The brewing guide
How to brew loose-leaf tea.
Kettle on, pick a mug, and watch the color leave the leaves. Here's how Sarah does it.
Sarah's tea ritual
Watch the color bloom.
Some people call it a moment. Sarah calls it her ritual: the same few steps every cup, and a minute to watch the color leave the leaves.
Kettle on
Fresh water to a full boil, 212°F, right when the kettle whistles.
Pick a mug
Sarah's cabinet of Polish pottery is a flower garden of mugs. Choose the one that fits the day.
Steep and watch
Loose leaf in a glass jug or teapot, hot water over it, then 5–10 minutes. Watch the color leave the leaves.
Sip
Plain, with a spoonful of honey, or poured warm over ice to cool it fast. For sun tea, ¼ cup per half gallon in a sunny window for 3–4 hours.
- How hot should the water be?
- A full boil, 212°F: when the kettle whistles, it's ready. Sarah's herbal blends take the water straight from the kettle.
- How long should loose-leaf tea steep?
- 5–10 minutes, depending on the blend. Longer gives a deeper cup, and you can watch the color tell you when it's ready.
- Do I need an infuser?
- No. Sarah puts a small pinch straight into a glass jug, lets the leaves float, and pours through the lid when it's ready. A strainer or infuser works too.
- What's the difference between loose leaf and tea bags?
- Loose leaf goes straight into the water with nothing around it, so the herbs have room to open and you can see exactly what you're drinking.
- How do I make sun tea?
- Put ¼ cup per half gallon in a sunny window for 3–4 hours, then pour it over ice.
- Can I drink it iced?
- Yes. Brew it hot, then pour it over ice while it's still warm to cool it fast, the way Sarah does on the go. Her Re-balance is even better that way.