Loose-leaf tea gives the leaves more room to open and release aroma than many standard tea bags. The basic method is simple: use the right amount of tea, choose a suitable water temperature and adjust the infusion time to your taste.
A useful starting ratio
Start with approximately 2–3 g of loose tea for 250 ml of water. A small kitchen scale gives the most consistent result, but one level teaspoon is often a practical starting point for many loose teas.
Green tea
Green tea can become bitter when the water is too hot or the infusion is too long. Start with water at approximately 75–85°C and infuse for 2–3 minutes. For Breath of Light, this approach helps preserve its clean, fresh and delicate character.
Black tea
Black tea handles hotter water well. Use water at approximately 90–100°C and infuse for 3–5 minutes. Minty Garden combines black tea with a cooling mint character and can also be cooled and served over ice.
Rooibos and herbal infusions
Rooibos and herbal blends generally benefit from freshly boiled water and a longer infusion of around 5–8 minutes. They are forgiving and can be steeped longer for a stronger cup. Heather Wilderness Rooibos and Bedtime Tea are naturally caffeine-free options.
Matcha is prepared differently
Matcha is a powdered green tea, so it is whisked into water rather than infused and removed. Sift a small amount of Orvianco Matcha into a bowl, add water below boiling temperature and whisk until smooth and lightly foamy.
Adjust the cup to your taste
If the tea is too weak, use slightly more leaf rather than automatically extending the infusion. If it is bitter, reduce the water temperature or shorten the time. Record the amount, temperature and time you prefer so the next cup is easy to repeat.
Explore the complete Orvianco tea collection for green tea, black tea, matcha, rooibos, herbal tea and yerba mate.