Most of us grew up dunking a teabag in a mug. It's quick and easy, but it's only half the story. Here are 10 benefits of loose leaf tea, and why, once you've tried it, it's hard to go back.
10 benefits of loose leaf tea
1. It tastes better
It all comes down to the size of the leaf. Most teabags are filled with tiny broken pieces, known as fannings and dust. They brew quickly, but they give a flatter, often more bitter cup. The larger pieces in loose leaf tea release their flavour more gently, so you taste much more of what makes each tea different: malty, floral, grassy, smoky or fruity.
2. You can watch the leaves open up
Put loose leaf tea in hot water and you'll be amazed at how much the leaves open up and grow as they release their flavour. It's so good to see, you'll find yourself showing other people what the brewed leaves look like.
3. There's so much more to explore
Supermarket shelves stick to a handful of blends. Loose leaf opens up the whole world of tea: black, green, white, oolong, yellow and pu'erh, each with hundreds of varieties from different countries and gardens, plus herbal, fruit and rooibos blends. There's always something new to try.
4. You can see what's in your cup
With loose leaf tea, nothing is hidden inside a bag. You can see the whole ingredients: rolled green leaves, jasmine petals, pieces of dried fruit you can eat, spices and flowers. What you see is what you brew.
5. You can make it just how you like it
Loose leaf puts you in charge. Add a little more tea for a stronger cup, or brew it for less time if you like it lighter. As a guide, use one teaspoon per cup and follow the brewing time on the pack. Our guide on how to brew the perfect cup of loose leaf tea has more tips.
6. You can brew the same leaves again
Good loose leaf tea often has more to give after the first cup. Many green, oolong and pu'erh teas can be re-steeped two or three times, and each cup tastes a little different. Teabags are usually spent after one go.
7. There's less to throw away
Some teabags are still sealed with plastic, and even plant-based ones need the right conditions to break down. With loose leaf tea, all that's left at the end is the leaves, which can go straight on the compost. We've thought about our own packaging too: the bags are recyclable, and the rest of the packaging is compostable.
8. It makes great iced tea
Loose leaf tea, especially fruit and herbal blends, makes lovely iced tea in summer. Brew it double strength, let it cool, then pour it over ice.
9. It makes a thoughtful gift
A few different loose leaf teas and an infuser make a gift that feels special, and it's a lovely way to introduce someone to proper tea. A tea gift subscription brings them something new every month.
10. It turns a cuppa into a moment
Measuring out the leaves, waiting for them to brew and pouring a fresh cup all take a couple of minutes longer than dunking a bag. That's part of the pleasure: a small break just for you.
Is loose leaf tea healthier than teabags?
Loose leaf tea and teabags come from the same plant, so the health benefits are much the same. What loose leaf gives you is a better-tasting cup. For what the research says about tea and health, read the health benefits of drinking tea.
Keeping loose leaf tea fresh
Store loose leaf tea in an airtight container, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells, and it will keep its flavour for months. Here's more on the best way to store loose leaf tea, and on loose leaf tea vs teabags.
Discover new teas every time
Once people try loose leaf, they tend to stick with it: our tea subscribers are some of our most loyal customers. A Blue Coffee Box tea subscription brings rare and single-origin loose leaf teas through your letterbox, with a free infuser in the first box. From £9.99 with free UK delivery, and you can skip or cancel anytime.
