Pu Erh is a Chinese black tea that grows in the Yunnan region and has a rich flavor reminding you of earth and mushrooms. It is also called the “Tea of Life”, as it is a result of old, full-grown leaves with strong effects over the body, and contains a high level of QI, the “energy of life”.

1.      The Pu Erh tea can be consumed not only after generous meals (as recommended), but up to three times a day, as it is a healthy way to lose weight. It is also great againts fighting with cholesterol and high blood pressure. 2.      It is often compared with a good wine, the more mature it is, the better quality and less bitter, astringent taste it has. A mature Pu-erh tea takes years of fermentation to rich its fullest taste. It has a specific, peculiar form, from small cakes (tou cha) or also called bird nests, to brick forms, depending on the pressed shape. 3.      There are two known ways to prepare the Pu-erh Tea: Shu and Sheng. Shu represents the mellow or mature version of it. The leaves are sprinkled with water and left for almost a month to oxidize, then are treated with steam, compressed, and after that follows a long process of fermentation. Sheng is the raw version of this tea, where the leaves are steamed and compressed immediately after the frying, and stored in dry rooms for the slow, long fermentation. The Sheng Tea is often considered as green tea, while Shu Pu-erh is a black tea. In conclusion we can say that there are two types of Pu-erh: green and black. 4.      The tea has a dark yellow-reddish color, with a sweet, velvet taste and slight aroma. In order to get a quality cup of tea it is recommended to use a low mineral water with a temperature of 85-90 degrees Celsius. For a regular cup of 250ml just add 5g of tea and leave it to brew for 4-5 minutes. 5.      The Pu Erh tea has a variety of benefits, it helps cleaning the body from toxins, and facilitating the digestive system and it's function. It was proved that the microorganisms that are found in the Pu-erh tea improve the bacterial flora in the stomach and intestines. It stimulates memory, reduces stress and detoxifies the body, contains a lot of antioxidants and boosts the natural production of melatonin that stabilizes out the state of mind and improves sleep.

 Even if the technique of making the Matcha is more complicated than just adding hot water over a bag of tea, the aroma and benefits of this amazing tea will be worthwhile.

You can enjoy the beauty of mindfulness therapy while preparing the tea as it has a calming, relaxing effect.

The ingredients you need in order to perform your own tea ceremony are:

300 ml of warm water;

Add two scoops of powder in your cup.

Pour a small amount of warm water over the powder (the temperature of the water should be around 70 degrees Celsius, near boiling point).

 Stir it using the bamboo whisk in zig-zag moves until you get a foamy surface.

 Slowly add the rest of the water, constantly stirring and enjoy your tea!

Ever wondered how much tea should you drink? One to three cups a day provide plenty of health benefits:

Start with 1 cup = 5 percent higher mean bone mineral density, and 46 percent lower risk of high blood pressure. Oh Yes!

Have 2 cups = 26 percent lower risk of the mental decline that accompanies aging, and 35 percent lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer. Keep brewing!

How about 3 cups (?) = 11 percent lower risk of heart attack, and 37 percent lower risk of breast cancer. WOW!

While you can drink six to eight cups of tea safely, avoid more than five cups of caffeinated tea per day, and limit the amount of added sugar to keep tea low in calories. Simple!

In my previous articles I have described 3 fruits and flowers that make your tea delicious, and today I will present you the 3 herbs that are both benefic and magnificent in your cup of tea.

Chamomileis the nr. 1 herb of all time, not only is it sweet and delicate, but also offers a great remedy for many a discomfort and aches. It can be consumed either by itself or together with other herbs, without diminishing its effectiveness. It’s a small, white flower that you can find growing about in the fields, gardens and even on the street, but please, do not pick the ones on the street as all the plants easily absorb dust and smoke. The flowers can be consumed in fresh state or parched, as it retains all the good stuff for a year if the plant is kept in a dry, dark place. It is a good antiseptic, anti-inflammatory; it combats allergies, spasms and stomach aches. Chamomile is used for treating digestive conditions, calming swellings; it is a gentle sedative for those late, tired nights. It’s my favorite choice for an after stressful day, the sleep after this magic drink is so peaceful and sweet as the chamomileis.

