A beginners guide to loose leaf tea
Tea really is a very versatile beverage that has many benefits.It can be a quick "pick me up" to kick start your day, or a soothing brew to "unwind" with.
You can serve it hot or cold, or use it in cooking recipes.
It has many health benefits including it's use as an aid to weight loss. Loose leaf tea comes in many varieties and flavours.
Next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. It has been enjoyed in eastern cultures for thousands of years. Here in the west we are finally discovering the pleasures and benefits that tea has to offer.
Whether you're a tea connoisser or a complete newbie, there's always something to tantalize your taste buds.
Photo courtesy of Wendy Copley
Which is the best loose leaf tea for me?
All true tea comes from the same plant (camellia sinensis). The difference is in the processing, which gives us an amazing range of tastes to experience.With so many choices of loose leaf tea available it can be quite hard to know just where to begin. I believe that choosing tea is a very personal thing and no one can really tell you what is the best tea for you. It's a bit like wine. Some people like dry some like sweet and so on. Ultimately your own taste buds will be the judge.
If you are lucky enough the live near a tea house this is the best way to go. You can simply try before you buy. Any good tea store will be able to offer advice and help you get started.
Many companies offer sample packs on-line so, (if like me) you don't have the advantage of a tea house nearby you can use this method of experimenting. Sample packs come in all types. You can get samples of all black tea or all green tea etc. Try and get one with a mixture of black and green teas.
Don't give up if you don't like the first one you try. Keep experimenting. You may find you prefer black teas and not green tea. Or vice versa. Also try iced tea instead of hot. It's all a matter of personal taste so have fun with it.
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When starting out the next thing you will need is a teapot. Choose something simple and inexpensive to begin with. My first teapot cost $2.50 and came with a built in mesh infuser, and I still use it sometimes. Do make sure you rinse the pot out well between brews so that the flavors don't contaminate each other. If you find that you like several different types of tea, you may want a different pot for each one, but you won't need that at first.
One more thing I should mention here is storage. There are a large range of loose tea storage containers. Just keep in mind that tea should be kept in air tight containers in a cool,dry and dark place.
Ok, so now you've got your choice of tea and a teapot. Now your ready for your next step.
Making loose leaf tea
It's not difficult to make the perfect cup of tea. You may read many variations on how to do this, but the only right way is the one that suits you.Always start with fresh water in the kettle, preferably filtered. Water that has been sitting has less oxygen in it. This can make the tea taste flat. Bring the water to the boil but don't let it boil too long as this also reduces the oxygen. The temperature should be a little cooler for green tea. I turn the kettle of just as it reaches the boil. Leave it a little longer for black tea. Pour some hot water into the pot to pre heat it. You can then tip this water into the cup to warm it as well. I only heat the cup if the weather is cold (not often where I live).
Now you add the tea to the pot, or infuser if you're using one. I was always taught, "one heaped teaspoon for each cup and one for the pot". You can add more or less to taste. Add the water and allow to steep 2-3 minutes for green tea and 3-5 minutes for black. Do not allow to steep for too long as this will make the tea bitter. If you like stronger flavored tea use more tea leaves.
Pour tea into cup, add milk and sweetener if desired. Enjoy.
You can find out more about organic teas at Edible Nature
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Some useful tea books on Amazon
The New Tea Book: A Guide to Black, Green, Herbal, and Chai Tea
Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 12/10/2009) 
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The Book of Tea: The Classic Work on the Japanese Tea Ceremony and the Value of Beauty
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 12/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Making Your Own Gourmet Tea Drinks: Black Teas, Green Teas, Scented Teas, Herb Teas, Iced Teas, and More!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/10/2009)
Did you know?
Did you know that you can buy teabags that you can fill yourself, with your favourite tea? How cool is that?
Many people don't like teabags because they are filled with inferior quality tea. Often just crumbs and dust.
At least if you make your own you know you have a quality product. It still may not give you the very best in flavor but it's a reasonable compromise.
Teapot or teabag
Tea connoissers will tell you the only way to drink tea is by brewing in at pot. I believe it's a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy your favorite tea made using a teabag, then go for it. Don't let the "experts" make you feel guilty about it.
Teabags are quick and convenient in our busy lives. However if you do find the time, do try making it in a pot when you can. It really does make a superior cup.
"Don't forget.
It's all about YOU
and what YOU prefer"
Saving loose tea leaves between infusions
Living in a humid sub tropical climate I keep mine in the fridge. Just pop the infuser on a saucer, cover it with an inverted teacup and pop it in the fridge.
What do you do?
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What's the difference?
The difference between tea varieties is mainly caused by how much oxygen the leaves absorb during processing. Other variations include where the tea was grown and time of harvest.
Below you will find just a few of the many varieties of tea available.
