Soursop tea has been brewed in Caribbean households for generations. In Jamaica, where SourSopShop's roots run deep, dried soursop leaves have long been prepared as a soothing herbal infusion — a tradition passed down through family and community. If you've just received your first bag of dried soursop leaves and aren't sure where to start, this guide covers everything you need to brew a proper cup.
What You Need
2–4 dried soursop whole leaves (or 1–2 teaspoons of soursop leaf powder)
2 cups (500 ml) of filtered water
A small pot or kettle
A strainer or reusable tea infuser
Optional: honey, lemon, or ginger to taste
SourSopShop tip: Our Natural Soursop Dried Whole Leaves are hand-selected for quality. Larger, intact leaves preserve more of the leaf's natural compounds and tend to yield a richer brew.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Soursop Tea with Dry Leaves
Step 1 — Rinse the Leaves
Give your dried leaves a quick rinse under cool water to remove any dust from storage or transit.
Step 2 — Bring Water to a Near-Boil
Heat your water to around 90–95 °C (195–203 °F) — just before a rolling boil. Boiling water can be too harsh on delicate plant compounds; this temperature is the sweet spot for a balanced, flavourful cup.
Step 3 — Add the Leaves
Place 2–4 leaves directly into your pot, or fold them into a reusable infuser. Our Soursop Tea Leaf Infuser is designed for exactly this use and makes cleanup easy.
Step 4 — Steep for 10–15 Minutes
Cover the pot and let the leaves steep for 10 to 15 minutes. A longer steep (up to 20 minutes) produces a stronger, more earthy flavour. Start at 10 minutes and adjust to your preference.
Step 5 — Strain and Serve
Remove the leaves or infuser, pour into your mug, and add honey, lemon, or a slice of fresh ginger if you like. Soursop tea has a mild, slightly grassy taste with a hint of floral sweetness — it's pleasant on its own.
How to Store Dried Soursop Leaves
Once opened, keep your dried leaves in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. A cool, dry cupboard works perfectly. Properly stored, dried soursop whole leaves keep well for 6 to 12 months without losing significant potency.
Using Soursop Leaf Powder Instead
If you prefer a quicker brew or want a more concentrated tea, soursop leaf powder dissolves easily in hot water. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon per cup, stir well, and steep for just 3–5 minutes. Powder blends smoothly into smoothies and wellness shots too — a convenient option if you're always on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dried soursop leaves should I use per cup? Start with 2 leaves for a mild brew or 4 for something stronger. There's no single "correct" amount — it comes down to personal taste and your goals.
Can I reuse the leaves? Yes, once. A second steep at 15–20 minutes will yield a lighter tea. After that, the leaves are spent.
How often can I drink soursop leaf tea? Many people enjoy one cup daily. As with any herbal preparation, we always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
Is soursop tea the same as soursop fruit tea? No. Soursop leaf tea is brewed from the dried leaves of the soursop tree (Annona muricata), while soursop fruit powder comes from the dried pulp of the fruit itself. Both are part of our collection at SourSopShop.
How do I make a stronger soursop tea? Use 4 leaves, steep for up to 20 minutes covered, and avoid lifting the lid during brewing — keeping the steam in concentrates the infusion.
Why SourSopShop
SourSopShop is a Canadian, women-owned wellness brand founded by Natasha and Monique Johnson-Williams — two sisters who turned personal grief into a passion for natural wellness. Our soursop products are sourced with care, many tracing back to our family's farm in Jamaica. We bring Caribbean tradition to your cup at a fraction of the price of most competitors.
Explore our full soursop collection — from dried whole leaves and teabags to certified organic fruit powder and soursop sea moss gel.
SourSopShop — Where Fresh Ideas Grow, Healthy Journeys Begin.