Brewing herbal tea, also known as herbal tisanes, is a simple and enjoyable way to experience the health benefits of herbs and the benefit of a ritual that connects you to nature.
But, it's important to know how to brew it properly to get the best taste and the maximum health benefits. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of brewing herbal teas.
High Quality Herbs
The quality of your herbs will directly impact the taste and health benefits of your tea. It's best to use fresh, organic herbs whenever possible. This will ensure that you are getting the most potent and nutrient-rich herbs in your tea.
Quantity of Tea
It's important to measure the right quantity of herbs for your tea. A general rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of dried herbs or two teaspoons of fresh herbs for every eight ounces of water. However, you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Water Temperature
The temperature of the water is also important when brewing herbal tea. For delicate herbs, like chamomile or lavender, use water that is just below boiling point. For hardier herbs, like rosemary or ginger, use boiling water.
Steeping Time
The steeping time will depend on the type of herbs you are using. Generally, most herbs require 5-10 minutes of steeping time to fully release their benefits. The essential oils, the polyphenols, and antioxidants take little time to be extracted in the hot water. However, some herbs, like green tea or mint, require less time. It is simply best to follow the brewing instructions on the packaging.
Infuser Type
The type of infuser you use can also impact the taste of your tea. A fine-mesh stainless steel infuser is a great choice for loose herbs, while a paper tea bag is a good option for convenience. You can also use a tea ball or muslin bag.
Small infusers tend to restrict the full extraction of flavors from the leaves. This might result in a dull tea even though you used the appropriate amount.
Infusers that don’t fully submerge the leaves still allow for a greater profile as long as the steep time is followed.
Our favorite infusers either are ones with ample space for the leaves to expand while they steep so a full flavor profile can be experienced. For teas like our Reishi Realms, or other teas with smaller particles, we prefer paper tea filters. This type of filter reduces the smaller particles from floating in our cups.
In the end, it all comes down to preference.
Practice Makes Perfect
By following these tips, you'll be able to brew a delicious and healthful cup of herbal tea every time. So, go ahead and enjoy the many benefits of herbal teas, such as reducing stress, improving digestion, and promoting better sleep.
Remember, the key to a great cup of herbal tea is to use high-quality herbs, measure the right quantity, boil the water to the right temperature, steep for the right amount of time, and use the right infuser type. Happy brewing!