If you've ever stood in front of a wall of teas wondering where to start, you're not alone. Loose leaf tea can feel overwhelming at first — but once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the most rewarding rituals you can build into your day.
This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know: the main types of tea, how to brew each one properly, and how to store your tea so it stays fresh and flavorful.
The Main Types of Loose Leaf Tea
All true teas come from the same plant — Camellia sinensis — but the way the leaves are processed creates dramatically different flavors and experiences.
Green Tea is minimally processed and retains a fresh, grassy, sometimes vegetal flavor. It's high in antioxidants and best brewed at lower temperatures (around 170–180°F) to avoid bitterness.
Black Tea is fully oxidized, giving it a bold, robust flavor with natural tannins. It's the base for classic chai and pairs beautifully with milk. Brew at a full boil (212°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Oolong Tea sits between green and black — partially oxidized, with a complex flavor that ranges from floral and light to rich and toasty. Brew at 185–205°F for 3–5 minutes.
White Tea is the least processed of all teas, with a delicate, subtly sweet flavor. Use water around 160–170°F and steep for 4–5 minutes.
Herbal & Botanical Teas (technically "tisanes") are caffeine-free blends of herbs, flowers, and botanicals. Steep times and temperatures vary, but most do well at a full boil for 5–7 minutes.
Explore our full range of Loose Teas and Luxury Teas to find your perfect match.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
The difference between a great cup and a bitter, flat one usually comes down to three things: water temperature, steep time, and the right infuser.
1. Use the right amount of tea.
A general rule: 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz of water. For more delicate teas like white or green, you can go up to 1.5 teaspoons.
2. Heat your water to the right temperature.
Boiling water is not always best. Green and white teas are especially sensitive — too hot and they turn bitter. If you don't have a temperature-controlled kettle, let boiling water sit for 2–3 minutes before pouring.
3. Use a quality infuser.
A good infuser gives the leaves room to expand and release their full flavor. We love the Stainless Steel Basket Tea Infuser for everyday brewing — it's roomy, easy to clean, and works with any mug or teapot. For a more elegant setup, pair it with our Glass Teapot w/ Filter (1000ml) so you can watch the leaves unfurl as they steep.
4. Don't over-steep.
This is the most common mistake. Set a timer. Most teas become bitter or astringent if left too long — even by just a minute.
| Tea Type | Temperature | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 170–180°F | 2–3 min |
| White | 160–170°F | 4–5 min |
| Oolong | 185–205°F | 3–5 min |
| Black | 212°F | 3–5 min |
| Herbal | 212°F | 5–7 min |
How to Store Loose Leaf Tea
Proper storage is the most overlooked part of the tea experience. Even the finest tea will go flat if stored incorrectly.
Keep it away from light, heat, air, and moisture. These four elements are the enemies of fresh tea. Store your tea in an opaque, airtight container — not a glass jar on a sunny windowsill.
Don't store tea near strong odors. Tea leaves are highly absorbent and will pick up the scent of coffee, spices, or anything else nearby.
Use it within 6–12 months. Most loose leaf teas are best within a year of purchase. Green and white teas are more delicate and are best enjoyed within 6 months.
Ready to Start Brewing?
The best way to learn is to start. Pick one tea that sounds interesting, brew it properly, and pay attention to how it tastes. Then adjust — a little cooler, a little shorter steep — until it's exactly right for you.
Browse our Loose Teas collection to find your first (or next) favorite, and check out our Tea Infusers and Tea Sets to complete your brewing setup.
Happy steeping. 🍵