faqs
What is loose leaf tea?
Tea bags and loose leaf tea differ primarily in quality and convenience. Tea bags are highly commercialized for their convenience, offering pre-portioned tea that’s easy to brew but often contains fannings or dust, which can result in a less complex flavor. They are also wrapped in disposable materials, which can contribute to environmental waste. In contrast, loose leaf tea generally features whole or larger leaves, providing a richer and more nuanced flavor. It requires an infuser or strainer for brewing, which involves a bit more effort but allows for greater control over the strength and quality of the tea. Loose leaf tea is often considered more eco-friendly due to less packaging and fewer disposables.
How should I store loose leaf tea?
At Scented Leaf, we prioritize ensuring our tea products maintain their best quality. That's why we package our loose leaf teas in sealed, air-tight containers or packages. This protects the tea from air, moisture, and external odors, preserving its freshness and flavor until you're ready to enjoy it. Remember to store your sealed tea package in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources for optimal freshness.
If you have purchased loose leaf outside n, use an air-tight container made of glass, ceramic, or metal to protect it from air, moisture, and odors. Ensure the container has a tight-sealing lid to maintain freshness. Store the container in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can degrade the tea leaves and diminish flavor. Avoid storing tea near spices or other strong-smelling foods to prevent absorption of odors. It's also beneficial to keep different types of tea in separate containers to maintain their distinct flavors.
How do I brew loose leaf tea?
Brewing tea is an art that brings out the flavors and aromas of different types of teas. Here's a general guide on how to brew tea:
Choose Quality Tea: Start with high-quality loose-leaf tea like what we sell on this site. The type of tea you're brewing (black, green, herbal, etc.) will determine the temperature and steeping time.
Boil Water: Use fresh, cold water. For delicate teas like green or white tea, heat the water to around 175°F (80°C). For black tea or herbal tea, use boiling water around 212°F (100°C).
Preheat Teapot or Cup: Pour a small amount of hot water into your teapot or cup, swirling it around to warm the vessel. Discard this water.
Measure Tea: Use about 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8-ounce cup (adjust to taste).
Add Tea and Water: Place the tea leaves in your teapot or infuser. Pour the hot water over the tea.
Steep: Different types of teas require different steeping times:
- Black tea: 3-5 minutes
- Green tea: 1-3 minutes
- White tea: 2-5 minutes
- Herbal tea: 5-7 minutes
Cover and Steep: Cover the teapot or cup with a lid or saucer to keep the heat in and prevent the flavors from escaping.
Strain or Remove Tea: Remove the infuser or strain the tea to stop the steeping process.
Enjoy: Pour the brewed tea into your cup and savor the flavors. You can enjoy it plain or with a touch of honey, lemon, milk, or other flavorings, depending on your preference.
Rebrew (Optional): Our high-quality teas can be rebrewed multiple times. Adjust the steeping time for subsequent infusions.
Remember that these are general guidelines; the specific instructions might vary depending on the type of tea and personal taste preferences. Experimentation is part of the fun in discovering your perfect cup of tea!
What are the health benefits of loose leaf tea?
Loose leaf tea offers antioxidant benefits, supports heart health, aids in weight management, promotes digestive health, enhances mental alertness, boosts immune function, and contributes to hydration. Each type of tea—whether green, black, white, herbal, or oolong—provides unique health properties, making loose leaf tea a versatile and beneficial addition to a balanced diet and lifestyle. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about not just the benefits but also the culture and essence of tea in our daily lives.
How much loose leaf tea should I use per cup?
The amount of loose leaf tea to use per cup can vary depending on personal preference and the type of tea. As a general guideline:
For Black Tea and Oolong Tea: Use approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8-ounce cup of water.
For Green Tea and White Tea: Use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8-ounce cup of water. Green and white teas are more delicate, so using slightly less tea is often recommended to avoid bitterness.
