Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I steep my tea?

Unlike boxed tea that comes in a tea bag, loose leaf tea can be steeped twice, sometimes even more. Some loose leaf teas, such as certain oolong varieties, can even be steeped up to eleven times. That is a lot more bang for your buck compared to pre-made boxed tea. 

Why is this? Loose leaf tea is the highest quality tea leaf. It is made of the larger tea leaves that are cut and sifted. The process of being harvested is also very careful, making sure to avoid ripping leaves which causes them to become bitter. Pre-packaged tea bags are made of the leftover dust and twigs from the high quality leaves that is used for loose leaf tea. 

How many servings do I get from my bag of loose leaf tea?

One serving of loose leaf tea is a teaspoon. A 1.5 ounce bag of tea will typically yield about 20 to 25 servings of tea if your servings are one teaspoon or slightly over. A 4 ounce bag of loose leaf tea will yield about 55 to 65 servings. 

Remember, unlike boxed tea, loose leaf tea can be steeped twice. So in reality, your 1.5 ounce bag will give you 50 cups of tea, and your 4 ounce bag can give you about 130.  

Can I use any temperature water to prepare my tea?

Short answer, no. 

Long answer, each tea, white, green, oolong, black, puerh, tisane, etc., require different temperatures of water, as well as different steeping times, in order to make the perfect tea. We recommend purchasing an electric kettle that has various temperature settings so that you always get the perfect temperature water to infuse your tea. 

Each bag of loose leaf tea from Tucson Tea is labeled with the recommended temperature as well as the recommended steeping times for each respective tea. 

What happens if I steep my tea for too long?

Steeping your tea for too long can result in over-extracted tea that tastes bitter or astringent. The longer you steep tea, the more tannins are released, which can give the tea a more robust, full-bodied flavor, but can also make it taste bitter or astringent if left to steep for too long.

If you find that your tea tastes bitter or astringent, try reducing the steeping time for your next cup. It's always a good idea to consult a tea brewing guide or the package instructions for the tea you are using to determine the optimal steeping time. Keep in mind that different types of tea may require different steeping times, so be sure to adjust your brewing technique accordingly.

It's also worth noting that some teas, such as oolong and pu-erh, are meant to be steeped for longer periods of time and can withstand longer steeping without becoming bitter or astringent.

Each bag of loose-leaf tea from Tucson Tea is labeled with the recommended temperature as well as the recommended steeping times for each respective tea. 

How long should I let my tea steep for the second infusion?

The steeping time for the second infusion of tea leaves will depend on the type of tea you are using and your personal taste preferences. In general, the second infusion of tea will require a shorter steeping time than the first infusion, as the tea leaves will have already released some of their flavor and nutrients during the first steeping.

For most teas, a second infusion should be steeped for 1-3 minutes. However, some teas, such as oolong and pu-erh, may be able to withstand a longer steeping time for the second infusion without becoming bitter or astringent. It's always a good idea to consult a tea brewing guide or the package instructions for the tea you are using to determine the optimal steeping time for the second infusion.

Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the steeping time for the second infusion based on your personal taste preferences. Some people prefer a stronger, more full-bodied flavor for their second infusion, while others prefer a more subtle, delicate flavor. Experimenting with different steeping times can help you find the perfect balance for your taste.

Can I use any water for my tea?

The quality of the water you use to brew your tea can have a significant impact on the flavor and overall quality of your tea. Using clean, fresh, filtered water can help to ensure that your tea tastes pure and fresh, without any off-flavors or impurities.

Water that is high in minerals or has a strong taste, such as tap water that has been treated with chlorine or other chemicals, can alter the flavor of your tea and may not produce the best-tasting cup. Distilled or purified water can also be used to brew tea, although it may result in a less full-bodied flavor compared to using water with a higher mineral content.

In general, it is best to use clean, fresh, filtered water whenever possible to brew your tea. This will help to ensure that you get the best-tasting cup of tea possible.

Can loose leaf tea go bad?

Loose leaf tea can go bad if it is not stored properly or if it has been exposed to moisture, heat, or light. Signs that your tea may have gone bad include an off-odor, a change in color, or a loss of flavor. If your tea exhibits any of these signs, it is best to discard it and purchase a fresh batch.