The plant that looks like green onion and tastes like citruses, close to lemon taste, aromatic and sour, greatly beneficial for your whole family’s wellbeing. It's low on calories and rich in vitamins B1, B6, B5, and C, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium, and full of antioxidants. It treats children’s digestive system problems; it’s benefic for the central nervous system and helps your body produce the necessary energy for strenuous periods throughout the day. Lemongrass fights cold, stress, fever, helps eliminating toxic substances, cleaning the lungs, liver, bladder and pancreas. As you can see it is a good choice for detoxing your body and assisting it through those rough moments and illnesses.

Ginger is an herbaceous plant originated in Asia and famous since the colonial era, as it was one of the spices imported in Europe in that time from the Orient. Its roots have a one of a kind, aromatic and peppered taste and is rich in potassium, zinc, calcium, copper and magnesium, and also vitamin B6, D and C. It eases the pain of coughing breakouts, it is a good painkiller, acts as a sedative and fight with nausea and vomiting. It can be used for stimulating the appetite and in killing germs, decreasing fever and other flu or cold symptoms. Ginger is an aquired taste and does wonders for your buds if you mix it up with some lemon, especially for getting out of bed fresh and ready for taking the day head-on. There are so many healthy choices of herbs that are savory, aromatic and fragrant, but are not mentioned in this article, but if it’s not in my top 3 it can be in yours. Also remember, that herbs are not only for treating illness and discomforts, but also to enjoy their charming taste.    

Lemon, apple, coconut, strawberry, banana, pineapple, mango, so many fruits you can find in your cup of tea. Mother nature has always been kind with us and we are lucky that she shared some of her gifts. Why choosing a fruit tea? Why not?! Maybe because in a cup you can find so many colours, aromas that will always remind you of summer, childhood and wellbeing. 

I will present 3 best fruits and berries, their benefits and what makes each of it unique.

I will start with my favourite one, the strawberry.

The red berry everyone adores, that has a lot of vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, folic acid and other nutrients which are very important for our organism. The vitamin C is a good stimulator for the immune system, produces collagen, maintaining the skin's elasticity; the antioxidants protect against solar radiation and improves the corneas and retina. And did I mention its sweet, sweet taste and aroma? 

Lemon is such a common used fruit in teas, but that doesn't make it any less refreshing and healthy. Besides loads of vitamin C, strengthening our body against bad weather, cold, and whatnot, it also has a miraculous effect over combating anxiety, fatigue, tension and dizziness. So, it makes the perfect tea to start your day, especially in winter time, if you have any in your country, that is.

I don' t know about you, but I just recently found out what bergamot is and what it looks like, although I've been drinking Earl Grey for a while now. It's lemon's older cousin, but it packs a stronger flavour with a bitter-sweet twist to it. Consumed regularly it improves focus, stabilises blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. 

Like the latin saying goes " mens sana in corpore sana", these 3 little allies will help you in your daily goal of reaching that mind-body harmony.

As father's day is approaching quickly, I would like to show you 5 gift sets of teas specially selected and combined by us which will suit any other occasions as well.

The Matcha Tea Set Finest organic powder tea, together with the scoop and whisk, created for anyone who adores green tea and likes to enjoy it at any moment of the day. Healthy and delicate, a perfection among teas, a ceremonious drink, one sip that's all you need to fall for it.Contains:Matcha Tea, Bamboo Scoop, Matcha Whisk

Men Tea Set Who says drinking tea is not masculine? With this manly mix of teas, hand picked by us just for that special man in your life, be it a husband, father, brother, son, or even for yourself. Spicy, tasty, healthy, created to enhance your senses. This is the perfect gift for the upcoming celebration!Contains:Chai Black Tea, Men Tea Special, Gunpowder Temple of Heaven Tea

Women Tea Set The three carefully chosen teas for this set are the ideal for women, very fine and selected for everyday needs and wellbeing. A variety of flowers, herbs and teas to help you pass through a long and stressful day.Contains:Detox Date Cocoa Organic Tea, Women Tea Special, China Jasmine Tea

Relax Tea Set If you are looking for a way to relax, get away from all bad thoughts and daily struggles, this wonderful set was created for you. The ingredients used in this teas are 100% organic, aromatic and tasty.Contains:Amour Provence Tea, I'm Beautiful Organic Tea, Relax Tea

Energy Tea Set A combination of teas that will fill your day with vitamins and vigour and take you to a dreamland full of exotic fruits and joy. Besides the incredible aromas and flavour, it is very wholesome and will boost your soul and body's energy.Contains:Boost and Energy Organic Tea, White Tea Exotic Organic, Piña Colada Tea Any of the above Tea Gift Sets will certainly bring warmth, comfort and a smile to you or to that special person in your life. These are just sample ideas, it's up to your imaginal and personal preferance to come up with any other mix of delicious teas from our collection. Get in touch with us with any ideas or questions - we're always here to help you choose the perfect gift!

