Brewing loose leaf guayusa tea is a simple and enjoyable process that can be easily mastered with a few basic steps. Guayusa, also known as “the night watchman,” is a type of Amazonian holly tree native to Ecuador and Peru. It is known for its energising properties and unique flavour, which is described as a combination of green tea and yerba mate.

How to Brew Guayusa

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to brew loose leaf guayusa tea:

  1. Gather your materials: You will need loose leaf guayusa tea, a teapot or a French press, filtered water, and a kettle or stove to heat the water. You can also add optional ingredients such as honey, lemon, or mint to taste.
  2. Measure the tea: For a full pot of tea, use about 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf guayusa per cup of water. Adjust the amount to your desired strength.
  3. Heat the water: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. The ideal brewing temperature for guayusa tea is between 80-85°C.
  4. Place the tea in the pot or French press: Add the loose leaf guayusa to the pot or French press.
  5. Pour the water over the tea: Slowly pour the hot water over the tea leaves, making sure to fully saturate them. If using a French press, let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes. If using a teapot, let the tea steep for 4-6 minutes.
  6. Strain the tea: If using a French press, press down on the plunger to separate the tea leaves from the brewed tea. If using a teapot, pour the tea through a strainer to remove the leaves.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Pour the brewed tea into cups and add any optional ingredients as desired. Savour the unique flavour of guayusa and its energising properties.

Loose Leaf Tea Tips

  • Experiment with the amount of tea and steeping time to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.
  • If you prefer iced tea, simply brew a pot of hot tea and let it cool before pouring over ice.

To get the best guayusa experience, we recommend using high-quality leaves, such as those available from Athlete’s Brew. Using high quality guayusa tea is important for getting the best drink because it ensures that you are getting the full flavour and benefits of the tea. High quality guayusa is made from the leaves of the holly tree, which are carefully selected and processed to preserve their natural flavour and nutrients. Poor quality guayusa, on the other hand, may be made from lower quality leaves or may have additives that alter the flavour and health benefits of the tea. Using high quality guayusa can also help to support sustainable and ethical farming practices, as it helps to ensure that farmers are properly compensated for their hard work and that the holly trees are harvested in a way that is environmentally friendly.

Click here to take a look at the guayusa products available through Athlete’s Brew.

Do You Brew Loose Leaf Guayusa in the Same Way as Other Teas?

Overall, the process of brewing guayusa is almost the same as brewing other loose leaf teas. The basic steps involve:

  1. Heating water: Bringing water to the correct temperature.
  2. Adding tea leaves: Measuring and adding the appropriate amount of tea to your brewing vessel.
  3. Steeping: Allowing the tea to infuse in hot water for a specific time.
  4. Straining: Separating the tea leaves from the brewed liquid.

However, there are some minor differences to other forms of tea:

  • Water temperature: Guayusa typically requires a slightly higher water temperature than some delicate teas, often around 80-85°C (176-185°F).
  • Steeping time: The optimal steeping time for guayusa can vary depending on your preference, so it’s best to experiment to find your ideal strength.

What are the Benefits of Loose Leaf Tea Over Tea Bags?

Brewing loose leaf tea might require a bit more effort than using tea bags. However, it is certainly worth it! Here are the main reasons to go the extra mile.

Loose Leaf Tea Flavour: Richer and more complex flavours: Loose leaf tea leaves have more room to expand during brewing, releasing a fuller spectrum of flavours.

Preservation of quality: Tea bags often contain broken leaves or lower-quality tea, which can impact taste.

Longer shelf life: Loose leaf tea can be stored for longer periods without compromising flavour, as it is less exposed to air and moisture.

Wider range of options: Loose leaf tea offers a vast array of teas, allowing you to explore different flavours and types.

Customisation: You have more control over the brewing process, including water temperature, steeping time, and leaf-to-water ratio.

Sensory enjoyment: The process of brewing loose leaf tea can be a relaxing and enjoyable ritual.

Can You Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a French Press?

A french press can be used to brew loose leaf tea. In fact, it’s a very popular method as it can produce a rich and flavourful cup.

The French press allows for full contact between the tea leaves and water, which can result in a stronger brew. However, it’s important to be mindful of steeping time, as over-extraction can lead to bitterness.

 

With these simple steps, you can easily brew a delicious and refreshing cup of loose leaf guayusa tea. Happy brewing!

Remember to head over to Our Shop to get some guayusa!