Did you know tea leaves can be re-steeped? Yes! Many loose leaf teas can be re-steeped. Or in layman's terms re-used. Making a second, or even third, cup from a serving of tea leaves is a way to both gain greater value from your loose leaf tea and explore the nuance of the tea itself.
In this instance when I'm discussing re-steeping, I'm talking about western style brewing, not traditional or gong fu style brewing (which is a story for a different day). Western style brewing is what most people are familiar with and think of when preparing tea - a mug and infuser basket or a teapot (see our blog How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea). In the world of tea, western style brewing is defined as being a higher water to tea leaf ratio with a relatively long infusion time.
Here's a step-by-step guide to re-steeping
Use a mug / infuser basket that is appropriately sized for 1 serving of tea. (You're already planning to make subsequent cups!)
Start at the lower end of the steeping recommendations. For example, if the package recommends a steeping time of 2-3 minutes and a water temperature of 170-175F, do the first steep for 2 minutes at 170F.
After making your first cup, leave the infused/wet tea leaves in the infuser basket, and set them aside for your next use. Do be sure to drain it well or shake out excess water from the basket but there's no need to dry the leaves or put them in the refrigerator.
Re-steep the same tea leaves within 24 hours.
On the second infusion increase the steep time by 30 seconds to 1 minute. (From the above example I would do the re-steep for 3 minutes at 170F).
Note your thoughts on the second infusion to make any necessary adjustments in the future.
Continue to increase the steep time for each infusion. You can also increase water temperatures. (From the earlier package example, for the 3rd infusion I'd try 3.5 minutes at 175F).
What teas can be re-steeped?
The best candidates for re-steeping are pure Green, White, Yellow, Oolong, and Dark teas. Some black teas can be re-steeped, but due to their already higher level of oxidation the leaves generally don't hold up well to multiple long infusions.
What about tea blends? Can blended teas be re-steeped?
Some blended and flavored teas can be re-steeped. If the tea blend gets most of its flavor from inclusion ingredients rather than natural or artificial flavoring, it will hold up better to a second infusion. If the flavor of the blend is heavily reliant on artificial or natural flavoring the second infusion will not give quite as flavorful a cup as the flavor will be coming from the tea leaves and other inclusions. If you're curious how a blended tea will taste when re-steeped give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised even if it's not as flavorful as the first cup.
How many times can I re-use the same tea leaves?
As many times as you'd like! Though 2-3 infusions is most common. Re-steeping is about experimenting with water temperatures and steep times, noticing how different leaves respond, and learning what you like. Worst case scenario the brewed cup is not palatable, and you discard it.
What if I want a lot of tea all at once? Can I combine infusions?
Yes! You can absolutely combine multiple infusions into a larger vessel like a teapot or travel mug. This is a terrific way to get the most value from your loose leaf. I would suggest though that before doing this you try the infusions to be sure they are to your liking.
Pro Tip: I like to take a large "to go" mug of tea when I leave the house. My favorite mug holds 16-20oz. To fill it I brew 1 serving of tea in a small single serving teapot, pour it into the mug, then re-steep the same leaves adding that infusion to the mug as well. The whole process takes 8-10 minutes depending upon what tea I'm working with.
Happy STEAPing,
Samantha
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