Loose tea leaves: Elements of a divine concoction

In most of the western world, where tea consumption is just gaining popularity, tea bags occupy the majority of the market share. However, in countries where tea is consumed religiously and for almost a millennia, it\’s the loose tea that takes the crown.

The bagged tea segment comprises just 12 percent of the market share, while the loose tea segment occupies a whopping 88% of the tea market. These facts alone, hands down, should make you consider drinking tea made from loose tea leaves. Supposing these facts do not entice you enough – read on:

If you are a beginner and just take an interest in tea\’s conundrums and aesthetics, the above statement may be perplexing. Why are people still drinking tea made from loose tea leaves? Is it not easier and a lot less messy for anyone to just dip a bag in hot water and drink it off in a gulp? Does the loose tea leaves beverage taste that good?

As we mentioned before, tea drinking is considered a divine ritual in most Asian countries. It is not only a statement of preferred tastes but also defines the cultural aesthetics of a country or a region. In fact, the largest tea producers, such as China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, etc., all love their blends of tea made with loose leaves.

Loose-leaf tea (Whole/Broken) vs. tea bags

Loose-leaf teas are mostly made of larger leaves, while tea bags are usually made from low-grade fannings and dust of leftover tea leaves.

When you make tea with tea bags that contain low-grade materials, the essential oils tend to immediately evaporate, which leaves the tea dull, stale, and tasteless.

Another major issue with the tea bags is the freshness, especially if packed in paper-wrapped boxes.

Loose tea leaves absorb the water and gradually expand as they infuse into the water or milk. This allows the concoction to extract the flavors, aromas, vitamins, and other minerals from the leaves – giving your palates a taste of divine perfection!

We are not completely opposed to the usage of teabags. There are great brands and products in the market that are good enough for a quick tea time. It is just that there are 360+ varieties of tea throughout the world. Added spices, they can create hundreds and thousands of blends – something that is worth challenging your palates and preferences.

The main advantage of a tea bag is its convenience and ease of brewing. You can just dip it in a hot cup of water and voila, your tea is done. Fun fact – The internationally acclaimed Lipton tea factory in Dubai produces more than 5 billion tea bags a year!

Types of loose leaf tea

Loose Black Tea leaves– The World\’s Favorite!

The world consumes almost 290 billion liters or 77 billion gallons of tea per year, and nearly 80% of it is black tea. It\’s a simple blend of black tea leaves with piping hot water and is best for kick-starting your day with a bang.

Black tea is generally stronger in flavor and more oxidized than the other tea types such as green, oolong, yellow, and white. They are made from the larger leaves of the Camellia sinensis (tea plant). Their flavor varies from country to country and also from region to region. Most green and white teas lose their flavors within a year, while black tea can retain its aroma and flavors for several years.

Common blends of black tea are Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Assam/Darjeeling/Ceylon black teas, and Chai. Also, most iced teas are made with black tea leaves.

What does loose Black Tea taste like?

In the abstract sense of philosophy, tea tastes like history, diversity, democracy, solidary, and various elements of cultures all fused in a single cup of savory. In factual reality, its flavors include earthy, smoky, spicy, citrusy, fruity… and the list goes on.

When we compare black tea with other teas such as green, white, or yellow, it has a bolder, stronger, and in many instances, a slightly sweeter flavor. Similar to fine wines, multiple factors add unique flavor and aromatic profiles to different types of black tea.

These include conditions where the tea plant grows, such as climate, soils, fertilization, and elevations. Other processes such as oxidation limits, heat-treatment methods, cutting & packaging process also make a significant difference in the overall end product.

Loose Green Tea leaves – The health-conscious addiction!

Green tea is solely made from the fresh buds and leaves of the tea plant. The fresh leaves are delicately picked, withered to a minimum, and immediately cooked to preserve their flavors, aroma, and enticing natural green color. Unlike black tea, green tea leaves do not undergo any chemical processes. The oxidation is stopped in the early stages by steaming, and it is slightly heated to remove any impurities and enhance its flavors.

