Taking a sip of piping hot tea and inhaling the aromatics from the freshly brewed blend - ah, relaxing just thinking about it, isn’t it?
Tea is a national obsession here in the UK. Whether you like classic builders or prefer swigging oolong, there’s not much a great cuppa can’t solve whether it’s a bleary-eye morning or you’re battling a mid-afternoon slump.
If you want to take your tea game up a notch, look to loose leaf.
Loose leaf tea comprises the larger tea leaves which don’t come in pre-made tea bags. The leaves typically come in a tin and contain a mixture of whole or broken tea leaves, rather than the more compact scraps used in standard tea bags.
What makes for a high-quality loose-leaf tea?
Angela Pryce, senior tea buyer at Whittard of Chelsea sheds some light on how to source excellent loose leaf tea.
She reveals: “For a high-quality loose leaf tea, always look at how it’s been manufactured. Opt for tea that’s been rolled and not cut, as this will affect the taste.
Once you’ve found the perfect loose leaf, it’s important to store it properly to maintain the quality. It should be stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, a caddy is much better than a box or bags.
Brewing loose leaf tea is a mindful, peaceful experience and always creates a more potent, infused flavour than a bag.”
What is the correct way to brew loose-leaf tea?
As loose leaf tea leaves aren’t confined to a tea bag, they offer a deeper infusion and richer flavour when brewed. But what’s the best way to brew loose leaf tea?
“Use freshly drawn filtered water and add one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per person,” Pryce says. “The temperature of the water depends on the tea you’re brewing. It should be boiling water for black tea but cooler water, around 70 degrees for green tea.
Brew time is important, the larger the leaf size the longer the brew. Loose leaf tea should be brewed for between 3-5 minutes but this should be adjusted according to strength preference! After brewing, remove the tea leaves from the water to avoid your tea tasting stewed.”
It may seem like a faff compared to popping a tea bag in hot water, but brewing a cup of loose leaf tea creates a moment of quiet and calm for yourself. Not to mention, the enhanced flavour of the brew makes every step worthwhile.
Discover the best loose leaf teas to add to your kitchen cupboard and start your day with a dreamy dose of serenity.
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Fortnum & Mason Earl Grey Classic, 250g Loose Leaf Caddy
Fortnums is the place to go for luxury tea that takes the biscuit. The royal grocer is home to a dazzling array of teas ripe for gifting. Complete with a beautiful decorative tin, the Earl Grey Classic caddy has long been considered a must-have for a classic afternoon tea. The sumptuous flavour is made up of simple black tea topped with stimulating oil of bergamot, perfect for midday sipping.
Buy now £16.50, Fortnum & Mason
Bird & Blend Tea Co. Dozy Girl Chamomile Tea
Hot girl summer walked so dozy girl winter could run. Esteemed tea connoisseur Bird & Blend say we need to take a break with its Dozy Girl concoction. Allow the sedative properties of the chamomile to take hold and relax into the rest of the day ahead. Chamomile has also been shown to soothe the stomach and relieve any hints of intestinal irritation.
Buy now £7.15, Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Whittard of Chelsea English Breakfast Loose Tea
Wake up in the morning and enjoy a best-selling blend of English Breakfast tea. The perfect way to greet the day, a cup of this luxurious tea by Whittard of Chelsea will soothe the senses with the classic notes of the beloved floral yet malty flavour.
Buy now £9.00, Whittard of Chelsea
Origreens Organic Passion Flower Tea
For those who are yet to be introduced to passiflora, listen up. The organic ingredient is the core substance of this tea and is known to calm the nervous system. The climbing plant is originally from Mexico and was used by the Aztecs for its many beneficial qualities such as mood elevation and enforcing healthy sleeping patterns.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Chai Guys The Ultimate Chair Starter Bundle
Tea is a crowd-pleasing offering, but done Indian-style and it comes with a whole other taste sensation. Chai Guys offer masala and kadak loose leaf tea blends in its starter kit, which also comes with a stainless steel strainer and every Desi household must-have, a packet of Parle G biscuits. IYKYK.
Buy now £47.95, Amazon
Twinings Discovery Collection Orangery of Lady Grey
Trust Twinings to create the finest tea around town. The household brand has a selection of uniquely blended loose leaf teas to try. The Lady Grey is the fragrant sister of the brand's Earl Grey offering. It's inspired by the orangeries of grand English houses and features a zesty citrus scent and a black China tea base.
Buy now £10.50, Twinings
Bird & Blend Tea Co. Moondrop Dreams Tea
As per the name of this tea, Bird & Blend’s Moondrop Dreams promotes the ultimate relaxation. Lemon, lavender and floral notes collide to create gentle bursts of soothing flavour, perfect for enjoying during days working from home or while curled up by a roaring fire.
Buy now £4.75, Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Organic Peppermint Loose Tea
Lift the spirits with a cup of peppermint loose tea. Whittard of Chelsea’s minty herbal refresher will effortlessly soothe the senses and aid indigestion. Opt for a subscription-based service and ensure you never run out of your favourite brew.
Buy now £8.00, Whittard of Chelsea
Kusmi Lovely Night loose leaf tea
Encourage deep sleep by popping on the kettle and whipping up a brew of Kusmi Tea’s Lovely Night tea. It has the creative combination of honeybush, rooibos, cinnamon, camomile and verbena with a subtle pear flavouring so you can head direct to the land of nod.
With every sip, you can be content with the knowledge that you're doing your bit for the planet too as the ingredients are organically grown and the packaging is recycled.
Buy now £19.85, Amazon
Bird & Blend The Digester Tea
Though detox teas should typically be enjoyed without milk, Bird & Blend’s wonderfully aromatic Digester Tea works brilliantly with dairy if you’d like a more diluted morning brew to kickstart your metabolism.
The Digester Tea has been developed to help soothe digestive issues such as IBS, food intolerances, bloating and indigestion with the help of oolong, ginger, fennel and ginseng.
Buy now £7.55, Bird & Blend
Persian Apothecary Persian Breakfast Loose Leaf
One sip of Persian Apothecary’s loose leaf brew and you’ll feel transported from rainy London. The Persian Breakfast tea is inspired by the ancient main square in Isfahan, a historical landmark nestled along the Silk Route. The unique tea features traditional flavouring tipped with notes of saffron halva which evoke a longing for sun-drenched aromatic destinations abroad.
Buy now £39.99, Selfridges
Nuditea Clarity Blend
Relax with a stunning combination of peppermint, rosemary and safe tones thanks to Nuditea’s award-winning offerings. The brand is celebrated for its mood-boosting blends, and the Clarity is set to awaken the senses and help you cease the day.
Buy now £7.95, Nuditea
