10 Mistakes New Loose Leaf Tea Drinkers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Here at Teaspoon, we’re all about loose leaf tea, and we want you to have the best experience—so you can love it as much as we do!

Many people switch to loose leaf tea but don’t get the best results because of common mistakes. Keep reading to find out what to avoid and how to fix it.

1. Using Too Much or Too Little Tea

The most important tool when making loose leaf tea is the teaspoon. This will help you measure the right amount to suit your taste. A heaped teaspoon is around 2 grams of loose tea—about the same as a teabag. Use more tea if you like a stronger brew or less if you prefer it lighter.

2. Steeping Too Long or Too Short

Once you have the right amount of tea, the next mistake is not infusing the leaves for the correct amount of time. Loose tea has larger leaves than teabag tea, so they need time to unfurl and release their full flavour. The ideal steeping time depends on the type of tea:

• Black tea: 3–5 minutes

• Green tea: 2 minutes (to prevent bitterness)

• Herbal and fruit teas: 5 minutes

Set a timer on your phone to remove the leaves at just the right moment!

3. Using the Wrong Water Temperature

Although all tea comes from the same plant—Camellia sinensis—how it is processed affects the brewing temperature.

• Black, herbal, and fruit teas: 98–100°C

• Green and oolong teas: 80–95°C

• White teas: 85–90°C

If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, let the water cool for a few moments before pouring.

4. Not Using the Right Infuser

There are so many tea infusers available that it can be difficult to choose one. The best advice? The bigger, the better! A larger infuser gives the tea leaves more space to unfurl properly, releasing all their delicious flavour.

5. Reusing Leaves Incorrectly

Many loose leaf teas can be reinfused, making each cup more cost-effective. Oolong teas are particularly good for multiple infusions, with each steep revealing new flavours. Green teas also work well when reinfused. Simply keep the leaves in the infuser and add hot water when you're ready for another cup.

6. Storing Tea Improperly

To keep your loose tea fresh, store it in an airtight, opaque container. UV light can deteriorate the leaves, so keep them in a cool, dark place—away from strong-smelling foods like spices, as tea absorbs odours. A tea caddy or our resealable pouches are perfect for keeping your tea in top condition.

7. Drinking Tea Too Hot

Besides burning your tongue, drinking tea straight away means you won’t experience its full flavour. Let your tea cool slightly before sipping—it makes for a smoother, more refreshing cup.

8. Ignoring Water Quality

The best tea is made with filtered water, which enhances its clarity and taste. If filtered water isn’t an option, adjust the amount of tea or steeping time to suit your tap water. This helps balance any mineral content that might affect the flavour.

9. Not Experimenting with Different Teas

Variety is the spice of life—and the same goes for tea! The world of loose leaf tea is vast, so explore different types. If you don’t enjoy one variety, try another. For example, I prefer Chinese black teas over Indian ones because they’re smoother and less astringent. Identify what you like and dislike, then experiment from there!

10. Thinking Loose Leaf Is Too Complicated

If you’re used to teabags, switching to loose leaf might seem like a hassle—but it’s really simple. All you need is a teaspoon, a kettle, an infuser, and some loose tea. That’s it!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll find loose leaf tea easy, enjoyable, and absolutely delicious. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start your loose leaf tea adventure!