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Just like people, some teas like to show what they have without hesitating. Some, on the other hand, are shy and need a bit of time to release their essence completely. However, don’t be misguided by the steeping time, some introvert teas take only a second to steep, but require a dozen of infusions to let you know them closely. Below is our list of top introverted and extroverted loose leaf tea.

Top introverted loose leaf tea

Introverted teas need a lot of effort and patience to become your friends. They are quite unforgiving either to wrong water temperatures or wrong steeping times, and usually offer at least 10 infusions. And that is exactly where their beauty lies in. They are mostly unfriendly to loose leaf tea beginners, so patience and understanding are a must when trying to become friends with introverted teas.

Ball rolled oolong teas

Ball rolled oolong teas from China and Taiwan need a lot of time to open up. They will give a different flavor with each steeping. They can also be brewed using the western one-steeping technique, but will require much more time to unfurl. Some ball rolled oolong teas give the best results while steeped for almost 10 minutes. If you want to really understand them, use water of around 194-203 °F and start with 20-45 seconds.

Raw pu’erh tea

Raw pu’erh teas are still quite a novelty in western countries, and a category so huge one would need many years to get to know them. Raw pu’erh should be steeped at least 10 times using very short steeping times and almost boiling water. Beware, they can get bitter if mistreated.

Dan cong teas

One cannot really understand the beauty of dan cong teas unless willing to give a lot of time and patience. Dan cong teas are famous for their elegance and beauty, and many flavors which cannot be experienced in a rush. Use very hot water of around 203 °F and start with 15 seconds.

Blooming tea

When talking about tea shyness, blooming tea is the winner. Pretty little tea balls need at least 3-10 minutes to reveal their beauty. We recommend using water of around 203 °F. Although the first infusion is usually the best one; we decided to place them in introvert category because of their appearance.

Top extroverted teas

Unlike introverts, extroverted loose leaf teas rarely offer more than 1-3 infusions, and usually they give the most in the first one. These teas are much easier to brew for tea beginners because brewing can rarely go wrong if using the right water temperature.

Sencha tea

Sencha is a very beautiful tea, and usually, a very extroverted as well. Although many like to brew sencha for 3 minutes, this tea actually requires only a bit less than a minute. In fact, sencha is one of rare tea that should be infused in a pour in, pour out way for a second infusion. So, why is it extroverted? Sencha likes to blend with others. Fruits, spices, flowers, grains - sencha gets along with everyone. Moreover, with sencha, the first infusion will usually be the best one.

Sencha green tea (Source: Tea Bespoke)

Darjeeling tea

Just like many Indian (and Sri Lankan) teas, Darjeeling should rarely be re-steeped. Although you can use the same loose leaf tea more than once, the true beauty in Darjeeling tea will be revealed in the first infusion. Usually, 3-5 minutes are enough, with water temperature around 195 °F. Besides, it blends well with other teas.

Chai

Chai is a social drink, one that cannot be refused, and one that makes you fall in love immediately, offering the best qualities in only one sip. Re-steeping chai would be just as sinful as adding sugar to Tie Guan Yin.

Fun Fact

Introvert loose leaf tea will rarely be sold in tea bags while extrovert teas are usually sold in many shops by many different brands. Of course, loose leaf option is always a better idea, and will give much more pleasure than tea bags.

What is your favorite introverted and extroverted loose leaf tea? We would love to hear your thoughts.