During a busy workday, we often don’t have extra time to carefully enjoy a cup of tea. But at the same time, going without tea can somehow feel like something is missing. This guide will share a few simple ways to brew loose leaf tea at work, so you can enjoy a comforting cup of tea even on your busiest days.
When people first start exploring tea, many assume that brewing loose leaf tea is complicated. They think they need special teaware, must learn advanced brewing techniques, or have to follow strict preparation steps.
In reality, enjoying a good cup of tea can be much easier than you might expect. All you really need is tea leaves, a cup, and hot water.
1. Brewing Tea in a Mug
If your mug comes with a built-in strainer, that’s even better. It makes it easier to separate the tea leaves from the water and is a very common way to enjoy tea in everyday life in China.
All you need is a mug, some tea leaves, and hot water from the office. In just 2–3 minutes, you can have a fresh cup of tea ready to enjoy.
Brewing Method:
Water Temperature:
- Green tea and delicate white tea: 80–85°C (176–185°F) (After boiling water, remove the lid and let it sit for about 2–3 minutes.)
- Other types of tea: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:50, which means 5g of tea leaves for 250mL of water (about the size of a regular mug).
Steeping Time: 1–2 minutes.
Once the tea has reached your preferred strength, simply remove the strainer with the tea leaves and enjoy your tea.
If the tea tastes too light, you can steep it a little longer. If it tastes too strong, reduce the steeping time or use fewer tea leaves.
If your mug does not have a strainer, you can reduce the tea amount to around 3g for 300mL of water. This way, you don’t need to remove the leaves. Simply drink until the cup is about one-third full, then add more hot water and continue brewing. This method is very similar to how many people traditionally brew tea in the West.
2. Brewing Tea in a Thermos
This method is especially suitable for aged teas, such as aged white tea, aged ripe Pu-erh tea, and aged Liubao tea.
You can prepare the tea in your thermos the night before and enjoy it the next day. After finishing the tea, simply add more hot water and continue brewing. It is a very convenient and effortless way to enjoy tea during a busy workday.
Tea brewed this way usually has a smooth, gentle texture with a mellow taste that is easy to drink.
Brewing Method:
Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:100, which means 5g of tea leaves for 500mL of water.
Steps:
First, quickly rinse the tea leaves with hot water. Then place the tea leaves into the thermos, add hot water, and close the lid.
Let it steep for about 1 hour, or prepare it before going to bed and enjoy it the next day.
3. Cold Brew
Cold brewing is especially refreshing during summer. Compared with hot brewing, cold-brewed tea usually has less bitterness and a smoother, cleaner taste.
Except for aged teas, almost all types of tea can be cold brewed. It also creates a completely different flavor experience compared with traditional hot brewing, making it well worth trying.
Brewing Method:
Water Temperature: Room temperature water is recommended, preferably purified water.
Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:100, which means 5g of tea leaves for 500mL of water.
Steps:
Place the tea leaves into a cold brew bottle, add water, close the lid, and refrigerate for 4–12 hours.
You can prepare it at night and enjoy it the next morning. Pour out as much tea as you want to drink, then add more water and continue cold brewing the remaining tea leaves in the refrigerator.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Drinking Tea
1. Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach
Drinking tea without eating anything first may cause stomach discomfort for some people. Some may also experience symptoms such as headaches, weakness, or a faster heartbeat.
2. Avoid drinking tea while taking medication
Some compounds in tea may interact with certain medications, so it is better to avoid drinking tea around the time you take medicine.
3. Avoid drinking overly strong tea
Strong tea contains higher levels of caffeine and tea polyphenols, which may cause discomfort such as a racing heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, or dizziness.
In addition, very concentrated tea contains more tannins, which may irritate the stomach lining and affect iron absorption. For some people, this can contribute to stomach discomfort or reduced iron levels.
4. Avoid drinking tea right before bedtime
Tea naturally contains caffeine, which may affect sleep quality for some people. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is better to avoid drinking tea too close to bedtime.
Product Recommendation
1. Workday Chinese Tea Collection
If you are not sure which tea to choose, this Workday Chinese Tea Collection may be the perfect option for you. It includes three Chinese teas designed for different moments throughout the day: Jasmine Piao Xue, 2014 Shou Mei white tea, and a caffeine-free Chinese herbal tea. Each tea offers a completely different flavor experience.
The collection also comes in convenient tea bags, making it quick and easy to brew, even during a busy workday.
If you are interested in this Workday Chinese Tea Collection, click the link to learn more>>
2. Piao Yi Cup
This is a convenient tea tool designed for effortless Gongfu-style tea brewing. It uses a magnetic water-release system, allowing you to brew Chinese tea easily in just three simple steps. It is a fast, convenient, and beginner-friendly way to enjoy loose leaf tea anytime.
If you are interested in this Piao Yi Cup, click the link below to learn more and get it >>
3. Office Glass Tea Brewing Cup
This tea set combines a tea strainer, cup, and teapot into one convenient design. With a large capacity, it is perfect for brewing tea at the office. The built-in strainer makes it easy to remove the tea leaves after brewing, keeping your workspace clean and preventing spills on your desk.