A delicate cup of tea with colorful flowers and refined aromas. What more can you dream of early in the morning to enhance and awaken your senses, or in any other time of the day, just to fill your body and soul with happiness and delight?

The three most fragrant, charming and miraculous flowers that can be found in a lot of tea mixtures or even each on its own, are jasmine, roses and hibiscus.

Jasmine: Jasmine tea is the sweet remedy for your heart’s health, as the antioxidants that can be found in this tea fight against the oxidation process of cholesterol, which can result in artery inflammation.  It has a very strong aroma and a unique taste; in combination with green, white, black teas it has been used in China since the Song dynasty, from the 19th century. It is a delicate flower that contains antibacterial properties, which combat the E Coli bacteria; it’s good against cough, throat infections and common cold. One of the most important effects of this beverage over our body is reducing the articular chronic pains and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effect of the organic elements contained in this tea can reduce articulation swelling by providing oxygen to the negative cells. Pour yourself a cup of this magnificent tea and fall in the magic world of happiness, relaxation and meditation.

Rose buds: besides their divine smell and velvet, smooth taste, rose buds have a strong effect on the body, because they fight different digestive problems, such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea; can confront insomnia, depression, and exhaustion. As they are rich in vitamin A and E, which are fundamental antioxidants for maintaining the skin fresh and healthy, rose buds help reduce the effect of the free radicals and prevent the premature aging of the skin. Not even dark circles stand a chance against this tea. Rose tea does not contain theine (caffeine), it can be consumed at any time of the day, and even by children. As to me, what can be more beautiful and tasty than a cuppa full of roses.

Hibiscus: the red African rose is the flower that colors your tea in a natural and vibrant way, with a creamy, sour taste. It has a strong cooling and relaxing effect, and is a good support for the renal affections, digestive, hypertension and diabetic treatments. Hibiscus tea is diuretic, antispasmoic, antiseptic, tonic, stimulates brain activity by enhancing both intellectual and physical efforts. Consumed in the morning, this drink can easily replace coffee as it contains a lot of vitamins to enhance your energy levels and mood.

My choice of flowers in this post is not to convince you to select some ingredients over others, but to provide you a short guide on some benefits and assist you in a better understanding of what many teas are made of, along with some useful facts.

By the way, in my next posts I will present you fruits, herbs and spices that fit perfectly in your cup of T.

Iced tea has proven to be one of the healthiest drinks available. Not only does it revive you on a hot day (not that we have many of them in Ireland), but also add to keeping you healthy.

Want to learn how to make your own iced tea at home? Continue reading!

1. Don't use hot water, which creates chemical reactions that change the flavor slightly.

2. To cold-infuse, put tea leaves in a bottle of water (one teaspoon of fresh leaves or one bag for every 180 ml of water), then refrigerate for a couple of hours.

3. Making a pitcher? Add four teaspoons of loose leaves per 950 ml of water and chill for eight to 12 hours.

4. You can also put leftover hot tea over ice to drink later.

Finish it within 24 hours; after that, the antioxidants start to dissipate.

What if we told you that... SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE?!?!

Brilliant sunshine, bright blue sky, turquoise water – and ice tea!

Our new Ice Tea design will make you yearn for the sun, sea and unforgettable summer moments!

- Exotic papaya and sweet mango will allow your taste buds to experience the taste of holidays. Lemongrass and mint ensure it is the perfect refreshment.

- White tea meets fruity freshness! The combination of fruity grapefruits, tangy lemon and dry cranberry will make your passion for tea grow even stronger.

- The strong, dark aromas of the black tea are skilfully framed by the sweet notes of the strawberries. A slight touch of lemon and basil round off the summery synergy.

- Apples simply belong in summer. Together with refined green tea, a hint of ginger and a splash of lemon, it all works to create an unforgettable ice tea for hot summer days!

We hope that you all enjoy these amazing Ice Tea blends and stay tuned for our next post - How to make Ice Tea like a PRO :)

When talking about tea, we're referring to black, green, white, or oolong, all made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Not the herbal teas, but (correct me if i'm wrong!) they still deserve a spot in your cup.

