Tea 101

Basic Brewing Principles

Tea brewing setNothing beats the taste of a fresh brew made from Carlisle Tea’s fine quality loose leaf teas. It is easy and rewarding to brew your own tea at home by following these simple principles:

  1. Everyone has their preferred way of brewing loose leaf tea, whether it’s with a plunger (also known as a French Press), a glass or ceramic teapot, or a handy one cup infuser. Some methods suit a single brew (ie a tea infuser), and some a multiple serve, where water is added to refill the pot.
  2. Use high quality fresh tea leaves for optimum taste, and store your tea leaves appropriately to seal in freshness.
  3. Start with cold, fresh water. Use bottled or filtered water if your local tap water is low quality.
  4. Preheat your tea making vessel and cups with boiled water. This will help to release the full flavour of the tea.
  5. Use the correct amount of tea leaves for your chosen type of tea.
  6. Use the correct temperature water. Please see our detailed brewing tips under each tea type for recommended temperatures.
  7. Brew the tea for the appropriate length of time. Please see our detailed brewing tips for recommended times too.