Why aren't we in the habit of consuming loose tea?

Although we are all accustomed to brewing our tea in a bag purchased at the supermarket, because of the simplicity of the process and the speed of preparation, it is necessary to emphasize that the brewed tea leaves offer a different experience. Depending on the infusion method and the tea chosen, when it is not in a bag, the aromatic complexity is often more fascinating, as it allows us to go further in the tasting by developing many more flavors. 

In the West, it is common to see the majority of tea drinkers favoring teabags, probably for fear of not knowing how to properly brew tea leaves.

In reality, they are not to blame, as the preparation of loose tea often comes with some pretty strict rules that can be quickly discouraging. These rules dictate the amount of tea to be poured per cup, brewing times, water temperature, etc. This requires a precise knowledge of the capacity of your mug or teapot, a good measuring device or scale to obtain the exact dose of tea, a thermometer for the temperature, and finally a stopwatch to remove the leaves from the infusion at the right time. 

In order to make this seemingly endless brewing protocol easier and more enjoyable, I personally use the following tips:

1. The kettle I use has a temperature scale with four different degrees Celsius (85-90-95-100). The proper temperature varies depending on the tea you choose. Generally, the most common brewing temperatures are around 80°- 95°C. However, it is important to note that the lower the water temperature, the longer the brewing process.

2. As for the amount of tea, I usually measure by eye depending on the number of cups to be filled. If I'm drinking my tea alone, I won't use more than a teaspoon (2 to 3 grams). A denser tea requires less quantity per cup than a tea with bulky leaves. Then, the quantity obviously increases according to the number of guests.

3. It is very important to keep an eye on the brewing time of your tea so that it is not too strong, or even impossible to taste. I used to set the timer on my smartphone to monitor the time. In the meantime, I decided to use three hourglasses in one, which can be found in many tea stores. Each hourglass has its own dedicated elapsed time. So I can easily trust the one that designates the brewing time that corresponds to the tea that will be served. 

The ordinary method of "making tea" [...] is simply to put as much tea as can be pinched with the fingers into a vase, pour boiling water over it, and cover the vase. The beverage is then taken at leisure, and a second infusion can be obtained by means of another dose of boiling water.

William C. Milne, 1858

Despite the rules of brewing that seem to be all mixed up, do as the kitchen does! If the recipe seems complicated, follow your instincts and enjoy your tea without constraints.

Enjoy the tasting, 

Sabreen