White Tea: The leaves are picked when they're young, so it has the mildest flavor of any tea variety. One study suggests that it has potent anticancer properties too. Expect 10 to 15 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

Green Tea: Traditionally from Japan or China, these leaves are heat-treated immediately after plucking, which prevents them from oxidizing. The flavor is subtler than oolong or black tea, and the lack of oxidation means that the tea retains high amounts of healthy antioxidants. Expect 25 to 30 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

Oolong Tea: Withered and then rolled by hand, these leaves partially oxidize before being fired in a pan or a basked. Oolong has the body and complexity of black tea with the fresh taste of green, and studies suggest that it boosts metabolism. Expect 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

Black Tea: Fully oxidized tea leaves make a dark brown or reddish drink that has a full body and a strong, sometimes slightly bitter, flavor (Yum!). Research shows that black tea helps decrease the cardiovascular disease risk. Expect 40 to 60 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

Herbal Tea: usually made from an infusion of dried fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices in hot water, herbal teas are known for their pleasing fragrances and therapeutic properties. Many types are calming and relaxing. Expect 0 milligrams of caffeine per cup.

No matter what type of tea you choose, make sure it's the best quality, so you make the most of your favourite cuppa and its benefits.

When you enter our website, all you see is the word matcha, and lots of pictures with this misterious green fairy dust. So what really is this matcha? It is an unique technique of processing the tea leaves that preserves all the good stuff for us, and you can find in a cup of matcha tea more antioxidants and cathechins then in any other drinks, which help our body to remain young and keeps us safe from diseases. 

It is soothing, gets you in a relaxed mood, cools your temper, clears your head and gets you through a stressful day.

What we know about matcha is that during the middle ages, the Chinese came up with a way of turning the green tea leaves into a fine powder. I don't know what's with the Chinese and powder, but what I know is that they have invented two of them that made history: green powder and gun powder. The green one caught on to their neighbours, the Land of the Rising Sun (Japan), who enjoyed the drink so much that an entire ritual was created around preparing and serving the tea. It bore the name: cha-no-yu. 

But that's enough reading for today, I'd rather you'd be enjoying a nice fine cup of tea, like I will be doing right after I finish this paragraph.

Fellow tea lover,

Luiza Negru 

Tea is probably the most popular drink on the planet after water. "Tea packs more of a punch than water" says Carrie Ruxton, PhD, a dietitian and tea expert in the United Kingdom. "In addition to providing hydration, it's rich in health-promoting substances." Scientists are with us, my tea-drinking friends, and have already confirmed: that one cup of tea may contain up to five times more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. These disease-fighting compounds may help prevent certain cancers, keep your heart healthy, burn fat and ward off weight gain, sharpen your mind, and help your body beat the effects of aging and stress. Now grab a cuppa and read further!

Tea is delicious and good for your health. "It's also calorie-free if you don't add milk or a sweetener like sugar or honey," says Diane L. McKay, PhD, an assistant professor of nutrition at the Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston. Here are a few of those awesome benefits "brewed" in your mug.

Brain: A cup of your favourite tea doesn't just make you more productive at the office (one study showed that tea drinkers have improved accuracy and attention when switching between tasks). It may also ward off Parkinson's disease and slow the progression of Alzheimer's. How cool is that?

Bones: Studies indicate that phytochemicals in tea, such as flavonoids, may protect against bone loss: Regular tea drinkers have higher bone density than non-tea drinkers. Yup!

Heart: A study conducted on more than 40,000 adults found that women who drank five or more cups of green tea a day had a 31 percent lower risk of death from heart disease than those who downed less than one. Other research linked black tea to lower LDL cholesterol. It's tea o'clock ladies and gentlemen! 

Skin: EGCG, the main polyphenol in green tea, has anticancer properties that may prevent the development of skin tumors. In an animal study, green-tea extracts reduced the severity of exposure to UV radiation. Did you know?!

Green tea contains metabolism-revving caffeine plus the potent antioxidant EGCG, which activates the sympathetic nervous system to encourage fat burning. In one study, exercisers blasted more fat during a half-hour workout when they consumed tea beforehand. In addition, there is evidence that tea may decrease fat absorption and contribute to weight loss. "Tea is a safe, effective way to increase calorie burn and the release of fat from your fat stores," says Paul Arciero, PhD, the director of the Human Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Try one or two cups of green, black, or oolong tea — iced, if you prefer — 30 minutes before you sweat. 

Ready! Steady! Brew!

