🌿 The Art of Steeping Loose Leaf Tea

There’s a world of difference between a cup of tea that’s simply brewed and one that’s perfectly steeped.

Whether it’s a bold black tea, a delicate green, or a floral herbal blend, steeping your loose leaf tea properly brings out its full aroma, flavor, and character.

At Voyage 1610, we believe every cup should be a small ritual — a pause in your day to honor the craftsmanship behind each leaf. Here’s how to steep tea with precision, mindfulness, and a touch of artistry.

☕ Why Steeping Matters

Loose leaf tea is alive with essential oils, antioxidants, and nuanced flavors that can easily be lost with the wrong temperature or timing.

Too hot, and you risk bitterness.
Too cool, and the flavor remains locked inside the leaf.

Proper steeping ensures balance — allowing each tea to release its best qualities without over-extracting.

When done right, steeping becomes more than a step — it becomes a meditative ritual.

🌡️ The Right Water Temperature and Time for Each Tea

Each tea type has its own ideal balance of heat and time. Use this guide to unlock the best flavor from your leaves:

🍃 Green Tea (Sencha, Gyokuro)

• Temperature: 160–175°F (70–80°C)

• Time: 1½–2 minutes

• Tip: Cooler water keeps green tea smooth and sweet, not grassy or bitter.

🌸 Oolong Tea (Mountain Copper Oolong)

• Temperature: 185–200°F (85–93°C)

• Time: 3–4 minutes

• Tip: Oolong teas can be re-steeped several times — each infusion reveals new flavor layers.

🍂 Black Tea (Earl Grey Lavender, Classic Chai)

• Temperature: 200–212°F (93–100°C)

• Time: 3–5 minutes

• Tip: Use freshly boiled water to draw out bold flavor and full-bodied aroma.

🌺 Herbal & Rooibos Teas (Herbal Seasons, Autumn Fruit & Flowers)

• Temperature: 212°F (100°C)

• Time: 5–7 minutes

• Tip: These caffeine-free blends need boiling water to unlock their natural sweetness and aroma.

💧 Water Quality and Teaware

The water you use makes a difference.

• Use fresh, filtered water when possible — minerals in tap water can dull flavor.

• Choose the right vessel: Ceramic or glass teapots retain heat evenly and preserve the tea’s character.

• Give your leaves room to bloom: Loose leaf tea needs space to expand — avoid overfilling your infuser or teapot.

🫖 A Simple Brewing Ritual

Bring calm intention to your brewing:

1. Warm your teapot or cup with hot water.

2. Measure 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 oz of water.

3. Heat water to the correct temperature.

4. Pour, steep, and inhale the aroma.

5. Strain and sip — plain, or with honey or milk if you wish.

With each step, you’re not just making tea — you’re creating a moment of connection and stillness.

🌊 Enjoy the Journey

Mastering how to steep loose leaf tea isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.

When you slow down and steep with care, every cup becomes part of a voyage: one that connects you to centuries of tradition and to the growers who cultivated your blend.

Whether it’s a bright Sencha, a warming Chai, or a soothing Chamomile, the right temperature, timing, and mindfulness will transform every cup into something extraordinary.

☕ Explore our collection of organic loose leaf teas and discover your perfect cup at Voyage 1610 — where every blend begins a journey.