Loose-Leaf Tea

Loose-leaf tea is considered superior to bagged tea due to the quality of the leaves and the brewing process. Whole leaves, which are typically used for loose-leaf tea, retain more essential oils and natural compounds that give the tea its aroma and flavor. When steeped, these whole leaves have room to unfurl fully, releasing their complex flavors and providing a deeper, richer taste. In contrast, bagged tea often contains broken leaves, tea dust, or fannings, which lose much of their natural oils during processing, leading to a flat, one-dimensional taste. Additionally, loose-leaf tea allows you to control the amount you brew, making it easier to adjust the strength to your personal preference.

Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your loose-leaf tea. The best way to store tea is in an airtight container, preferably made of opaque materials such as tin, ceramic, or dark-colored glass, which will protect it from light. Exposure to sunlight, heat, and moisture can degrade the quality of tea over time, so it’s important to store the container in a cool, dry place, away from strong odors like spices or perfumes that could be absorbed by the leaves. Avoid using clear glass containers unless they are stored in a dark cabinet. Storing tea in the refrigerator or freezer is generally not recommended as the fluctuating temperatures and humidity can cause condensation, which could spoil the tea.

Yes, one of the great advantages of loose-leaf tea is that it can often be steeped multiple times, with each infusion offering slightly different flavors. This is particularly true for higher-quality teas like oolongs, Pu-erh, and some green and white teas, where subsequent steepings reveal new layers of flavor and aroma. The number of times you can resteep the tea depends on the type and quality. For instance, oolong teas are known to last for 5–8 infusions, while a good quality white tea can be brewed up to 3–5 times. When resteeping, it’s generally recommended to increase the steeping time slightly with each infusion to extract the full range of flavors.

The brewing process for loose-leaf tea varies based on the tea type, but the essentials include using a tea infuser, teapot, or Gaiwan to steep the tea. Water temperature is particularly important for optimal flavor extraction:

• Green teas: 160-180°F (70-80°C) to prevent bitterness.
• White teas: 170-185°F (75-85°C) to preserve their delicate flavors.
• Black teas: 200-212°F (95-100°C) for a robust brew.
• Oolong teas: 185-205°F (85-96°C), depending on the level of oxidation.
• Fucha (Dark teas): 212°F (100°C), using boiling water to extract the full richness and bold, earthy flavors.
• Pu-erh teas: 205-212°F (96-100°C), with boiling water being ideal for both raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shou) Pu-erh teas to bring out their earthy, fermented characteristics.

Steep times also vary. For green teas, start with 2-3 minutes, while black and oolong teas benefit from 4-5 minutes of steeping. Fucha and Pu-erh teas may steep for 3-5 minutes, and they often improve with multiple infusions. Always remove the leaves promptly after steeping to avoid bitterness.

For those interested in Gongfu Tea Brewing, this traditional Chinese method uses a higher ratio of tea to water and shorter steeping times. Typically, 5-6 grams of tea are used in a small teapot or Gaiwan (around 100-150ml of water). Each infusion lasts just 10-30 seconds, allowing the tea to be brewed multiple times, revealing subtle changes in flavor with each steep. Gongfu brewing is ideal for oolongs, Pu-erh, and some green and white teas, bringing out their full complexity and aroma. Adjust the brewing time to suit your taste, gradually increasing the steeping time with each infusion.

The general guideline is to use one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8-ounce (240ml) cup of water, but this can vary depending on the type of tea. For lighter teas like green or white, you may use 1.5 teaspoons, while denser teas, like rolled oolongs or Pu-erh, require less. Gong Fu brewing, a traditional Chinese method, involves using more tea leaves in smaller vessels, often with very short steep times, creating multiple infusions. Adjust the quantity of tea based on your preferences for strength and flavor.

Our tea selection includes a wide variety of high-quality loose-leaf teas from renowned tea-growing regions:

• Black teas: Strong, malty, and sometimes fruity, black teas are fully oxidized and known for their deep, robust flavors.
• Green teas: Light, refreshing, and vegetal, green teas are minimally processed to preserve their natural sweetness and health benefits.
• White teas: Delicate and subtle, made from young buds and leaves, offering light floral or fruity notes.
• Oolong teas: Semi-oxidized, ranging from fresh and floral to dark and roasted, with a complexity that deepens over multiple steeps.
• Fucha (Dark teas): Known for their post-fermentation process, Fucha or Fu tea is dark, rich, and slightly earthy, offering unique health benefits due to the presence of golden flowers (金花).
• Pu-erh teas: Fermented teas with a deep, earthy flavor that improves with age. We offer both raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shou) Pu-erh, each providing a different tasting experience.

We are committed to offering teas that are both high-quality and ethically sourced. Many of our teas come from gardens that follow organic farming practices, ensuring that no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used. We work closely with producers who prioritize sustainable harvesting methods to preserve the environment and support local communities. Look for specific certifications and details in the product descriptions to learn more about the sourcing of each tea.

Yes, we offer sample sizes for most of our loose-leaf teas, ranging from 10 to 20 grams. These smaller portions allow you to explore different varieties without committing to a full package. Sampling is a great way to find your favorite tea or try something new before investing in a larger quantity.

We are happy to help you find the perfect tea based on your taste preferences and needs. Whether you prefer a bold, full-bodied black tea or a light, refreshing green tea, our team can recommend the right tea for you. You can also explore our detailed product descriptions, which highlight the flavor profiles and brewing instructions for each tea.

Shipping times vary based on your location. Domestic orders typically take 2 business days, while international orders may take 1-3 weeks, depending on customs and local postal services. We ship internationally to many countries, and shipping costs are calculated at checkout. For more information, please see our shipping policy.

Loose-leaf tea refers to whole or partially broken tea leaves that are not confined to a teabag, allowing for better flavor extraction and a fuller tea experience. On the other hand, flavored tea typically combines loose-leaf tea with additional ingredients such as fruits, flowers, spices, or natural flavors. While you can find flavored teas in both loose-leaf and bagged forms, loose-leaf flavored teas generally provide a more nuanced taste and aroma since the larger leaves can unfurl and release their natural oils more effectively. When choosing between the two, consider your preference for pure tea flavors versus enhanced flavors from additives. If you appreciate the complexity of traditional tea varieties, loose-leaf tea might be the best choice, while flavored tea can offer a fun and diverse tasting experience.

Our loose-leaf teas are meticulously sourced from renowned tea gardens and family-owned farms, ensuring each selection meets the highest standards of quality and flavor.

We take pride in offering only the finest loose-leaf teas that we personally enjoy and have carefully curated based on feedback from our tea house of tea enthusiasts. Since our establishment, we have cultivated a loyal following, with many customers returning for their favorite blends.

When you choose our loose-leaf teas, you are not only enjoying a superior product but also supporting sustainable farming practices and small-scale producers. We prioritize transparency and authenticity, so you can trust that every tea has been thoughtfully selected for its unique taste profile and aromatic qualities.

To enhance your shopping experience, we offer detailed brewing instructions for each type of tea, ensuring you can extract the best flavors. Plus, our customer satisfaction guarantee means you can shop with confidence—if you’re not completely satisfied, you can return any unopened tea within 14 days hassle-free.

Join our community of passionate tea lovers and discover the richness and variety of flavors that our loose-leaf teas offer. Experience the difference that quality makes in every cup!