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Original poster

Are loose tea leaves better than tea bags?

32 replies

PandaAtTheZoo · 01/10/2019 22:04

Thinking about trying loose tea leaves and getting a tea pot for making tea with loose tea leaves? Are they better than tea bags? Is it worth the extra cost? Any recommendations?

OP posts:
pottedshrimps · 01/10/2019 22:22

Yes, the flavour is far better. I like the Hebden Tea Company tea and I order it online. I sometimes buy Twinings loose leaf breakfast tea as well.

Wasywasydoodah · 01/10/2019 22:24

Mmmm, tealeaves are much tastier than bags, and no plastic hiding in them either. Do it! I like Sainsburys or Morrisons gold label. Also Yorkshire tea. Asda own brand is terrible.

SoMuchToBits · 01/10/2019 22:26

Oh yes! I buy PG Tips loose leaf and have it in a teapot all the time.

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Bananasandchocolatecustard · 01/10/2019 22:26

Definitely better than tea bags. Twinnings English Breakfast is my favourite.

ExpletiveDelighted · 01/10/2019 22:27

PG Tips loose leaf is nice and no plastic in the packaging. I use a little metal strainer in a mug rather than a pot most of the time.

justasking111 · 01/10/2019 22:32

There is plastic in every cup of tea bag tea you drink apparently. Which is why I am looking to dig out my tiny teapot and start using leaves again.

www.theguardian.com/food/2019/sep/30/those-fancy-tea-bags-nylon-microplastics-in-them-are-macro-offenders

QueenieMum · 01/10/2019 22:32

Definitely worth it! I got a little mesh ball that you can fill with leaves and then add to a teapot. I like strong tea and this works for me. Feels like a treat to myself every time the teapot comes out Grin

Original poster
PandaAtTheZoo · 02/10/2019 08:57

Thanks for the replies. I'll definitely try some. Didn't know there was plastic in every cup of tea bag tea, definitely the push I need to use loose tea instead.

OP posts:
enjoyingscience · 02/10/2019 09:00

I use the brew tea pot and leaves (though twinings is lovely too. There’s an offer on at the minute too.

So much nicer than a bag, and not much extra hassle - just goes straight into compost.

Damntheman · 02/10/2019 10:09

loose leaf has more space to steep in the pot than tea in a bag as well, so the overall effect is just better :) I have a tea house here that sells loose leaf and the sheer choice is amazing! When I'm in the UK i rather like going to Whittards and getting a butt ton of samples, lots of fun!

GrumpiestCat · 02/10/2019 10:11

You get a much deeper flavour. I use a stainless steel teapot loose leaves in pot, and a pour through a tea strainer into my cup.

AliceLittle · 02/10/2019 10:21

Yes, especially whole loose leaf as you can rebrew the leaves several times.

Teensruletheroost · 04/10/2019 12:23

Inspired by this thread I ordered a set of two tea infusers and a tea scoop which has just been delivered. I am going to pop to Waitrose in a little while and see what tea they have (out local Tesco only does one type of loose leaf tea apparently). After that, where do i start?!

How much tea would I put in an infuser for a standard mug of tea? Or for a teapot when I would usually put three bags in? Would I leave it the usual three minutes ish to brew?

Thanks!

KnifeAngel · 04/10/2019 12:24

Yes it's got to be Typhoo.

EmilyStar · 04/10/2019 12:30

Following, that news about micro plastics in tea bags has got me thinking it’s time to try loose tea leaves....

campion · 04/10/2019 12:32

Yes to your question.

I don't like leaving tea leaves in the pot, however,as they stew and make the tea stronger and bitter. I use a strainer similar to this
www.cupoftea.co.uk/stainless-steel-tea-tongs-5cm/p234
which is really handy for a pot or cup and you can judge how strong you want the tea.

ScreamingValenta · 04/10/2019 12:33

The flavour is much better, they're just messy - in my view the hassle is disproportionate to the benefit if you're only wanting a single cup. Worth it if you're making a pot, though. Brew

lazylinguist · 04/10/2019 12:34

Yes. Preferably proper loose leaf tea from a proper tea seller. I use a mesh thingy that sits in my cup.if I'm just making one cup. Otherwise I make it in a pot and use a tea strainer.

campion · 04/10/2019 12:37

Teensruletheroost I think you'll have to experiment a bit.
Everyone likes tea at different strengths. I like it quite weak so find about 1 teaspoonful in the infuser/strainer and stand for about 30 seconds in a cup does me fine. Obviously a bit more tea for a pot.

GU24Mum · 04/10/2019 12:39

Very well timed thread as I've just bought a packet of loose tea for the first time in years. Now I just need to see if we've still got a tea pot!

BubblesBuddy · 04/10/2019 12:40

I have three teapots and yes, loose tea is better. It really is not more expensive.

Teensruletheroost · 04/10/2019 12:41

Thanks campion

rosydreams · 04/10/2019 12:45

ooooo i love the idea of getting a nice large decorative teapot you have given me the incentive to go look for one lol

VenusClapTrap · 04/10/2019 12:48

If you only want one cup and not a teapot full, invest in an infuser mug.

Rachelover60 · 04/10/2019 12:51

A lot of people who are heavily into tea say leaves are best (my son is one); I stick to Yorkshire tea bags or Earl Grey bags, they taste nice enough but I don't drink much tea and am no expert.