Besides the most noticeable differences between loose leaf tea and tea bags, including the quality of the tea leaves, the amount of room tea leaves have to steep, and the variety of teas available.

 

Here are a list of top differences between loose leaf tea and tea bags

 

Tea leaves vs. tea dust: leaf size and quality

Teabags are usually made from tea “dust,” which are small particles of “low-quality” tea that are generally more inexpensive and easily available. Loose leaf tea is made from the whole leaves of tea, which are usually higher quality and tend to brew up a cup with a-lot more flavor.

 

Flavor

Loose leaf tea often tends to be more flavorful than regular tea bags. Full leaf teas are complex and bold, strong teas like breakfast blends have a fuller depth of flavor. In comparison, tea bags can seem less bold in comparison. Definitely worth trying both versions to find which of the options you prefer.

 

Brewing area

Most teabags are packed tight, allowing little room for the tea to expand and release the flavor as it steeps. Loose leaf teas, have plenty of room to expand (when properly prepared) and result in a lovely, strong flavorful cup.

Top tip: because they’re made of higher quality tea leaves, loose leaf teas typically take a bit longer to brew, but it’s a interesting to admire the leaves slowly unfurl!

 

Preparation methods

One of the main attractions of using tea bags over loose leaf tea is of course the convenience - that they’re easier to prepare. If you are making a cup of tea using a tea bag, all you really need is some hot water and a mug.

Loose leaf is also pretty simple addition to the hot water and a mug, you just need a infuser - this can take be a tea infuser, tea pot, or even a paper tea filter.

 

Tea varieties options

In terms of availability tea bags are usually easier to find, online in super markets and in tea shops. Loose leaf tea in the UAE although available and popular, definitely not as easily and conveniently available as loose leaf. If we are talking variety – in the UAE again tea bags both traditional and premium silk bags have endless options. Loose leaf is slightly more limited when it comes to flavor options.

 

Health benefits

From boosting your immune system to reducing inflammation to soothing sore throats and everything in between, tea is full of beneficial properties. Because loose leaf tea tends to be of a higher quality, there are often even more concentrated amounts of the benefits present in tea. While tea bags still contain some of the benefits that come with drinking tea, they usually won’t be as potent as loose leaf.

 

Cost

Loose leaf tea does tend to cost a little more than standard tea bags that you can find in the grocery store, however some premium silk tea bags and varieties while still relatively affordable would cost more than most loose leaf options. Loose leaf tea is of generally better quality than most tea bags - that you can steep your tea leaves multiple times enjoying more than just 1 cup at a time.

 

Whether you’re a tea beginner or a longtime tea drinker, loose leaf teas can be a great way to further develop your love of tea and explore all that teas have to offer. Discover our range of loose leaf tea at: https://shop.dilmahtea.ae/collections/loose-leaf-tea