If the kitchen is the heart of one's home, then the teapot is most definitely the soul. The humble teapot turns the simple act of brewing tea into an art of sorts. Unexplainable, pouring tea from a teapot gives the feel of elegance and quiet sophistication.

The teapot has undergone multiple centuries of transformation and today you can find just about any shape, color, theme or style you desire.

But what has left unchanged is the artisanal masterpieces that have only gained value and popularity through the centuries.

We have searched for the most talented artisans on Instagram and asked them just one question "What does creating these teaware mean to you?". 

Here are their gems and answers:

"I often think about life, my path, and now I would like to call it a way of beauty. Undoubted beauty for me is nature, it is my teacher and a source of inspiration. At moments of deepest union with the world, I feel my place, and I have clay in my hands and I create a teapot. I'm not burdened with standards and ideals, but I know how a good kettle should work. I'm completely focused, focused on every action. Reality and design are born every second and never stop.Creativity must be alive and my energy is for this. I'm here so that someone on the other end of our planet, perhaps in years, taking my teapot, having made tea in it, felt life, its taste and beauty. I want that from my teapots in people appears an aspiration to self-improvement and improvement of the world."

"Creating teapots for me is not just for the sake of making a teapot, it's about the overall experience of its aesthetic. I've created a design that's earthy and natural, by not only how it looks but also how it's made. In fact nearly each piece of pottery I make is pressed into a mold of a large tree fungi. This creates the texture on the body of the teapot, which is also designed to be perceived by the touch of it's user."

"Hmmm 🤔... Creating tea pots (and tea accessories) means that someone will be enjoying a cup of tea using an item that I made with my two hands with love and gratitude. Hopefully they will share a cup with someone they love and have a conversation over tea that will forever stay in their memories."

@nur_ceramics: "Handmade ceramics have the incredible ability to evoke something very deep in the person using them. When it comes to tea in particular, pairing handmade ceramics with tea brings a sense of care and mindfulness. When so many people today have daily lives that drain their mental capacity, having a few moments of calm throughout the day by drinking tea from a beautiful handmade tea cup can really reduce stress and bring a sense of tranquility. Knowing that my pieces can inspire these kinds of moments in people's day-to-day is what draws to ceramics."

We don't know if these artisans have been blessed with the gift of eternal life, but it seems to us that their creations are timeless and are today as authentic as they were hundreds of years ago. What do you think?

 Hey Tea People,

In a recent interview with the VegJournalist we opened up on the background of the Leafitwithus brand and how it all started with my Grandma's organic teas.

You will also find a 15% discount code in this article, so make sure to check it out :)

Here is an extract and also the link to the full article:

"This tea had a special place in Timur’s family for years. His love for this hot and aromatic beverage came from his grandmother. She lived in a village and all her food came from her organic garden, including teas. ‘She used to get up early in the morning, before the sunrise, and go to the forest and collect different ingredients like wild camomile and rose hips. Just before I would wake up, she would come back and make tea for us’, said Timur. The smell of the freshly brewed home-made tea is not only a part of his childhood memories, but a symbol of what an authentic tea should be like."

*Big Thanks to Tatiana from the VegJournalist for writing this amazing article!

Hey Guys, 

We are happy to announce that 8 more amazingly healthy and yummy teas are now available on our website.

Here is a sneak peak :)

- great for boosting your energy levels without expanding your waistline.

– full of essential minerals, antioxidants and flavonoids.

– this tea is every women’s dream! It possesses anti-aging properties; fights skin problems and acts as skin tonic.

- its English name comes from its resemblance to grains of gunpowder. This tea is rich in polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants that help improve your health and keep disease away.

– this tea is scented with aroma from jasmine blossoms to make a scented tea. The flavor of jasmine tea is subtly sweet and highly fragrant and it is the most famous scented tea.

 - these teas are grown in the highest part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands where the harsher climatic conditions and scents of native vegetation help produce what is widely regarded as the best teas. They produce a light, mellow, golden cup that brings to mind apricots and peaches.

 - this is a type of fermented tea from China’s Southwestern Yunnan Province. To be considered a Pu Erh, the tea leaves must be grown in Yunnan and must be from descendants of Camellia sinensis var. assamica, known colloquially as Da Ye Zhong (大叶种) or large leaf type. More than just an exoticism, Pu Erh tea has seen a dramatic rise in the Western market. Despite the hype and fluctuating prices, Pu Erh still remains some of the most expensive tea in China.

