How to Brew Tea Like an Expert: From Selecting the Leaves to the Perfect Steep

At Casa Ortiz Tea, we believe that brewing tea is more than just a routine—it's a beautiful ritual, a moment of mindfulness, and a gentle celebration of flavor. While tea has been cherished for centuries, the way people approach it continues to evolve. From the rise of loose-leaf teas to the rediscovery of time-honored steeping techniques, the modern tea experience is blossoming—especially among younger generations who crave authenticity, wellness, and a little everyday magic.

Whether you’re just beginning your tea journey or looking to deepen your practice, we’re here to help you brew every cup like a true expert. Let’s dive into what it takes to create the perfect cup—from leaf to sip.

Tea is no longer seen as just a beverage—it's become a lifestyle. According to recent market insights, the U.S. tea industry is booming, with a growing number of millennials and Gen Z consumers embracing tea not only for its flavor but for its calming and health-boosting benefits.

At Casa Ortiz, we’ve noticed a beautiful shift: tea is becoming an intentional part of the day. It’s a screen break, a morning ritual, or a cozy evening wind-down. And it’s often enjoyed without the need for alcohol—just pure, plant-based comfort in a cup.

Teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant—green, white, black, and oolong—are naturally rich in antioxidants and contain L-theanine, a compound known to promote relaxation without drowsiness. Combined with tea’s ability to center and calm, it’s no wonder so many are turning to this gentle brew to support both body and mind.

At Casa Ortiz Tea, we follow the sacred “Three Ts” of tea brewing: Time, Tea, and Temperature. These three elements form the foundation of a perfect cup, and understanding them can elevate your tea experience dramatically.

Loose-leaf tea is the gold standard. Unlike bagged teas—often made with lower-quality tea dust—loose-leaf blends allow the leaves to unfurl fully during brewing, releasing their full aroma, oils, and complexity.

It’s also better for the environment. Loose-leaf teas use less packaging and eliminate the microplastics often found in commercial tea bags. At Casa Ortiz, we’re proud to offer high-quality, ethically sourced loose-leaf teas that support both sustainability and superb flavor.

Different types of tea require different water temperatures to bring out their best qualities:

• Black Tea – Boil water to a full 212°F (100°C) and pour immediately.

• Green Tea – Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for 5 minutes to reach 175–185°F (80–85°C).

• Herbal Teas – Generally require full boiling water, just like black tea.

• White or Oolong Teas – These are more delicate and should be steeped at lower temps—around 160–190°F depending on the blend.

Using water that's too hot for green or white teas can result in bitterness, while under-heating black tea can lead to a weak, flat flavor.

Just like temperature, steeping time plays a crucial role:

• Green Tea: 1–3 minutes

• Black Tea: 3–5 minutes

• Herbal Infusions: 5–7 minutes

• White Tea: 2–5 minutes, depending on the leaf size

Longer isn’t always better. Over-steeping can draw out unwanted bitterness or astringency, especially in finer teas. Use a timer or tea-infuser with an easy lift to avoid overdoing it.

Whole-leaf teas tend to brew more slowly and subtly, while broken-leaf or CTC (crush, tear, curl) teas release flavor quickly and create a bolder cup. Casa Ortiz teas are expertly crafted to deliver balance—whether bold and brisk or delicate and floral—just as the tea master intended.

For best results, we recommend brewing tea in a ceramic or glass teapot, which doesn’t affect the flavor and retains heat beautifully. If you're brewing solo, a large infuser basket in your mug works wonders—just make sure the leaves have space to move and expand.

Avoid aluminum or reactive metals, which can impact flavor and cool your tea too quickly.

Your favorite mug or a delicate porcelain cup? There’s no wrong answer here. The tactile joy of holding a warm cup, the aesthetics of a beautiful vessel—these are part of the ritual, and they matter.

Add a spoonful of local honey, a slice of lemon, or a splash of steamed milk if it brings you joy. At Casa Ortiz, we’re all about making the everyday extraordinary, one cup at a time.

Brewing the perfect cup of tea is equal parts art and science. But more importantly, it’s an opportunity to slow down and savor the moment.

From selecting the finest leaves to enjoying the aroma of a fresh pour, tea offers something truly special—a chance to be present, to connect, and to care for yourself in a simple yet meaningful way.

At Casa Ortiz Tea, we invite you to embrace the ritual, steep your favorite blend, and celebrate the small joys that make life rich and beautiful.