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White loose leaf tea
Organic White Peony Tea - Bai Mu Dan
White Peony is made from carefully picked tea buds and leaves, undergoing just steaming and drying to keep it close to its natural state. The latest medical findings suggest that white tea may be a more effective cancer fingter than even green tea. These findings have brought white teas to a higher level of popularity. They are also an alternative for people who want to enjoy the health benefits of green teas, but find some greens too strong for their taste.
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Organic Rose Silver Needle White Tea
Silver needle is the rarest and most spectacular of the white teas. Early in the spring, the individual leaf buds are picked before opening and carefully handcrafted into Yinzhen tea. Each bud is covered with white downy hair and the tea is known for its buttery, nutty flavor. We have added rose petals for added flavor and aroma. Rose is good for circulation and healthy for your heart.
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Silver Needle Tea, 2oz.
White tea from China. Silver Needle is among the most revered of Chinese teas, produced in the Fuding and Zhenhe districts of its Fujian province. Gathered only in the few days of early spring, the preparation of this tea is governed by strict requirements to ensure a premium product. This dedication to perfection is evident in the cup, which is sweet and delicate with a clean, airy fragrance. Our "Sublime Needle" is a Special Grade (Bai Hao) version of this exquisite tea.
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Snowbud Tea, 1oz.
White tea from the Fujian province of China. Snowbud as its name implies is an airy, light tea. And yields a cup worthy of its name: it is effervescent and graceful, with delicate, clean aroma. Snowbud is comprised exclusively of unprocessed leaves and buds, all gathered and dried in the early days of spring.
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Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Green loose leaf tea
Green Pekoe Tea, 3oz.
Green tea from the Fujian province of China. Green Pekoe is famed as an everyday tea, and is among the most popular teas consumed in China. Its thin, wavy leaves appear almost black when dry. Once infused, however, our "Green Pekoe Blues" reveals its true color. And produces a light cup with a smooth, mellow taste and a gentle, soothing aroma.
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Gunpowder Tea, 6oz.
Green tea from the Guangdong province of China. Gunpowder tea, as the name implies, is made up of leaves hand-rolled into tiny pellets. These resemble gunpowder, and give this tea its distinct name. Continuing this bang-bang theme, our special-grade version of this tea is named after a year that saw lots of cannon action. Our 1812 Gunpowder produces a full-bodied cup with a hint of smokiness. And mixes well with peppermint to produce a popular "Morocon Mint" tea.
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Sencha Tea, 5oz.
Green tea from the Shizuoka region of Japan. Sencha translates as "common," but there is nothing ordinary about this exquisite "spider leg" tea. The latter refers to the leaves long, slender shape. Our Sencha Overture is a wonderfully delicate second flush (summer) tea whose soothing taste and fresh green scent make it a perfect everyday treat.
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Matcha Green Tea Powder 4 oz bag of loose tea
The tea leaves for Matcha are shaded from the sun for about one month before being picked, resulting in a brighter green color and stronger taste. The processed leaves are ground into a fine powder. Japanese Matcha has a desirable sweetness not found in any other tea. 100% pure green tea.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/10/2009)
Oolong loose leaf tea
Jade Oolong Tea, 5oz.
Oolong tea from Taiwan. Formosa, meaning "beautiful" was what the Dutch explorers called this island. The oolong teas grown here continue to be called as such. Unlike its dark brethren, this is a Jade Oolong tea, almost green in appearance with large, hand-rolled leaves. Once infused, these unfurl to release this tea's delicate notes, exquisite flavor and enchanting fragrance.
Amazon Price: $17.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Fancy Oolong Tea, 3oz.
The intense pungency and exquisite bouquet of Formosa Oolong tea is regarded to be the finest in the world. However, only the finest of Formosa teas warrant the label of fancy grade. This is such tea. Our "Oolong Symphony no. 40 has dark, silver-tipped leaves and produces a mesmerizing cup of delicate peachy notes and warm, soothing flavor. Well deserving its nickname as the true champagne of teas.
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Pouchong Tea, 2oz.
Opus Pouchong is a lightly oxidized tea with large, wavy, dark-green leaves. It is arguably the most delicate tea produced in Taiwan, a country known for its share of delicate teas. It yields a light cup with delicate fragrance and a gentle, precociously sweet taste. An underrated tea we urge you not to overlook.
Amazon Price: $9.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Black loose leaf tea
Golden Monkey Tea, 4oz.
Black tea from the Fujian province of China. Golden Monkey tea is hand-processed each spring with a careful plucking of only one leaf and one bud. It is among the finest Chinese black teas available today. The name comes from its unique appearance: the leaves resemble monkey claws. If you enjoy full-bodied teas with an abundance of flavor, we urge you to give this tea a try.
