Tea Bags vs Loose Teas - Which is Better?

Being a tea enthusiast, we’re sure you may know why most of the tea connoisseurs vouch for loose-leaf teas above tea bags. But if you’re new to this amazingly vast world of teas, you might be confused about why you’re always suggested to use loose-leaf teas. Well, there are lots of reasons for this distinction between loose-leaf teas and tea bags, and if you’re curious to know more, let us explain the basic differences that put loose-leaf teas above tea bags for your drinks.

Basic Differences: Bags vs Loose Teas

Also known as Whole leaf teas, loose-leaf teas are primarily made up of whole, unbroken leaves. Tea-bags are generally made of low tea grades such as dust and “fannings,” which are nothing but smaller bits of tea. The finer the tea particles, the greater the surface area for the essential oils (which make up for the flavor and aroma) to evaporate. The resulting tea is dull and stale compared to full leaf teas.

Leaf Shape

One major disadvantage of tea bags is that they constrain the tea leaves from expanding to their full flavor and aroma. The standard tea bag material prevents the tea from diffusing from inside the bag. The paper tea bags also prevent the natural unfurling of tea leaves by collapsing onto the tea leaves. The worst thing that can happen is the taste of paper seeping into your favorite tea. No such issue exists when it comes to loose-leaf teas brewed in a pot or a tea maker.

Freshness

You surely want your tea to be as fresh as possible. But when it comes to tea bags, by and large, they are produced on large industrial scales. As a result, the tea might sit in warehouses for considerable periods of time before they reach you through your nearby stores. Loose-leaf teas are generally produced and supplied to the consumers in shorter periods of time, giving you a fresher tea experience.

Steeping

Loose-leaf teas give you the opportunity to steep multiple times for several cups of tea, depending upon the skill of the brewer. Meanwhile, tea bags are one time use only products as its flavor is fully extracted after just one steeping.

Subtle Nuances

Loose-leaf teas exhibit the most subtle nuances and flavors as the tea leaves are allowed to expand fully in hot water. In contrast, tea bags specifically deliver one-dimensional flavor profile meant for a strong brew, typically to stand up to milk and sugar.

The world of teas and tisanes offer a variety of global flavors. Expand your horizons when delving into the tea world is logical! So, if you are accustomed to the convenience of tea bags, you can still choose full leaf tea bags such as “pyramid bags” or get a pack of empty tea bags and to brew your own full leaf teas.

Apart from flavored teas, you can gradually move to straight teas or “orthodox” teas as your palate develops. When you decide to make loose-leaf teas a part of your daily meal, head to The Kettlery to find the finest loose-leaf teas and tisanes.