How to Steep Loose Leaf Tea for the Perfect Cup

There is something beautifully intentional about brewing loose leaf tea. Unlike tea bags, loose leaves have room to unfurl, releasing their full aroma, flavour, and character. Whether you’re beginning your morning slowly or winding down after a long day, a well-steeped cup turns an ordinary moment into a ritual.

Measure Your Tea

For most loose leaf teas, use 1–2 teaspoons of tea for every 8 ounces (240 mL) of water.

If you enjoy a stronger cup, simply add a little more tea rather than steeping it for much longer.

Heat Your Water

Different teas prefer different temperatures.

• Herbal Tea: 100°C (212°F)

• Black Tea: 95–100°C

• Green Tea: 75–85°C

• White Tea: 80–85°C

• Oolong Tea: 85–95°C

Using the correct temperature helps preserve delicate flavours while preventing bitterness.

Steep

General steeping times:

• Herbal Tea: 5–7 minutes

• Black Tea: 3–5 minutes

• Green Tea: 2–3 minutes

• White Tea: 3–5 minutes

• Oolong Tea: 4–6 minutes

Many loose leaf teas can also be steeped more than once, revealing new layers of flavour with each infusion.

Enjoy the Ritual

Tea is more than a beverage—it is an invitation to slow down. Take a moment to notice the fragrance rising from your cup, the warmth in your hands, and the quiet pause before the first sip. Sometimes the ritual itself is just as nourishing as the tea.

A Few Tips

• Use fresh, filtered water whenever possible.

• Cover your mug or teapot while steeping to retain heat and aroma.

• Store your tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.

• Experiment with steeping times until you find the flavour you enjoy most.

At Veleno Botanica, every blend is crafted with the belief that small rituals can transform ordinary moments into something beautiful. We hope each cup encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.