Humankind has been familiar with tea for thousands of years. Various cultures around the world recognize tea as a form of refreshment as well as a remedy for various health conditions. You can find tea leaves easily at your nearest grocery store.
Usually, tea is available in two types: loose-leaf tea and tea bags. While brewing loose tea leaves is the oldest and the most widely preferred way to consume tea, tea bags have become quite popular because of their ease of use. This article will introduce you to both types and help you to choose between loose-leaf tea and tea bags.
What are Tea Bags?
Tea bags are small bags, usually made of filter paper, filled with broken or crushed tea leaves. They can be dipped in hot water (in individual cups) and steeped for a few minutes to make tea. The filter paper tea bags are quite inexpensive; however, you can also find higher-quality tea bags made from silk or cotton.
What is Loose Leaf Tea?
Commercially, loose-leaf tea comes in boxes or cans. They consist of carefully plucked whole tea leaves that can be steeped in hot water using a tea-infuser or directly. If used directly, a strainer is used to separate and remove the tea leaves after the tea is made. As a result, the whole tea leaves yield a robust flavor and even be steeped multiple times.
At Cupify, we offer an assortment of premium loose-leaf tea, all of them hand-blended to provide you with the ultimate sensation.
Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bag: What is the Difference?
Loose-leaf tea and tea bags have some fundamental differences. Let’s discuss them.
1. Leaf Size and Quality
Commercially produced tea bags are usually made from tea “dust” that mainly consists of low-quality, broken tea leaves. Therefore, these tests are cheaper and readily available. On the other hand, loose tea leaves are made of high-quality whole tea leaves.
2. Depth of Flavor
Loose-leaf tea produces a more nuanced and complex flavor when steeped in hot water. Their flavor profiles are bolder and stronger. On the other hand, tea bags have lesser flavor depth. The tea dust used in tea bags usually produces a bland taste. We understand that tea bags are easy to carry if you are on the go, and it is easier to prepare tea with tea bags. But, your taste buds will thank you for letting them experience the delightful taste of tea prepared with loose tea leaves.
3. Room to Brew
The tea leaves need space to expand and disseminate their flavors to your cup of hot water. Most tea bags are packed tightly to prevent moisture from spoiling their flavors. This means the tea leaves inside get little room to unfurl and release their flavors. In contrast, the loose-leaf teas get ample space to expand when steeped in teapots or cups, giving you a more flavorful cup of tea.
4. Preparation Method
This is probably the only aspect that persuades people to choose tea bags over loose tea leaves. Preparing tea with commercially available tea bags is comparatively easier and more rapid. Whereas in the case of loose-leaf tea, you need to steep them for a longer time to let them completely infuse their flavors. You may also need multiple utensils to prepare tea with loose tea leaves. However, when you sip from the aromatic cup of tea, you will feel it's worth the effort and time.
5. Different Tea Varieties
Though you will find different types of tea bags in the market, the choices are unlimited for loose-leaf tea. For instance, at Cupify, you will find exotic flavors like Apple and pineapple pancake loose leaf tea, Rooibos orange and cardamom loose leaf tea, organic orange and lemon green rooibos loose leaf tea, black tea and white chocolate loose leaf tea, etc. You can also find a wide range of premium loose-leaf tea at Teavana and David's tea.