When I first was learning how to steep a loose leaf tea, it was a big mystery to me. It turns out I'm not the only one who starts out wondering how in the world to use loose leaf tea without a tea bag. We receive many questions at Farmhouse Teas about how to steep loose-leaf tea, as here in America, we are accustomed to using tea only in bags that are premeasured for us and come in a box with instructions. When we go to make our own loose leaf tea at home, say with elderberries, we are not quite sure what to do with it. How long do you steep elderberry tea any way? No worries, my friend—it’s quite simple, and today I'm going to walk you through the steps.

Not sure how long to steep elderberry tea for the best flavor and benefits? This guide walks you through the ideal steep times and simple methods for getting it just right. Jump to steep time.

The Legal Stuff: The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, using herbal products, or beginning any wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

 

Why Steeping Time Matters

Best steeping time for elderberry tea: Steep dried elderberries in hot water for 15–20 minutes. For stronger medicinal benefits, simmer them on the stove for 20–30 minutes before straining.

Steeping elderberries is a bit different from steeping leafy herbs like peppermint, lemon balm, or red raspberry leaf. Leaves are more delicate and tend to release their flavor and benefits quickly, often needing only 5–10 minutes. Elderberries, on the other hand, are dense fruits—their tough skins take longer for hot water to penetrate, which is why they need a longer steep or even a gentle simmer to unlock their full potential.

Unlocking Elderberry’s Benefits

Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids—those powerhouse plant compounds that support your immune system. But they don’t all release instantly. The longer you steep (up to a point), the more you draw out those benefits.

Too short, and you’ve got flavored water. Too long, and you might end up with a bitter, overdrawn brew that nobody wants to sip.

Want to dive deeper into the medicinal benefits of elderberries? Check out Health Benefits of Elderberries and Their Uses.

The Best Steep Times (Based on How You Brew)

Tip: Always strain well. And never eat raw or undercooked elderberries—they contain compounds that can upset your tummy.

If you’re looking for high-quality dried elderberries, try our Organic Elderberries.

What Actually Happens at Different Times?

• <10 minutes: Light flavor, minimal benefit. Tastes more like fruit water.
• 15–30 minutes: The sweet spot! Good balance of flavor and immune support.
• 1+ hour: Can get astringent, overly strong, or even funky depending on the herbs you’ve mixed in.

From My Kitchen to Yours

In our home, we simmer elderberries with cinnamon, orange peel, and a pinch of clove for about 25 minutes. Once it’s off the heat, I let it steep while I tidy up the kitchen or prep breakfast. By the time it cools, the flavor is deep, the color is rich, and a spoonful of raw honey brings it all together.

This has become our go-to during cold season or anytime someone’s feeling a little run down. If you're new to elderberry prep, be sure to visit How to Make Elderberry Syrup + 7 Ways to Use It for more ideas.

Elderberry Immune Tea Recipe

This simple recipe is a classic way to enjoy the immune-supporting power of elderberries in a warm and comforting cup. It’s easy to make and a great staple to keep on hand throughout the colder months.

• 1 Tbsp dried elderberries

• 1 ½ cups water

• Simmer 20–30 mins, strain & sweeten with honey

• Optional: add cinnamon stick or clove

Best Elderberry Teas

Looking for ready-to-enjoy elderberry tea blends? These are some of our customer favorites:

• Farmer’s Wife Raspberry Herbal Tea
• Bonafide Blueberry Green Tea
• High Desert Hibiscus Tea
• Oregon Harvest Berry
• Red Velvet Chocolate Herbal Tea – Special Edition

Quick FAQs About Steeping Elderberry Tea

Can I make elderberry tea in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add your dried elderberries and water to a slow cooker, set it to low, and let it simmer for 4–6 hours. Then strain and store.

What’s the difference between elderberry tea and elderflower tea?
Elderberry tea is made from the dark, immune-supporting berries, while elderflower tea is made from the blossoms and is known for its light, floral taste and gentle fever-reducing properties.

Can I reuse elderberries after steeping?
Not really. Most of their goodness comes out the first time. They’re great for the compost pile though!

Is it safe to steep overnight?
If you’re doing a cold infusion, yes. For hot water, it’s best to steep then cool. Don’t leave hot water and herbs together too long—it can go bitter. Not to mention grow a funky taste.

What herbs go well with elderberry?
Think warming and immune-supportive: ginger, cinnamon, echinacea, elderflower, hibiscus, and even lemon balm.

Curious about which elderberry form is best for your needs? Read Elderberry Syrup vs. Elderberry Tincture – Which Is Best?.

Steep Your Way to a Tasty Cup

If you’re after a tea that’s both delicious and functional, give your elderberries time to do their thing.

And if you want to keep steeping simple, we recommend our favorite in-cup tea infuser—it makes cleanup easy and lets those elderberries swirl freely for maximum flavor.

The important part about steeping tea is not to get too caught up in the details. Make sure you keep brewing cup after cup, and you will gain experience in how to make just the perfect cup of elderberry tea. You will learn what works best for you and how strong you prefer it.

Before you go, don’t forget to grab our free Tea Steeping 101 Guide  so you can learn even more about how to steep tea and even get a free tea sample in the mail! Thanks for stopping by friends! Happy Sipp'n!

Learn More About Elderberries

• How to Make Elderberry Syrup + 7 Ways to Use It
• Elderberry Syrup vs. Elderberry Tincture – Which Is Best?
• Safely Canning Elderberry Syrup: Preservation Options
• How to Plant and Propagate Elderberry Bushes
• Sea Moss Gummies with Elderberry Syrup
• Health Benefits of Elderberries and Their Uses
• How to Fight Colds This Year + Enjoy Awesome Berry Syrup