When you think of having a cup of tea, you probably think of one of those little tea bags that come wrapped in paper. Indeed, tea bags are the most popular way that tea is consumed in the United States and Europe. Boxes of tea bags are almost ubiquitous in the tea and coffee aisle of the supermarket. Certainly, tea bags are convenient, they're just not the best way to serve a naturally flavorful whole-leaf tea. Akin to drinking instant coffee, tea bags have disadvantages when compared to whole tea leaves.
Here's the top three reasons that whole leaf tea is recommended by connoisseurs the world over:
1. It is more natural than teabags.
Loose leaf tea is the most natural form of the plant. What ends up in a teabag has often been overly processed in a factory. Take a look inside a teabag and you may be surprised by what you see. You'll find bitty bits of tea leaves and tea dust (called "fannings") instead of the beautiful whole leaves that you and your teacup deserve. Those bitty bits don't have the original essential oils and natural benefits that the whole leaf of the tea plant does. In fact, it's sometimes hard to tell just what those pieces of debris are!
So, when you choose a loose-leaf tea, you are choosing one that is less processed and is closer to nature.
2. Health benefits
Because loose-leaf tea is free of fannings and tea dust, it gives you the most health benefits from every steaming cup. There is more leafy surface area with whole leaves than in a teabag, so the leaf has retained its oils and natural health-boosting benefits.
More leaf means more benefits. Some health benefits that you receive from drinking whole leaf tea are ease in weight loss, a boost to the immune system, and younger looking skin.
3. More flavor
Because there is more leaf to steep, more leaf also means more flavor. Plus, whole leaves haven't been overly processed in a factory, so they aren't old, dusty, or expired. Most of the tea in teabags has sat on a shelf in a warehouse for months at a time while it has been processed, packed, shipped, and put on the shelf. Tea doesn't stay fresh forever.
Whole leaves are fresher and far more flavorful.
Storage Tips
If stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark place, your loose-leaf tea will keep for up to 18 months. Best taste and health benefits are within 1-2 months of the package being opened.
