 190°F.
Pro Tip: Oolong tea herbs can be re-steeped up to 4 times!
Steep Pu-Erh teas for 4-5 min at 200°F.
Pro Tip: Pu-Erh tea herbs can be re-steeped up to 4 times!
Steep Rooibos teas for 5-10 min at 200°F.
Steep black teas for 3-5 min at 190°F.
