What Is Better: Loose Leaf Or Tea Bags?

Loose leaf or tea bags? The answer will differ from person to person. If you are looking for convenience, then it is better to use tea bags. However, if you don’t mind the extra effort needed in straining the tea leaves to get that unique flavor, then you should probably be buying loose leaf tea.  Let us discuss the merits of the two.

Loose leaf: Loose leaf tea consists of whole tea leaves and bud, giving it a unique taste that tea connoisseurs like. The straining process is complicated and has to be improved if you need that perfect cup of tea. For starters, you have to measure carefully the amount of tea leaves needed for a cup of tea. The ratio of water to tea leaves has to be carefully measured. Water has to boil before putting the leaves in, and finally the tea leaves have to be removed before the brew becomes bitter. As you can see, it is a frightfully complicated task. The economic side of it favors loose leaf tea as it is less expensive.

Tea Bags: Tea bags are convenient to use. They are contained in a thin paper bag which allows the tea leaves to expand and release the flavor once it comes in contact with the boiling water. However, it should be mentioned here that tea leaves contained in tea bags are mostly of inferior quality and are called dust or fanning. Each tea bag contains a specific amount of tea, which means that the taste does not vary. Tea contained in tea bags includes tannin, which releases a harsher taste compared to loose leaf tea.

When comparing loose leaf or tea bags, apples to apples comparisons are not possible, because most premium loose tea leaf is much more expensive than the tea bag variety. However, it must be said that loose tea making is more elaborate. You will need a kettle, teapot and a strainer before you can even think of having a cup of loose leaf tea. Tea bags are more convenient: dip the tea bag in a cup of warm water, add sugar and milk and you got your daily fix. Lose tea leaf needs more care and has to be stored properly in a tin box. Tea bags, on the other hand, are convenient to use and can be stored for a long time. However, it should be mentioned that tea loses its essence after six months.  In the end, we cannot answer the loose leaf or tea bags question – it is all a matter of your personal preference.