How to Brew Buddha's Tears Loose Leaf Tea

Quick answer

Use 170–175°F water, steep 2–3 minutes, and start with 1 teaspoon of pearls per 8 oz cup. Overheating or oversteeping ruins the delicate floral notes.

Step-by-step brewing guide

1. Heat the water to 170–175°F (77–80°C): Boil fresh, filtered water and let it cool for about 30 seconds after boiling. Pouring boiling water directly on the pearls will scorch the leaves and produce a harsh, bitter cup. If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil, then let it sit for 30–45 seconds before pouring.
2. Measure 1 teaspoon of pearls per 8 oz cup: Place the pearls in your infuser or directly in the cup. Because the pearls are dense, 1 teaspoon yields about 2–3 teaspoons of expanded leaves. Using too many pearls results in an overly strong, astringent brew. For a milder cup, reduce to ¾ teaspoon; for a second infusion, add 15 seconds to the steep time.
3. Pour water and steep for 2–3 minutes: Cover the cup or teapot to keep the heat in. Watch the pearls unfurl—they'll sink to the bottom when ready. Oversteeping beyond 3 minutes extracts bitterness and drowns the jasmine scent. Set a timer. The liquor should be a pale, soothing color; if it's dark yellow, you've steeped too long.
4. Remove the leaves and serve immediately: Pour the tea through a strainer if you brewed loose in the cup, or remove the infuser. Leaving the pearls in hot water continues the steeping process and makes the tea bitter. Buddha's Tears can be re-steeped 2–3 times. Add 15–30 seconds for each subsequent infusion.

Product facts

• Buddha's Tears Loose Leaf Tea: Buddha's Tears is crafted with tender tea buds and the first two leaves, hand-rolled into delicate pearls and scented with fresh Jasmine blossoms. The delicate structure means the pearls open quickly at moderate temperatures, so precise water control is more important than with whole-leaf teas.