Which is better: loose leaf or granulated tea? Remember this once and for all.

Tea enthusiasts enjoy drinking tea for various reasons. Some people appreciate the way it helps them relax, while others savor its flavor and potential health benefits.

Regardless of why you drink tea, you likely began your tea journey with tea bags. After all, tea bags are convenient and easy to use. Just place one in a cup of hot water, and you're all set.

But what if we told you there’s a better way to enjoy tea? Loose leaf tea is gaining popularity among tea lovers for many reasons. In this article, we will explore how loose leaf tea differs from bagged tea, helping you decide what suits you best.

What are tea bags?

As the name suggests, tea bags are small pouches filled with tea leaves. They were invented in 1904 by Thomas Sullivan, an American tea merchant who sent tea samples in silk bags. His clients loved the idea so much that they began using the bags to brew their own tea.

Tea bags became popular in the United States during World War II because they provided a convenient way to brew tea without measuring individual leaves. Today, bagged tea is the most common method of brewing tea.

There are two types of tea bags: paper and mesh. Paper tea bags are made from filter paper that is sealed at the edges. Mesh tea bags are crafted from metal mesh, which is also sealed at the edges.

Paper tea bags are more common because they are cheaper to produce. However, tea enthusiasts often prefer mesh tea bags as they allow the tea leaves to expand and steep more effectively.

The contents of tea bags vary depending on the type of tea. Black teas, oolongs, green teas, and white teas are available in bagged form. Herbal teas are also commonly found in tea bags.

What is loose leaf tea?

Loose leaf tea is exactly what it sounds like—tea leaves that are not found in tea bags. These leaves are typically larger than those in tea bags and are less processed.

This tea is brewed by adding leaves to a cup or pot of hot water and allowing them to steep for several minutes. The leaves are then strained before consumption.

It also has a stronger flavor compared to bagged tea because the leaves are less processed. The leaves are able to fully expand, allowing them to release more of their aroma.

Loose leaf tea is available in the same varieties as bagged tea: black, oolong, green, white, and herbal.

How does loose leaf tea differ from bagged tea?

Determining whether loose leaf tea or bagged tea is better really depends on what you are looking for.

Here are some key differences between them:

1. Quality

Generally, loose leaf tea is of higher quality than bagged tea. This is because loose leaf tea is made from whole or broken leaves, while tea bags often contain granules or dust.

2. Flavor

Loose leaf tea has a stronger flavor than bagged tea because the leaves can fully unfurl and release more of their aroma.

3. Aroma

Loose leaf tea also has a more robust aroma than bagged tea. This is due to the leaves being less processed, allowing them to retain more of their natural plant oils.

4. Convenience and ease of use

Bagged tea is more convenient and easier to use than loose leaf tea. This is because you don’t have to worry about measuring leaves or straining them after steeping.