Loose Leaf, Bags and Brewing Tea Properly

FOOD & DRINK · GLOBAL

Loose Leaf, Bags and Brewing Tea Properly

Why leaf size matters, water temperature and time, storage and tea as a gift

Tea is the same plant in almost every packet, and the difference between a good cup and a dull one is mostly leaf size, temperature and time.

Leaf size

Standard tea bags contain fannings and dust — small broken particles with more surface area, which brew fast and strong and lose aroma quickly. Whole leaf brews more slowly and holds far more flavour.

Pyramid bags and large infusers work because the leaves need room to expand. A cramped ball infuser produces a weak cup from good tea.

Water temperature

Black tea and herbal infusions want water just off the boil. Green tea wants around 70 to 80 degrees and white tea cooler still, because boiling water scorches the leaf and turns it bitter.

Oolong sits between, around 85 to 95 depending on the style.

Time

Follow the guidance on the packet rather than leaving the bag in indefinitely. Over-brewed black tea is astringent because of tannins, not because it is strong.

Use fresh water rather than reboiled, and warm the pot.

Milk and water

Hard water dulls tea noticeably, and a filter jug improves it considerably in limescale areas. Whether milk goes in first is a matter of temperature control and genuinely changes the taste.

Storage

Airtight, cool, dark and away from strong smells, since tea absorbs odours readily. Buy quantities you will get through within a few months.

Caffeine

Black and green tea both contain caffeine, roughly half that of coffee per cup, and brewing time affects how much ends up in the cup. Decaffeinated tea retains a small amount.

Caffeine has a half-life of around five hours, so an afternoon pot is still working at bedtime for many people.

Herbal infusions

Not tea at all botanically, and naturally caffeine free. Some, including liquorice and St John's wort, interact with medication or affect blood pressure, so check rather than assuming a tea is inert.

Tea as a gift

Match it to what the person actually drinks rather than to an attractive tin. A caddy of loose leaf plus a decent infuser is a better gift than a large selection box of things they will not finish.

Check the best before date and buy quantities that will be used within a few months, since tea fades.

Reusing and recycling

Many tea bags contain plastic in the sealing layer, which is why they do not fully break down in a compost heap. Loose leaf avoids the problem entirely and goes straight on the garden.

Check whether the bags are stated as fully compostable rather than assuming paper means plastic free.

As a gift

Caddies and selection boxes suit people who drink tea rather than collect it. Check for caffeine content if giving herbal or fruit infusions.

WHERE TO BUY

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