The Art of Brewing

There’s nothing quite like a properly brewed cup of loose-leaf tea. Whether using a traditional teapot or one with an infuser basket, follow these simple steps for the perfect brew.

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Loose-Leaf Tea

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How to Make the Perfect Cup of Loose-Leaf Tea 〰️

Using a Traditional Teapot

  1. Boil fresh water. Always use freshly drawn water from the tap. For black tea, bring it to a full rolling boil.

  2. Warm your teapot. Pour a little boiling water into the empty teapot, swirl it around and discard. This helps keep your tea at the ideal brewing temperature.

  3. Add your loose-leaf tea. Use approximately one teaspoon (2–3g) of tea per person, plus an optional extra teaspoon for the pot if you prefer a stronger brew.

  4. Pour on the water. Add freshly boiled water, ensuring all the tea leaves are submerged.

  5. Allow to brew. Leave for 3–5 minutes, depending on the tea and your preferred strength. This allows the leaves to unfurl and release their wonderful flavours.

  6. Pour and enjoy. Give the tea a gentle stir, then pour through a tea strainer into your favourite cup. Serve with milk or lemon if desired.

Using a Teapot with an Infuser Basket

  1. Boil fresh water and warm your teapot as above.

  2. Measure your tea. Place approximately one teaspoon (2–3g) of loose-leaf tea per person into the infuser basket.

  3. Allow room for the leaves. Don't overfill the basket. Loose-leaf tea needs space to expand and release its full flavour.

  4. Add hot water. Pour the water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.

  5. Brew for 3–5 minutes. Adjust the brewing time to suit your taste.

  6. Remove the infuser basket. Once brewed to perfection, lift out the basket to prevent the tea becoming too strong or bitter.

  7. Serve and savour. Pour into your favourite cup and enjoy!

Recommended Brewing Temperatures & Times

English Breakfast

  • 100°C

  • 3–5 minutes

Earl Grey

  • 100°C

  • 3–4 minutes

Darjeeling

  • 90–95°C

  • 3–4 minutes

Green Tea

  • 75–85°C

  • 2–3 minutes

Peppermint

  • 100°C

  • 5–7 minutes

Fruit Infusions

  • 100°C

  • 5–8 minutes

Rooibos

  • 100°C

  • 5–7 minutes

A Few Tips from Norfolk Tea

  • Never rush a good cup of tea. Give the leaves time to release their natural flavours and aromas.

  • Avoid squeezing the tea leaves. This can release unwanted bitterness.

  • For a stronger cup, use more tea rather than brewing for too long.

  • Always use fresh water. Repeatedly boiling water can affect the flavour.

  • Use a generous infuser basket. The more freedom the leaves have to move, the better the infusion.

At Norfolk Tea, we believe making a wonderful cup of tea should be a simple pleasure. Good-quality leaves, fresh water, and a little patience are all you need.

Norfolk Tea – A Proper Cup of Tea, Every Time.

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