What is the Difference Between Tea Bags and Loose Leaf Tea?

1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEA BAGS AND LOOSE LEAF TEA? Most tea drinkers will start drinking tea using tea bags, they are readily available and convenient. Most tea drinkers will eventually try loose leaf tea, which is where the excitement, diversity and selection really comes into play. Tea bags are relatively new in the tea industry and were made by tea merchants. For thousands of years, tea was only available in loose leaf or compressed forms. Tea bags were only invented at the start of the twentieth century with the first patent being in 1901. The tea bag was designed to make steeping easier. Tea bags developed even further from there and became more widely used by mass manufacturers, offering convenience. Tea bags contain broken tea leaves, tea dust and fannings, which are small tea particles. This has led to an increase in interest for loose leaf tea, which is begin enjoyed in homes around the world. Green, white, black and oolong teas are available in loose leaf form. It doesn't matter if you purchase tea bags or loose leaf tea, you can get high

2. and low quality teas. Loose leaf tea is a higher quality, since tea bags contain dust and fannings. Top quality tea producers are creating biodegradable tea bags which contain unbroken tea leaves. Loose leaf tea can be low quality, which is why it’s important to know where it comes from, how it was growth, the harvesting methods used along with the processing techniques. The great thing about steeping a loose leaf tea is that you can learn so much about your tea, including whether you are drinking leaves or buds. You can judge the tea on the shape and colour of the leaves, which is something impossible when using tea bags. Interestingly, not all teas come in tea bag form. Your aromatic high quality teas come in loose leaf form only, this is because when they are steeped they need to expand as much as possible to release their flavour. This is another reason why many of the top tea specialists will also not recommend using an infuser when steeping loose leaf tea. When you drink loose leaf tea, you control the strength, and you can add or remove loose leaves to get the strength you need. Tea bags have a set amount and flavour is then regulated by the water temperature. Most people make the mistake of brewing tea bags using boiling water, which distracts from the taste. A problem with tea bags is that the leaves deteriorate quickly, because they are small leaf particles, fannings and dust. This means they lose their freshness faster than a loose leaf tea. Some of white and green teas that come in teabag form actually have a paper taste, which comes from the teabag itself, which can take you away from the natural flavours of the tea. The best quality teas on the market are seldom packed in a tea bag. Tea ceremonies celebrated globally always use loose leaf teas, which ensure the best taste and fragrance.

3. If you are travelling and you want to make a cup of tea quickly, then tea bags are more convenient. But when you are sitting at home, relaxing on a lazy afternoon, making your own loose leaf tea is the best way to enjoy the full fragrance and flavour of the tea you are making. About Us: Jing Tea is a United Kingdom based single garden tea specialist, bringing high end single garden teas to homes throughout the world. The company focuses on providing teas with distinctive flavours and incredible tastes and connecting the diverse cultures, wild landscapes and master craftspeople who make them with tea drinks throughout the world. The distinctive teas on offer provide the best flavours, aromas and colours. The company has been building relationships with the best tea makers in Asia based countries since 2004, they believe in supporting biodiversity and sustainable tea growers. Jing Tea offers tea subscriptions, virtual guides, online tasting and one on one consultations, which they offer from their base in the heart of London’s West End. Visit https://jingtea.com to find out more.