For Herbal Tea: Use around 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf herbal tea per 8-ounce cup of water. Herbal teas can vary widely in flavor and strength, so adjust according to taste.
Adjust the amount of tea based on your personal preference for strength and flavor. It's also important to consider the specific brewing instructions provided for each type of tea, as some may require slightly different amounts or steeping times for optimal taste.
Can I reuse loose leaf tea leaves?
Yes, you can reuse loose leaf tea leaves for multiple infusions, especially with high-quality teas like oolongs, green teas, and certain white teas. These teas are often crafted to release different flavors and complexities through multiple steepings. Typically, you can steep high-quality loose leaf tea leaves 2 to 3 times or more, adjusting the steeping time slightly longer with each infusion to extract flavors effectively. After each use, you can leave the leaves in the teapot or brewing vessel if you plan to reinfuse them within a few hours. However, it's advisable to discard used tea leaves if you won't be using them promptly, as prolonged soaking can lead to bitterness. Reusing tea leaves not only maximizes their flavor and value but also allows tea enthusiasts to appreciate the evolving characteristics of each infusion.
What types of loose leaf tea do you offer?
At Scented Leaf, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of high-quality loose leaf teas to suit various preferences and tastes. Our range includes:
Black Teas: Bold and robust with flavors ranging from malty and earthy to fruity and floral, including classics like Assam, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey.
Green Teas: Light and refreshing with grassy, vegetal, or nutty notes, such as Japanese Sencha, Chinese Dragon Well (Longjing), and flavored green teas like Jasmine or Moroccan Mint.
Oolong Teas: Semi-oxidized teas known for their complex flavors and aromas, spanning from floral and fruity to toasty and creamy, such as Tie Guan Yin, Formosa Oolong, and Milky oolongs.
White Teas: Delicate and subtle with sweet, floral, or fruity undertones, including Silver Needle, White Peony (Bai Mudan), and blends with fruit or floral additions.
Herbal and Fruit Infusions: Caffeine-free options made from herbs, fruits, and flowers, offering soothing and refreshing flavors like chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, and various fruit blends.
Pu-erh Teas: Aged and fermented teas known for their earthy, smooth, and sometimes smoky flavors, including both raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shou) varieties.
Each type of tea offers unique characteristics and benefits, providing a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences for tea enthusiasts to explore. Whether you prefer traditional favorites or adventurous blends, our selection at Scented Leaf aims to cater to every tea lover's palate.
What is the difference between green tea and black tea?
Green tea and black tea differ primarily in their processing methods and resulting flavors. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation after harvesting, preserving its natural green color and delicate flavors like grassy, vegetal, or nutty notes. This minimal processing also helps retain high levels of antioxidants such as catechins, which are believed to contribute to various health benefits, including antioxidant properties and potential cardiovascular support.
In contrast, black tea undergoes full oxidation. The leaves are withered, rolled, and allowed to oxidize fully until they turn dark brown or black. This oxidation process gives black tea its robust flavor profile, which can range from malty and fruity to floral or even smoky, depending on the tea variety. Black tea is generally higher in caffeine compared to green tea, providing a stronger stimulant effect. Its rich flavor and higher caffeine content make it a popular choice for morning beverages or as a base for chai and flavored teas.
Both green tea and black tea offer unique taste experiences and potential health benefits due to their distinct chemical compositions and processing methods. Whether you prefer the light, grassy notes of green tea or the bold, robust flavors of black tea, each type provides a satisfying tea-drinking experience with its own set of characteristics and cultural significance.
Do your teas contain caffeine?
Yes, our selection of teas at Scented Leaf includes varieties that contain caffeine. Typically, teas such as black, green, oolong, and white teas naturally contain caffeine, although the exact amount can vary depending on factors like the type of tea, brewing method, and steeping time. Herbal infusions, on the other hand, are naturally caffeine-free as they are made from herbs, flowers, or fruits. Whether you're looking for a stimulating cup in the morning or a soothing caffeine-free option in the evening, we have a range of teas to suit your preferences and caffeine tolerance. No worries, once you order, the caffeine level is already indicated in the description of each pack.