- is a traditional Chinese tea produced through a process including withering the plant under strong sun and oxidation before curling and twisting. Different styles of oolong tea can vary widely in flavor. They can be sweet and fruity with honey aromas, or woody and thick with roasted aromas, or green and fresh with bouquet aromas, all depending on the horticulture and style of production.

You can find more info around the ingredients and benefits at the following address: https://www.leafitwithus.com/loose-leaf-tea

And in case of any questions don't hesitate to contact us at: contact@leafitwithus.com

Enjoy :)

Now that the winter is gone (hopefully) and the sun has finally started coming out, it is time to think about boosting your immune system with the help of vitamins.

Vegetables especially have many important vitamins your body needs every day. Together with the antioxidants present in ginger, wheatgrass and green tea, these recipes will do the job for you.

1. Vegetable Salad with Green Spirit Dressing

For the dressing:

1 heaped tsp. Green tea approx. 3 tbsp. water (100%C) 1 tbsp. mild vinegar  2 tbsp rapeseed oil ad lib. Salt, pepper and lemon

For the salad:

1 handful of garden herbs (parsley, chives, cress, dill...) 1 handful of rocket/rucola  1 handful of lambs lettuce/mache 1 grated carrot 10 cherry tomatoes ¼ cucumber  ½ avocado

Put the tea in a cup, pour hot water over it and let brew for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and spin the salad and herbs, clean the vegetables and put to one side. Then strain the tea leaves and mix the tea liquid well into the dressing ingredients. Put the dressing to one side. Then peel and grate the carrot and slice the avocado, cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Put the salad and herbs in a bowl and spread the remaining vegetables on top. Lastly, mix the dressing energetically once more, pour over the salad and serve.

2. Green Herb (Green Spirit) Pineapple Smoothie

Ingredients:

10 g Green tea

100 ml water

½ pineapple

1 bunch of mixed (not woody) herbs

200 ml orange juice

1 lime

1 banana

Fill the tea in a tea bag, pour over 100°C hot water, let brew for 8 minutes and set aside. Meanwhile, wash the herbs and cut off the stalks a little; halve the limes and press out the juice; peel and slice the bananas and pineapple into small pieces. Put everything in a mixer together with the juice and tea.

3. Detox water

Ingredients:

5 g Green tea

800 ml water

½ organic lemon

1-2 sprigs of peppermint

Fill the tea in a tea bag, pour over 400 ml of 100°C hot water, and let brew for 8 minutes. Then take out the teabag and set aside the tea liquid. Cut the lemon into slices and wash the peppermint. Put everything in a bottle, close and shake vigorously so that the juice gently seeps out of the lemon. Then add the tea and the water. 

Enjoy Guys! :)

*Big thanks and credit to alveus tea.

Hello Tea Lovers!

The time has come for LEAF IT WITH US' very first post. We thought hard about what our 1st topic should be and decided to start with analyzing the Tea Bags and why are they bad for you.

Tea bags are a product of convenience; they are easy, cheap, and clean. But if you’ve only ever drank tea that was a product of a tea bag, you are missing out. Tea bags used to only be filled with dust and fannings, which are all the little pieces leftover from different processing methods. So basically, it is the DUST, the DIRT of the floor. Through the years, tea companies have been putting higher and higher quality tea in bags. However, no matter how nice the tea, or how innovative the bag is (see nylon bag below), they fail for one fundamental reason: tea leaves must be allowed to flow freely within the brewing vessel. Tea leaves expand while brewing, and being stuffed in a bag only allows them to expand a small amount.

Below you can see an example of a tea bag before steeping (left) and the same tea bag after steeping (right).

An important thing to note: if the tea cannot flow freely in the steeping vessel, you are not enjoying the tea at its full potential. We’ve seen how much the high quality black tea expanded in the above tea bag image, now lets take a look at what happens to a loose-leaf Oolong tea when it is allowed to flow freely in a glass tea-cup.

Below (left) you can see a teaspoon of Oolong Tea before steeping and the same teaspoon after steeping (right).

If the leaves are able to flow freely, we allow for more of the leaves to be in contact with the water and the more contact the leaves have with the water the better chance we have to extract the full flavor of the tea.

If the above Oolong leaves were stuck in a bag, they would not have the chance to expand the way they do when allowed to flow freely. Steeping tea doesn't have to be difficult, achieving great tea can be simple if you have the right  tea quality and equipment.

Hope this information will help when deciding between tea bags and loose leaf teas :)

*Big thanks and credit to the WorldOfTea.