No beverage can beat the authenticity and popularity of tea, a beverage with a rich history and evolution. With many variants packing different benefits, tea drinking has become an art for sure. But because of the continuous craving for convenience, tea bags have become the go-to choice for many tea drinkers. However, whole leaf tea offers a superior brewing experience that results in a more flavorful and aromatic cup of tea. Here is our take on why whole leaf tea is better than tea bags in terms of taste, aroma, health benefits, and sustainability.
Whole leaf tea vs Tea Bag
The saga of whole leaf tea vs. Tea bag goes on but what is the difference? Whole leaf tea consists of larger, intact, unbroken and handpicked leaves which have been carefully processed and prepared for an amazing brewing experience. These leaves are of high quality and give a more defined flavor. On the other hand tea bags are pre-packed bags containing tea leaves, which are not of the best quality generally. The popularity of tea bags rose because of their convenience, which come in different flavors and packaging.
Whole leaf tea has been packing it’s own benefits :
1. Taste
Whole leaf tea provides a richer and more complex taste compared to tea bags. Tea bags often contain broken tea leaves, tea dust, and fannings - small broken tea leaves that are used in tea bag production. These smaller tea particles can brew quickly, resulting in a weak and bland flavour profile. On the other hand, when brewed, whole leaf tea releases its full flavour profile, resulting in a more robust, aromatic, and satisfying cup of tea.
2. Aroma
The aroma of tea is an important aspect of the overall tea-drinking experience. Whole leaf tea has a more pronounced and complex aroma compared to tea bags. The larger size of the tea leaves in whole leaf tea allows for more essential oils to be retained, which contribute to the tea's aroma. In contrast, tea bags often contain smaller, broken tea leaves that may not have the same level of aroma due to their reduced surface area and exposure to air.
3. Health Benefits
Whole leaf tea is known to be packed with health benefits. Tea leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been associated with various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, improving heart health, aiding in digestion, and promoting relaxation. Tea bags have a not so bright side when it comes to health as many tea bags may contain chemicals that are used to bleach the paper or nylon material used to make the bag. These chemicals can be harmful to your health.
4. Sustainability
The environmental impact of tea bags is a growing concern. Many tea bags are made of paper that is treated with chemicals or contains micro-plastics, making them non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment. In contrast, whole leaf tea is more sustainable as it does not generate as much waste and is often packaged in eco-friendly materials
In conclusion, whole leaf tea offers a superior brewing experience compared to tea bags. With its richer taste, pronounced aroma, increased health benefits, and sustainability, whole leaf tea is the preferred choice for tea-lovers and environmentally-conscious consumers alike.
So next time you brew a cup of tea, consider reaching for whole leaf tea to elevate your tea-drinking experience to a whole new level of flavour and enjoyment. Cheers to the art and science of brewing tea with whole leaf goodness.
Shop from a variety of Iśvara’s teas and steep in the goodness of whole leaf tea!