How long does loose leaf tea last?
The shelf life of loose leaf tea can vary depending on several factors such as the type of tea, storage conditions, and how well it's sealed. Generally, here are some guidelines:
Green Tea and White Tea: These teas are more delicate and are best consumed within 6 to 12 months of purchase to enjoy their freshest flavors and aromas.
Oolong Tea: Oolong teas can typically last 12 to 18 months if stored properly. They are semi-oxidized and maintain their flavors well over time.
Black Tea: Black teas are more oxidized and robust, so they can last 18 to 24 months or longer when stored correctly. Proper storage involves keeping them in a cool, dark place away from moisture, light, and strong odors.
Herbal and Fruit Infusions: These caffeine-free blends often contain dried herbs, flowers, or fruits and can last 12 to 24 months if stored properly. Their shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients used.
To maximize the shelf life of loose leaf tea, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing tea near spices or strong-smelling foods as they can absorb odors. While loose leaf tea can be enjoyed past these general guidelines, its flavor and aroma may diminish over time. It's always best to brew and enjoy tea when it's fresh to experience its full potential.
How do I contact customer service?
Let us know how we can assist you with orders, customization, questions and concerns. We're here for you. You can reach us by text at 520-624-2930 or email at orders@thescentedleaf.com or simply fill out a questionnaire on the “About” tab in the main page and we will get back to you within 1-2 business days.
How do I make iced tea with loose leaf tea?
To make iced tea with loose leaf tea, start by steeping 1 tablespoon of loose leaves per cup of boiling water in a pitcher. Let it steep according to the type of tea—3-5 minutes for black, 2-3 minutes for green, or longer for herbal teas. Strain the leaves, let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice, sweetening to taste if desired, and garnish with lemon or mint for extra flavor. Enjoy your refreshing homemade iced tea.
What are the best tools for brewing loose leaf tea?
Tea Infuser or Strainer: This is essential for steeping loose leaf tea, allowing the leaves to expand and release flavors while keeping them contained for easy removal. Choose a high-quality infuser or strainer that fits your teapot or cup size.
Temperature-Controlled Kettle: Temperature control is crucial for brewing different types of tea at the correct temperature. This ensures optimal flavor extraction and prevents bitterness or astringency, particularly important for delicate teas like green or white tea.
Teapot or Brewing Pitcher with Built-In Infuser: A dedicated teapot or brewing pitcher with an integrated infuser is convenient and practical for steeping larger quantities of tea. It allows for easy pouring and keeps the brewed tea hot during the steeping process.
Tea Timer: A timer helps ensure that you steep your tea for the correct amount of time, avoiding over-extraction or under-extraction. Some timers are specifically designed for different types of tea, providing guidance on steeping times for optimal flavor.
Other accessories like tea scales and tea warmers can enhance your experience further, but the above tools are essential for a quality brewing process.
How do I clean my tea infuser or teapot?
Rinse Immediately: After use, rinse the tea infuser or teapot with hot water to remove any tea leaves and prevent stains or flavors from lingering.
Hand Wash with Mild Soap: Wash the infuser or teapot by hand using mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
Remove Stubborn Stains: For stubborn stains or odors, soak the infuser or teapot in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for about 30 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth if necessary.
Air Dry Thoroughly: Allow the cleaned infuser or teapot to air dry completely before storing to prevent mold or mildew. Ensure it's completely dry to maintain its cleanliness and readiness for future use.
Following these steps regularly will help keep your tea infuser or teapot clean and ready to brew fresh, flavorful tea without any residual tastes or odors.
Do you offer gift options?
Yes! We offer seasonal gift cards and gift packages which you can purchase through our website.
Can I subscribe for regular deliveries?
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