DIY Loose-Leaf Tea Recipe

With the holiday season upon us and colder weather, we tend to spend more time indoors. If you struggle to find enough activities to do in colder weather, (especially with kids). You are not alone. That is why we wrote this blog. Harvesting, Drying, and blending your own loose-leaf tea is a fun way to bond with the family and teach children a creative, worthwhile life skill. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Ingredients:

  • Base tea (choose one):
    • Green tea
    • Black tea
    • White tea
    • Rooibos
    • Herbal tea (like chamomile or peppermint)
  • Flavor add-ins (choose a mix):
    • Dried fruits (e.g., orange peel, apple pieces, or berries)
    • Dried flowers (e.g., rose petals, hibiscus, lavender, or chamomile)
    • Herbs (e.g., mint, lemongrass, or rosemary)
    • Spices (e.g., cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, or ginger)

Optional Sweetener:

  • Crushed Stevia Leaves
  • Dried licorice root

Instructions:

  1. Select your base tea (about ½ cup). Choose a high-quality loose-leaf tea for the foundation of your blend.
  2. Add your flavor elements: Combine 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen dried fruits, flowers, herbs, or spices into the base tea. Adjust the quantities to match your taste preferences.
  3. Mix gently: Stir the ingredients in a bowl to distribute the flavors evenly. Avoid crushing delicate leaves or flowers.
  4. Store your blend: Transfer your blend into an airtight jar or tin, away from heat, light, and moisture.
  5. Brew and enjoy: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of your blend in hot water (around 200°F for most teas, 175°F for green tea) for 3-5 minutes. Strain and savor your custom tea!

Pro Tips:

  • Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
  • Use dried ingredients to prevent spoilage.
  • Label your jar with the name of your blend and date it for freshness.

Enjoy creating a tea that’s as unique as you are! ☕✨

Drying fresh tea leaves is a simple process that preserves their flavor and allows you to use them in loose-leaf tea blends. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

How to Dry Fresh Tea Leaves

You’ll Need:

  • Fresh tea leaves (e.g., green tea, mint, chamomile, etc.)
  • A clean towel or paper towels
  • Baking sheet or drying rack
  • A warm, dry area with good air circulation

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Harvest the leaves:
    • Pick fresh, healthy tea leaves or herbs from your garden. Early morning is ideal for harvesting to capture peak flavors.
    • Pre-dried ingredients are great too!
    • Avoid picking leaves that are damaged or yellowing.
  2. Wash and pat dry:
    • Carefully wash the leaves under cool running water to clear away any dirt or impurities.
    • Blot the leaves dry using a clean towel or paper towels. – Excess moisture can cause mold during the drying process.
  3. Choose a drying method:

A. Air Drying (Best for herbs like mint or chamomile): (This is the best method to use when instructing young children, it’s safest)

  1. Spread the leaves in a single layer on a clean towel, drying rack, or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Position them in a warm, well-ventilated area. (away from direct sunlight).
  3. Let them dry for 1-2 weeks, flipping occasionally to ensure even drying.

B. Oven Drying (Faster method): (We like this method best)

  1. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (usually around 150°F or 65°C).
  2. Place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Place the sheet in the oven with the door slightly ajar for airflow.
  4. Check every 10-15 minutes; the leaves are ready when they are crisp and crumble easily.

C. Dehydrator Drying (Efficient for large batches):

  • Adjust the dehydrator to the herb drying setting (95°F–115°F).
  1. Arrange the leaves in a single, even layer on the trays.
  2. Dry for 2-4 hours or until the leaves are crisp.
  3. Test for dryness:
    • The leaves should crumble easily between your fingers. If they feel soft or pliable, continue drying.
  4. Store properly:
    • Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container (like a glass jar or tin) away from light, heat, and moisture. Clean recycled candle jars with lids are a great way to store your tea leaves and reduce waste. See our blog “How to Clean and Repurpose Candle Jars” for tips and tricks and ideas of how to reuse candle Jars from Nellie’s wicks and Bricks.
    • Label with the name and date for reference.

Tips:

  • Avoid over-drying, which can make leaves lose flavor.
  • Keep batches small to ensure even drying.
  • Use dried tea leaves within 6-12 months for the best flavor.

Enjoy your homemade dried tea leaves in custom blends or as a stand-alone brew! ☕✨

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