Why choose loose-leaf tea, over bagged-tea

We understand that bagged teas are a winner for convenience, but let us tell you that this where the winning points begin and end, when comparing tea-bags to loose-leaf tea. Sure, we might be biased, but there’s good reason for that! Read on to learn why loose-leaf tea is the true victor when it comes to deciding between tea-bags, and loose-leaf.

Loose-leaf tea is the Quality-Queen

Whilst loose-leaf is whole tea leaves, the contents of tea-bags are most often what is known as “dust” or “fannings”. These are the ‘scraps’ of the whole leaves, and so are much smaller than whole leaves. This sees reduced flavour and freshness, and overall lower enjoyment for something as small but special as the humble tea-time break.

Loose-leaf tea taste triumphs

There are a few elements to loose-leaf tea which sees more enhanced flavour (taste and aroma) compared to tea-bagged teas. Firstly, the natural oils within the tea leaf contribute to the flavour, and are easily lost through the degradation of the tea leaf. This means that the whole and minimally-broken leaves of loose-leaf tea retain their oils, and so behold more flavour.
Plus, in the instance of a tea brewed in tea-pot with an infuser, the whole leaves have more room to swirl in the water, rather than being restricted in a bag. This enables the leaves to unfurl and have their flavour better extracted. Most single-cup infusers are also generously sized, which enables the same beneficial outcome, on a smaller scale.
Furthermore, the method of machine harvesting tea leaves for the mass-produced bagged varieties, often results in seeds and stems being included in the mix. This in turn, and in conjunction with the dust and fannings releasing more tannins due to their small size, results in a bitter tasting tea.

Loose-leaf tea has the fresh-factor

Again, the leaf-size is the deal breaker! The reduced size of the dust and fannings means that the oils within the leaf are lost more quickly during storage, leaving the tea dull and stale. This is further noticeable in some tea-bag products, which are produced on a mass-scale with tea leaves from different locations, meaning the leaves have already travelled great distances, and been exposed to air for longer periods.

Loose-leaf tea can take you on a world tour

Whilst there are thousands of different ‘teas’ available, there are only six true teas. Now this may not sound like many, but when we consider that each of these tea types tastes different based on the location it was produced (from the variances in season, soil, climate, cultivation and production methods), you can learn to appreciate the subtle diversity. Use these different tastes to escape around the world, sampling one tea type in hundreds of different ways!

Loose-leaf tea is your financial friend

Tea-bags might seem cheaper at first glance, but when take into account that you are paying for packaging, and compare the rate per weight, loose-leaf tea is the one which will keep more pennies in your pocket, or rather, dollars in your dacks. Especially if you know that high-quality tea leaves continue to provide excellent flavour even after multiple infusions *wink*.

Loose-leaf tea gives back to the environment

For one, with loose-leaf teas, you’re not tossing so much packaging and non-compostable tea-bags into the bin with every cup you drink. Furthermore, loose leaves make amazing fertiliser for your garden! The nutrients, especially nitrogen, within the leaves nourish soil. Add them to the flower bed, vegetable patch or compost, and reap the benefits of returning the leaves back to Mother Nature.

Loose-leaf tea is a health-helping hero

It is widely suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tea confer a range of health benefits for individuals’ physical health. With indication that tea can positively influence some people’s health status regarding certain types of cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss, tea is worth looking into if you are keen for a more natural approach.

There is undoubtedly mental health benefits for drinking tea also, with mental alertness a result of drinking many types, with and without caffeine. The act of drinking tea is further helpful for one’s mental state, as it is either a grounding state of solitude we can indulge in, or share in a cuppa socially, in the enjoyment of others company. 

Loose-leaf tea offers a creative outlet

Obviously loose-leaf tea varieties are far easier on the eye than a tea-bag! Let your senses be treated to the beautiful colours, sensational smell and wholesome taste of loose-leaf varieties, which is far more lavish than what bagged teas offer.
You can enhance this sensory experience and put your creativity and personality on show, by drawing upon a selection of teapots, infusers and accessories, to steep and then enjoy your cuppa.

So, did we convince you, that loose-leaf is the better choice over bagged-tea? Check out our signature “loose leaf tea, for me” range via our shop, and reap the benefits! But, we totally get it, tea-bags are convenient…which is why we also offer a range of loose leaf tea infusers!  Consider these as stylish tea-bags, with the added bonus of being re-usable, and suited to your personalitea.

At Cup of Personalitea, we want each and every cup of tea you drink to provide you with a personal and soul-nourishing experience We feel that with our range of tea and accessories, you can certainly celebrate yourself, one cup at a time!