How to Brew SUN-T Loose Leaf Tea
Instructions how to brew SUN-T Loose Leaf Tea Blends; steeping tea for 8 hours results in the best tea
Quick Guide Step by step guide is further down on this page
Measurements
Use 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of warm water, recommended to steep for at least 8 hours, minimum 3 hours. I recommend this tea kettle that holds 64 oz. of water and makes me about 8 cups
Temperature
I do not take the temperature of my water. It's just an extra step that I don't believe I need. However, I formulate my blends to steep in warm water - not boiling. Boil the water in a tea kettle, then let the water cool for at least 10 mins. After cooling, add the loose leaf blend to the tea kettle.
Steep with TIME!
The longer the steep time, the better tasting tea you will have. I personally steep my teas for at least 8 hours or overnight. Adding more tea or herbs for better taste is not the answer. In order to fully release all the aromatics and constituents in loose leaf tea blends, 8 hours is recommended, 3 hours minimum.
Strain
You will want to use a fine mesh strainer as none of my blends include tea bags. I recommend this strainer here. Commercial tea bags contain chemicals that alter the taste of the tea and release microplastics in your cup. Even though tea bags are more convenient they often release microplastics, alter the taste of the tea for the worse, aren't fresh in their taste (been on the market for year(s), and claim to take under 10 minutes.
It is easy to prepare before bed, and the tea is ready when you wake up. If you purchase the 64 oz tea kettle, you'll have up to 8 cups of beautifully brewed tea for the next day.
Further recommendations for best tea flavor with specific blends
Purple Punch: hibiscus releases its flavor very quickly compared to many other herbs. However, it is super sensitive to heat. If you boil the water and add the Purple Punch blend, it will not steep well and result in a poor steeped tea. Add purple punch to warm water. You will know you've steeped it correctly when you see your water instantly turns purple.
Toronto: SUN-T blend, Toronto includes ceylon cinnamon as a main ingredient. Since cinnamon is a bark, it's best simmered. Typically, barks & roots are best boiled. However, Toronto also includes the leaf of field balm and the flower petals of calendula. So, in order to get the best flavor, I add Toronto to warm water first and then simmer for 10 minutes before allowing for the steep step
Step by Step Guide
You will need:
SUN-T Loose leaf tea blend
Fresh water
A kettle or pot for boiling water - I recommend this one
A teaspoon
A tea strainer, infuser, or fine mesh sieve - I recommend this one
Boil the water first
Start by boiling the water in a kettle or pot. Bring it fully to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
This step makes the process simple and consistent. You do not need to catch the water at a perfect temperature. Just boil it, then wait.
Wait until the water simmers down
After boiling, let the water settle. Wait until the rolling bubbles stop and the water is no longer actively boiling. It should look calm. Steam is fine; but no boiling or simmering bubbles.
If you add loose leaf tea while the water is still boiling hard, you risk pulling out bitterness too quickly and potentially no steep (example, with hibiscus) . If you boil the tea leaves directly water, the tea can taste cooked, dull, or astringent.
The goal is warm, non-boiling water.
Add 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water
Use: 1 teaspoon loose leaf tea for every 8 ounces of warm water
If you are making 16 ounces, use 2 teaspoons. If you are making 32 ounces, use 4 teaspoons.
Add the measured loose leaf tea blend to your warm water. If the leaves float on top, give the tea a gentle stir.
Do not crush the leaves. Loose leaf tea should have space to open naturally.
The basic loose leaf tea ratio
1 teaspoon loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of warm water
That is the foundation. Of course, you can adjust to your liking. It works for a single cup, a glass jar, a teapot, or a larger pitcher.
Amount of tea | Amount of water | Best use |
1 teaspoon | 8 oz | One standard cup |
2 teaspoons | 16 oz | Large mug or small jar |
4 teaspoons | 32 oz | Quart-size pitcher |
8 teaspoons | 64 oz | Half-gallon batch |
The ratio matters because overnight steeping gives the tea plenty of time. Too much tea can become heavy or dry on the finish. Too little tea can taste thin, even after many hours.
Start with the basic ratio first. Once you know how that tea behaves, adjust to your taste from there.
For stronger tea, add a little more leaf next time. For lighter tea, use slightly less. Try not to fix weak tea by boiling it. Boiling the tea itself can make the flavor rough instead of fuller.
Cover and steep for 8 hours or overnight
Cover the jar, pitcher, or teapot. This keeps dust out and helps preserve aroma.
I recommend to let the tea steep for at least 8 hours, 3 hrs minimum. Overnight is best.
During this time, the leaves slowly release their flavor into the water. The color will deepen. The aroma will become more noticeable. The taste will grow stronger.
For best results, prepare the tea before bed and strain it in the morning. If you like a stronger brew, let it go longer. With this method, the longer the steep, the better the tea.
If your kitchen is warm, you can place the covered tea in the refrigerator after the water has cooled down a bit. Many people enjoy overnight tea chilled, You can also gently re-warm it later if you prefer hot tea.
Strain before drinking
Once the tea has steeped overnight, strain out the leaves.
Use a fine mesh strainer, and pour your tea in your favorite tea cup. A gentle strain is enough.
Now taste the tea before adding anything. Good overnight loose leaf tea often has enough body to drink plain.
If you've had my samples, I personally add pure agave to my tea blends. However, you can also, add:
Ice
Lemon
Honey
Milk
Fresh mint or other herbs
Add milk or sweetener after brewing, not before the overnight steep. Plain tea leaves and water give you the cleanest flavor and the most control.
For further questions, email, sunflowerfrom97.com
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