How to Brew Freeze Dried Tea
Brew freeze dried tea just like regular tea: heat water, add the freeze dried leaves and botanicals, let them steep, then strain or lift out the infuser. Adjust to taste next time. For exact steeping instructions for each blend, follow the brewing instructions on its product page.
Our freeze dried teas are freeze dried leaves and botanicals, meaning tea leaves, fruit and herbs, that you steep in hot water. They are not instant powders. If you can make a cup of tea, you already know how to do this.
What do I need?
- Your freeze dried tea
- Fresh water and a way to heat it
- A mug or teapot
- An infuser, strainer or fine mesh sieve
- A timer, if you like to be precise
How do I brew a hot cup step by step?
- Read the product page. Each blend has brewing instructions with the amount, water and time that suit it best. Use those as your starting point.
- Heat fresh water. Good-tasting water makes a better cup.
- Add the tea to your infuser or mug. Give the pieces room to move.
- Pour the hot water over the tea. You may notice the fruit and botanical pieces soften and the color spread.
- Steep. Keep an eye on the time. Steeping longer is not always better.
- Strain or lift out the infuser. This stops the steeping and keeps the cup from getting too strong.
- Taste and adjust. Next time, use a little more or less tea, or steep a bit shorter or longer, until it suits you.
Why does the water matter?
Tea is mostly water, so the water shapes the taste. Fresh, clean water usually gives the clearest flavor. Different teas also like different water conditions, which is another reason to check the product page rather than guess.
Should I use an infuser or a strainer?
Either works. A roomy infuser basket lets pieces open up and makes cleanup easy. If you brew straight in the mug or pot, pour through a fine strainer when it is done. Tiny bits may slip through some infusers, so choose mesh that fits the size of the pieces in your bag.
How do I make it stronger or milder?
Change one thing at a time so you can tell what worked.
- Too mild? Use a little more tea next time, or steep a little longer.
- Too strong? Use a little less tea, shorten the steep, or add hot water to the cup.
- Want it sweeter or brighter? Add honey, sugar, a slice of citrus or a splash of milk if you enjoy it, since chai in particular is a popular one to try with milk.
Keep a little note of what you liked. It makes your next cup easier.
Can I make iced freeze dried tea?
Yes, there are two general ways.
Hot brew, then chill
Brew a cup or pot as usual, strain, let it cool, then pour it over ice or refrigerate it. Some people brew it a little stronger so ice does not water it down, using the product page as a guide.
Cold brew
Combine the tea with cool water in a jar or pitcher, cover it, and let it sit in the refrigerator until it tastes the way you like. Then strain. Cold brewing is gentle and unhurried. Because we do not publish specific times here, check the product page and taste as you go.
Fruity blends such as Freeze Dried Hibiscus and Cranberry Tea and Freeze Dried Lemon Ginger Tea are popular ideas for a pitcher. Add ice, fruit slices or fresh herbs to serve.
Can I brew a whole pot or a batch for a group?
Yes. Scale the tea and water together, and use a larger infuser or strainer. Taste a small amount first, then adjust. Hosting is a good time to brew a pot of Chai Tea Spice or Orange Chamomile Tea and let guests add their own extras.
Can I steep the same tea again?
Some people like to steep the leaves a second time. The second cup is usually milder. Follow the product page for any guidance on that blend, and enjoy it as a matter of taste.
How do I store freeze dried tea?
Keep the bag sealed and dry. Moisture is the thing to avoid, so reseal firmly after each use, keep it away from heat and sunlight, and scoop with a dry spoon. Stored this way, freeze dried tea stays shelf-stable.
What if my cup tastes off?
- Bitter or harsh? It may have steeped too long or used too much tea.
- Weak or watery? Try a bit more tea or a little more time.
- Flat? Check that the water was fresh and that the bag was sealed and dry.
- Still not right? Contact us and we will gladly help. Our FAQ may help too.
Which blends can I try?
- Chai Tea Spice
- Freeze Dried Elderberry Immunity Tea (Elderberry tea in our guides)
- Freeze Dried Hibiscus and Cranberry Tea
- Freeze Dried Lemon Ginger Tea
- Orange Chamomile Tea
Browse the Specialty Tea collection. To learn more about the craft, read the freeze dried tea guide, how freeze drying works, or the benefits of freeze dried tea.
We are not doctors; this is not medical advice - see our Health and Food Disclaimer.
Key takeaways
- Brew freeze dried tea like regular tea: heat water, steep, strain, adjust to taste.
- Always start with the brewing instructions on the product page for your blend.
- Use fresh water and give the pieces room in a roomy infuser or strainer.
- Change one thing at a time to dial in your cup.
- For iced tea, chill a hot brew or cold brew it in the refrigerator.
- Keep the bag sealed and dry between uses.