Why Loose Leaf Tea Is Worth the Extra Step
Loose leaf tea isn't just a ritual — it's a better cup. Whole tea leaves have room to unfurl and release their full flavour, something a tea bag simply can't replicate. If you've invested in quality Ceylon tea, brewing it properly makes all the difference.
What You'll Need
- Loose leaf tea (we recommend starting with Kasora Tasmanian Breakfast or Golden Reserve)
- A tea infuser, strainer, or glass teapot
- Filtered water
- A kettle with temperature control (ideal but not essential)
Step 1: Use the Right Amount of Tea
The golden rule: 1 teaspoon (2–3g) of loose leaf tea per 250ml of water. For a stronger brew, add more tea — not more steeping time. Over-steeping is the most common mistake and leads to bitterness.
Step 2: Get Your Water Temperature Right
Water temperature is one of the most overlooked variables in tea brewing. Boiling water (100°C) is perfect for black teas like our Ceylon blends. For green or herbal teas, aim for 75–85°C to avoid scorching the leaves.
- Black tea (Tasmanian Breakfast, Golden Reserve, Royal Leaf): 95–100°C
- Green tea (Emerald Reserve): 75–80°C
- Herbal teas (Rosella Hibiscus, Butterfly Pea Flower): 90–95°C
Step 3: Steep for the Right Amount of Time
Steeping time varies by tea type and personal preference. Start at the lower end and adjust to taste:
- Black tea: 3–5 minutes
- Green tea: 2–3 minutes
- Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes
Set a timer — it's easy to forget and end up with a bitter cup.
Step 4: Re-steep Your Leaves
One of the great advantages of quality loose leaf tea is that the leaves can be steeped multiple times. Premium Ceylon black teas like our Golden Reserve will yield 2–3 excellent infusions. Each steep reveals slightly different flavour notes — the second infusion is often smoother and more nuanced than the first.
Simply add 30–60 seconds to each subsequent steep.
A Note on Water Quality
If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, it will affect the taste of your tea. Filtered water makes a noticeable difference, especially with delicate teas. This is one reason we recommend a simple jug filter if you're serious about your brew.
Ready to Brew?
Explore our range of premium loose leaf Ceylon teas — sourced from the highlands of Sri Lanka and packed in Tasmania. Each variety comes with recommended brewing notes on the packaging.