Some consider Japanese green tea the best in the market; they have their own unique way of processing it. China and India also have their fair share of green tea varieties, but to some, the Japanese wear the undisputed crown.

Few of their priced green tea types include the world-famous Matcha and Sencha teas. However, as per true tea connoisseurs, the little-known Gyokuro green tea is regarded as the highest-grade Japanese green tea.

What does loose Green Tea taste like?

Green tea is more popular with the health-conscious crowd and there are good reasons for that. The health benefits include better memory, metabolism, weight loss, and dental health. It is also known for preventing cancer. However, full disclosure, this claim is not approved by the FDA.

Unlike other types of stronger tea variants, green tea has a lot less caffeine content and has much higher concentrations of nutrients, antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals, and chlorophyll.

Quality green tea has a mild and delicate sweetness that stands out from the other types of teas. The overall taste may differ depending on the variety and usually includes: sweet, nutty, vegetal, swampy, oceanic, fruity, etc.

Most steamed green teas tend to taste bittersweet, and if flower particles such as jasmine, mint, etc., are added to the grind, it tends to give a flowery aftertaste.

Pro-tip: Check the packaging date on green, white, and yellow tea products. The date should not be more than six months old.

Loose yellow and white teas – Exclusive beverages for the royalty!

White and yellow teas are almost identical and are extremely rare. They are made from the buds and the top two leaves of the tea plants, usually from the first buds & leaves of the growing season, known as the \’first flush\’.

The slight difference in the teas is due to the manufacturing process itself. Both are very lightly steamed but are not heated or panned rolled. The yellow tea requires special training since it is neither wilted nor oxidized.

These teas are not readily available in the common markets since they are expensive, labor-intensive, and previously were exclusively served to royalty and influential elites. The rarest tea in the world also happens to be the most famous yellow tea called \’Jun Shan Golden Needles\’.

It is widely believed that white and yellow teas are great for reproductive health, brain health, weight loss, and controlling cholesterol levels.

What does Loose Yellow tea taste like?

Also known as a miracle drink due to its medicinal properties, the yellow tea has a smoother and more aromatic taste with hints of sweetness and slight bitterness. It may also have an earthy, floral, or fruity aftertaste, depending on the region of the plant growth.

What does loose White tea taste like?

White teas are more delicate in taste than green teas. They also have higher concentrations of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants than most green teas. White tea also has a delicately sweet and mellow taste with slight notes of honey and vegetal flavors. Interestingly, there are many aftertaste profiles to white tea that include: floral, melon, peachy, vanilla, etc.

Pro-tip: High-quality types of yellow and white teas should not taste grassy as most green teas do.

Loose oolong tea leaves – Healthy beverage with multiple benefits

Oolong tea is traditionally savored in China and Taiwan. It is not as popular as the other tea types, representing only 2% of the world\’s tea. However, the interesting notion to consider here is that it combines the qualities of both black and green tea. This gives it several health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and reducing stress.

While green tea is not allowed to oxidize and black tea is oxidized to the extent that it turns black, the oolong tea is somewhere between the two.

It has many helpful nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These help improve heart health & brain functions, prevent diabetes, protect against some types of cancers, and assist in weight loss.

What does loose Oolong Tea taste like?

The taste of Oolong tea is unique from all the other types of tea. It differs greatly depending on the varying levels of oxidation, aging, the region of growth, and, most notably, the overall processing technique of the tea master.

If it is less oxidized, the tea has a mild grassy and floral taste, slightly similar to green tea. When the oolong tea is oxidized to higher levels, you may notice tones of toasted grain, honey, deep caramel, and dark fruit flavors. In Taiwan, there are special types of Oolong teas that have a rich, creamy, and milky taste.

Some types of oolong teas can be aged, and these have delightful charcoal notes with hints of whiskey and mellowness. Forthrightly speaking, it all ultimately depends on the chef\’s expertise.

Pu-erh loose tea leaves: The connoisseur de\’ tea favorite

Pu-erh tea is an exceptional type of tea. Just like fine wine and cured cheese, it can be aged for years and even decades! It comes exclusively from Yunnan, a Chinese province that lies against the borders of Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. You will often find it to be in the form of a cake or brick rather than loose leaves.

