Spilling the Tea on Teabags versus Loose-Leaf Teas

How people take their tea varies depending on their preference. Some may take it with honey or milk, while others drink it as it is. One of the other aspects of tea that people tend to debate on is the difference between loose-leaf tea and tea bags. 

If you do not know the difference or only know one or the other, you are missing out. Continue reading below to learn more about these two types of tea.

Loose-leaf Tea versus Teabags

Loose-leaf tea refers to plain tea leaves and is usually prepared inside a larger bag or a tea steeper. These bags or steeps are large enough to hold the tea leaves inside with bigger space. The loose-leaf tea leaves are set loose inside the bag, while the smaller teabags do not have a large bag to hold them.

You can buy loose-leaf tea in various tea bags. These are available in multiple sizes and shapes, just like the teabags—the difference between the two lies in how it is packaged and prepared.

What Do Teabags and Loose-leaf Tea Have in Common?

There are many similarities that both loose-leaf tea and teabags have regarding tea brewing. Selling loose-leaf tea or a tea bag is a matter of packaging and marketing, not the tea leaves’ quality.

Both have their distinct brewing methods and require specific brewing equipment. Both need hot water and to be steeped properly for the tea to unlock its full flavor. Some people may believe that teabags are less expensive, but that is not always the case.

Advantages of Teabags

Teabags are a convenient way of preparing tea. The tea leaves are already placed inside the teabag, and all you need to do is drop it into the boiling water and steep. The teabag is removed after the water is poured.

If you are on a tight budget and cannot afford to purchase loose-leaf tea, this is a great alternative.

Loose-leaf tea takes a bit of effort to prepare, and you will need a bigger teapot and a strainer. If you are not a tea connoisseur and prefer drinking tea to enjoy its taste, then teabags may be a better option for you. However, that does not mean you should ignore the other benefits of loose-leaf tea.

Advantages of Loose-leaf Tea

You can have a wide variety of loose-leaf tea based on the tea leaves that you use. Teabags may only have one kind of tea leaves inside. Loose-leaf tea has a distinct flavor due to the way it is prepared. As the leaves are not already in the teabag, they have more room to expand, making it easier to obtain the actual flavor.

Loose-leaf tea offers a variety that teabags do not have. Your options are varied, based on the tea type, tea leaves, and how you prepare them. You can use loose-leaf tea to enjoy the authentic flavor of your favorite tea leaves. If you want to become a tea connoisseur, you need to learn the art of preparing loose-leaf tea.

So What Should You Choose?

There is no ‘right answer’ when choosing what type of tea to drink. It all depends on your preference. If tea leaves and different types of tea are an essential factor to you, then buying loose-leaf tea is probably a good idea. If you are on a tight budget and need an easy way to prepare your tea, then teabags are a great alternative to loose-leaf tea.

If you want to buy loose leaf teas, you can check out our products at Just Organic Tea. We sell high-quality, organic tea leaves, which have been harvested in an ethical and sustainable manner. Purchase your tea leaves with us today!