Why Opt for Loose Leaf Instead of Tea Bags?
Higher-Quality Teas
Tea bags often contain small, fragmented tea pieces known as "fannings" or "dust" grade. After harvesting and processing tea leaves, factories sort them into various grades, ranging from whole leaves to broken-leaf grades. The residual tiny leaf remnants, identified as dust grade, are traditionally discarded but are now sold to tea bag companies.
Natural benefits like antioxidants and polyphenols are lost when tea is crushed into dust. Switching to loose leaf offers a substantial upgrade, providing access to superior teas with a fresher aroma, refined flavors, longer-lasting taste, and the ability to re-brew multiple times. Despite a potentially higher initial cost per gram, the value increases when considering the potential for re-brewing.
Health & Sustainability
Tea bags release millions of microscopic plastic particles into your cup due to the polypropylene used for sealing. If you rely on tea bags daily, you inadvertently consume a significant amount of plastic. Even pyramid-shaped sachets, claiming to contain whole leaf tea, contain substantial plastic due to the nylon mesh material.
In terms of sustainability, loose leaf teas can be directly composted, providing an environmentally friendly option by avoiding single-use materials in the brewing process and reducing waste.
Tea Appreciation
Amidst the hustle of modern life, brewing tea provides an opportunity to decelerate and savour nature's essence even in urban environments.
Engaging with tea through sight, smell, and taste allows us to be fully present in the moment.