A nice cup of tea can be all you need after a long day, in the morning, or just before you go to bed. If you're no longer a fan of the same-old tea bags, maybe it's time to give a shot to tea leaves.
Sure, this type of tea requires a bit more time to prepare, but the flavour and scents are amazing. This is what you should consider when buying bulk loose tea.
Why Loose Tea is A Better Choice?
If you're looking to trully enjoy the full flavours and aromas of your tea, loose leaf is the way to go. While tea bags are super convenient, they just can't match the unique experience that loose leaves offer. Brewing with loose tea engages all your senses. Since the leaves have room to expand, they keep their natural taste and fragrance intact. Plus, watching the leaves open up in your cup is a delightful sight.
Loose Leaf or Tea Bags?
Both have their pros and cons. When you choose to brew a bulk loose tea, it’s a treat for all your senses. The leaves aren’t packed into a bag, so they keep their full flavour and aroma. Plus, watching the leaves open up in your cup is a pretty cool sight.
On the flip side, making loose leaves tea takes a bit more work than just using tea bags. With tea bags, you don’t have to fuss with a bunch of tea tools. Just grab a cup, pop in your tea bag, and you’re all set. They're more instant, while the loose tea requires a bit more time (not too long).
How Much Do You Need
The amount of this type of tea for a single cup changes based on the type of tea you're using. Here’s a quick guide for some common blends:
• Green tea: 1 teaspoon
• Black tea: 1 teaspoon
• Masala Chai: 1 teaspoon
• Kashmiri Kahwa: 2 teaspoons
The steeping also varies from tea to tea. Green and Kashmiri Kahwa usually need about 3 minutes, while Black and Masala about 4 minutes.
Tips For Buying
If you're unsure about which teas you'll enjoy or want to buy, it's a good idea to start with sample sizes or assorted tea collections. This way, you can try out different flavours without ending up with a giant bag of tea that you might not even like. Most stores offer a range of options like Black, Green, White, Oolong, Pu-erh, and Herbal teas. It's best to grab a mix of teas. Combine some stronger ones (like Black and Roasted Oolongs) with lighter varieties (like Green and White) and add in a herbal tea for good measure. Often, you can find these mixes already packaged together.
Learn About Different Types of Tea
Check out the various types of tea before you pick your favourite. Green teas are made from fresh leaves and go through minimal processing. White teas are rare and considered some of the most unique in the world. Black teas are the go-to choice for many tea lovers globally. Oolong tea is like a masterpiece, showcasing tradition and skill in every cup. And don’t forget about Pu erh; it’s like wine in that it improves as it ages.
Looks Are Important
Regarding tea, the leaf size really matters—bigger leaves usually mean better quality and tastier flavour. If you’re sipping on pale green tea, expect a milder taste, while darker green teas often pack a stronger punch. So, if you’re after a bold brew, go for those broken leaves without hesitation.
Choose With Your Nose
Let the scents lead the way. Breathe in the aroma to check if the leaves are fresh. They say that if the leaves smell nice, the tea is likely to taste great. When searching for herbal tea, pay attention to both the colour and the smell. If the herbs look dull or lack a fragrance, they’re probably not quite fresh.
Do a Background Check
Make sure to check out the entire description and ingredients list. If a blend has artificial flavours or sweeteners, they can reduce the natural health perks. Plus, reading the descriptions gives you a richer experience since you get to learn about the cool story behind the tea. If you have any food allergies, the ingredients list is super helpful. Also, it's easier to manage the temperature in a warehouse compared to a retail store, which means online teas tend to be fresher than those sitting on store shelves.
Is the Tea Shop Mindful of The Quality
Region
They share the region where the tea is grown. Some companies even get super specific, telling you the exact estate and giving you the lowdown on the terrain and geographical details, which fancy tea experts refer to as “terroir.”
Harvest Year
They mention the harvest year or month. This is especially important for green teas, which have a shorter shelf life (around 1.5 years) compared to other types. Knowing when it was harvested can also give you a clue about its flavour profile.