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Lapsang Souchong Tea, 4oz.
Black tea from the Fujian province of China. Lapsang Souchong tea has a famously smoky aroma and flavor. To create this, tea leaves are dried in bamboo baskets over pine fires, achieving a perfect balance of smoke and tea flavor. Our "Eroica Caravan" typically draws strong reactions: youll either love it or hate it.
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
English Breakfast Tea, 4oz.
Black Keemun tea from the Anhui region of China. As its name implies, English Breakfast tea is an ideal accompaniment to a morning meal. Our exquisite version of this tea is made with the finest grade Keemun, prized for its rich chocolaty flavor, and sumptuous aroma. May be enjoyed plain or with a drop of milk. It remains one of our most popular varieties.
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Gourmet Assam Tea, 4oz.
Black tea from the Assam region of India. Assam tea brews up a burgundy-red cup with rich aroma and strong malty taste. The latter makes Assam an ideal breakfast-time tea. Our "Assam Melody" is a flavorful second-flush (summer) tea from the well-regarded Meleng estate.
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Flavoured loose leaf tea
Mandarin Green Tea, 4oz.
Green tea from China with the delicate flavors of orange and cinnamon. A happy marriage of great taste and proven health benefits. Just the right touch of added flavors to liven up the cup. Makes a light and refreshing drink thats popular both hot and iced. If you are new to green tea, this lightly flavored tea may be a good place to begin.
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Peach Tea, 4oz.
Premium black tea from China flavored with ripe peaches. A summer grove treat, delectable both hot and cold. If you have yet to try gourmet peach tea, youll be pleasantly surprised by its superior taste. Indulge your taste buds.
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Mango Tea, 4oz.
Premium black tea from China flavored with pieces of ripe mango. A tropical treat, delectable both hot and cold. If you have yet to try gourmet mango tea, youll be pleasantly surprised by its superior taste. Indulge your taste buds.
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Genmai Cha Tea, 5oz.
Green tea from Japan that is the snap, crackle, pop of teas. Genmai Cha is an exotic Japanese recipe that combines popped rice and corn with tender and delicate green tea leaves. First used by peasants as a cost-saving measure, our Genmai Cha Pop tea is now equally popular with modern urbanites. Both groups enjoy a refreshing cup thats both sweet and nutty.
Amazon Price: $8.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Forest Berries Tea, 4oz.
Premium black tea from China flavored with summer berries. A summer-anytime treat, delectable both hot and cold. If you have yet to try gourmet berries tea, youll be pleasantly surprised by its superior taste.
Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/10/2009)
Chai
Organic Classic Chai Loose Leaf Tea
Our customers tell us that this chai is the best they have ever tasted! Using a malty Assam tea and a delicate balance of just the right organic spices.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/10/2009)
Masala Chai Loose Leaf Tea - 2oz
A spicy Indian Chai blended with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla.
Amazon Price: $5.45 (as of 12/10/2009)
Green Chai Loose Leaf Tea - 2oz
Healthful and fragrant, a combination of green tea and select spices.
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/10/2009)
Flowering tea
These dried flowers are handsewn into a tight ball. When you place the ball into hot water it will sink to the bottom and begin to unfurl to a full bloom flower. They use different types of flowers and each will lend its own flavour to the tea.
Can you believe that?
Numi's Bouquet Bamboo Gift Set with Clear Teapot and Nine Flowering Teas
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $24.60 (as of 12/10/2009)
Primula Gift Set of 12 Assorted Green Tea Flowers
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $14.24 (as of 12/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Primula Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot with Glass Lid
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 12/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
10 Jasmine Blooming Flower Tea
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/10/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
How to make Matcha Tea
Are you a tea lover or not?
Do you like tea? Did you find this lens helpful? If you'd like to ask a question or leave a comment I'd love to hear from you.
Hope you come back soon as I'm still adding new stuff.
Thanks for dropping by.
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Reply
- bygproductions bygproductions Oct 30, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
- Glad you found the Wide Shoe Lens Helpful. From one tea lover to another.
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Reply
- JoyfulPamela JoyfulPamela Oct 28, 2009 @ 6:14 am
- I can't make it through the day without a wonderful cup of tea. Thanks for showcasing all the interesting flavors!
Pamela
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Reply
- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Oct 23, 2009 @ 10:18 am
- I definitely like tea and I usually have loose leaf tea these days. Squid Angel Blessings to you
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Reply
- eytans_art eytans_art Oct 13, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
- Beautiful lens! great pictures!!
5 stars!
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Reply
- susannaduffy susannaduffy Oct 12, 2009 @ 1:07 am
- Another top class lens from you and a great read over my lapsang souchong. Blessed by an Angel today (squidoo.com/october-blessings)
- Load More
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