Loose leaf tea does not need to be fussy. A good cup usually comes down to three basics: fresh water, enough leaf, and a steep time that matches the tea.
Start with the simple baseline
Use about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea for every 8 ounce cup. If you like a stronger cup, add a little more tea instead of steeping much longer. Over-steeping can make some teas taste sharp or bitter.
Use water temperature as a guide
Black teas usually do well with very hot water. Green teas are more delicate, so let the kettle sit briefly before pouring. Herbal and fruit blends are forgiving and can usually handle a longer steep.
Adjust one thing at a time
If the cup tastes too light, use more leaf next time. If it tastes too strong, shorten the steep. This makes it easy to find your own version of a perfect cup.
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