How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea with a Glass Teapot

Quick Answer

For loose leaf tea, use a glass teapot with infuser and steep according to the tea type—about 2–3 minutes for green tea, 3–5 minutes for black tea—at the recommended water temperature.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Heat fresh water to the right temperature: Bring water to a boil, then let it cool slightly for delicate teas. Use about 175°F (80°C) for green tea, 185°F (85°C) for oolong, and 200°F (93°C) for black tea. A common mistake is using boiling water for green tea, which makes it bitter. If you don't have a thermometer, let boiling water rest for 2 minutes for green tea.
2. Add loose leaves to the infuser: Place about 1 teaspoon of loose leaves per 8-ounce cup into the infuser basket. For a larger pot, add one extra teaspoon for the pot. Avoid overfilling the infuser, as leaves need room to expand and release flavor. Use a kitchen scale once to measure your usual amount, then stick with that for consistent strength.
3. Pour hot water over the leaves: Pour the heated water directly over the infuser in the glass teapot. Make sure the leaves are fully submerged. A common mistake is pouring water too fast, which can cause splashing or disturb the leaves unevenly. Pour in a slow, steady stream to keep the leaves evenly wet.
4. Steep for the recommended time: Cover the teapot and steep for 2–3 minutes for green tea, 3–5 minutes for black tea, and 4–6 minutes for herbal blends. Set a timer rather than guessing. Over-steeping makes tea bitter and astringent. Start with the shorter time and taste before adding more time.
5. Remove the infuser to stop steeping: Once the tea reaches your desired strength, lift out the infuser basket and set it aside. Leaving the leaves in the water continues extraction and can turn the tea bitter. This is a common mistake that ruins an otherwise perfect brew. If you plan to brew multiple cups, set the infuser on a small plate to catch drips.
6. Serve and clean the teapot properly: Pour the tea into cups and enjoy. After use, rinse the glass teapot and infuser with warm water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the glass. For stubborn stains, use a gentle baking soda paste. Dry the teapot upside down to prevent water spots.

Product Spotlight

• Tramontina Glass Teapot with Infuser: This Tramontina Glass Teapot includes an infuser for loose-leaf tea and has a clear glass body for watching the steeping process. The infuser keeps leaves contained while the clear glass lets you monitor color and strength, so you can stop steeping at the right moment.