Organic Buchu Tea 200g, loose leaf

What is special about whole Buchu leaves?

Whole Buchu leaves remain largely intact during processing. This keeps the leaf structure visible and allows more of the plant's natural essential oils to remain in the leaf until infusion than in more finely cut Buchu.

For this loose Buchu tea, the leaves are air-dried after harvesting and remain largely whole. Most of the stems are removed during processing. Buchu used in tea bags, by contrast, is cut more finely and sieved so that it can be portioned evenly.

Another difference lies in the plant's natural aroma. Buchu leaves contain numerous oil glands that hold their characteristic essential oils. When the leaves are cut or crushed, these structures are opened to a greater extent, allowing volatile aromatic compounds to escape more easily.

With whole, uncut leaves, the plant material remains largely intact. This helps preserve Buchu's natural aromatic profile until the leaves are infused. At the same time, when you open the pack, you can clearly see the plant material that will later be brewed in your cup.

Whole leaves are therefore not simply “better” than cut Buchu. They are a less finely processed form of the plant, in which the leaf structure and aroma are retained for as long as possible, while allowing you to adjust the amount used for each cup or pot.

How do I prepare whole Buchu leaves?

Whole Buchu leaves need enough room and a little more time to infuse than finely cut Buchu. Place the leaves loosely in a large tea infuser, filter or directly in a teapot, pour over hot water and initially steep for about 3–4 minutes. For a more intense flavour, simply extend the steeping time.

Whole Buchu leaves need some room while infusing. It is best to place them loosely in a sufficiently large tea infuser or filter, or directly into a teapot, so that the hot water can circulate freely around the leaves.

Because whole leaves expose less surface area than finely cut Buchu, the infusion develops more slowly. It is therefore better not to break the leaves up too finely. Instead, extend the steeping time if needed and taste the tea as it infuses.

• Use Buchu leaves according to your preferred strength
• Pour over water at about 95–100 °C
• Steep initially for about 3–4 minutes
• Steep longer for a more intense flavour
• Keep the cup or teapot covered if possible

If you are trying Buchu for the first time, start with a relatively small amount. This makes it easy to find the strength that best suits your personal taste.

Ingredients

100% organic Buchu leaves