Seasoned fans love to collect different types of Pu-erh tea, just like wine collectors tend to collect vintages of Bordeaux. Health benefits of Pu-erh tea include reduction of stress, aiding in weight loss, and may help in reducing cholesterol levels & enhancing metabolism.

What does Pu-erh tea taste like?​

The flavor characteristics of Pu-erh tea greatly vary based on the tea master\’s production techniques, aging time, and how you prefer to brew it. For first-time drinkers, the taste of fermented tea could be overwhelming- some beginners claim that it tastes like dirt or even fish!

Just like fine wine and aged cheese, drinking Pu-erh tea requires you to get an acquired taste for it. Commonly Pu-erh tends to taste sweet, bitter, mellow, woody, sour, earthy, floral, and in some instances, tasteless.

Where to get loose tea leaves?

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, one of the main questions that pop up in the ever-inquisitive mind is: Where do I get the best quality of tea, especially if you are trying to buy it online.

We have come a long way with online shopping, and it is not the same as it was a decade ago. The experience has become more trustworthy and your payments now are safer than ever.

If you are lucky enough, you may find specialized shops that sell brands with pure single-origin teas. There are also high-end brands that are available in the local supermarkets and online shopping platforms too.

Why Choose Online?

Choosing your poison

You may have noticed from the above article that there are 360+ varieties of teas worldwide. When combined with various factors such as added health-enhancing ingredients, additives, flavors, scents, etc., there could be hundreds and thousands of combinations for you to choose from. It really drills down to what mesmerizes your palates and makes you enjoy the divine comforts of tea.

Whether you want to jumpstart your day, desire a quick dessert, enjoy quality time with people close to you, or just need to have a relaxing blend of amalgamated fusions of cultures throughout the world – the infinite flavors of tea is sure to satisfy your cravings.

When you try to buy tea from local markets, the options are limited. Fortunately, the digitalized world offers us unlimited options. You can check the inexhaustible list of tea varieties through this link.

Stress-free experience

One of the primary advantages of buying online is that there is no pressure et-all. The guilt of not buying after entering a store or trying a free sample amounts to zero, literally! Also, you have all the time in the world to choose what flavors enhance your fascination and tingle your taste buds.

Monthly subscription boxes

They are perfect if you want the unique experience of trying out dozens of tea types throughout the year until you have determined which flavor delights your palate and the blend that revitalizes the physically and spiritually you!

Another great thing about subscription boxes is that you will not be perplexed by large quantities of unwanted tea leaves.

Freshness counts

No compromises there: Most online businesses have large warehouses with controlled conditions such as temperature, humidity, etc. There are a lot fewer chances of the tea getting exposed to moisture or sunlight. Moreover, online products are supposed to be shipped out within a time period or usually go back to the vendors.

Pro-tip: You can contact online sellers to send you a fresher batch of teas that tend to lose their flavors within a year. These include green, yellow, and white teas.

Saving money counts

As mentioned earlier, subscription boxes save the hassles of having unwanted tea- tea that you have spent the extra money to buy. Online shopping also gives ample time to research, check reviews, and choose which tea variant you may most likely prefer.

Pro-tip: Always read the full description and ingredients list on the tea that you decide to purchase. A few types of tea may also have nuts and ingredients that you may be allergic to. You will not always find all the photos of the added additives on the cover of the tea package. In rare cases, teas such as St John\’s Wort and masala teas may interact with medicines.

Introduction to brewing an awesome cup of tea

Every tea-obsessed country has its unique way of brewing the perfect blend of tea. In fact, the passion is so intense that the blends and strength of the tea even vary depending on the time of the day. They have morning teas, working hours tea, get-together teas, and an evening tea too!

How much loose tea leaves per cup?

If you are a beginner at brewing yourself a piping hot cup of delicious tea, a bag of loose tea leaves could be slightly mortifying. Just a slightly… Although most tea packages have instructions to guide you through the amounts and methods of brewing the loose tea leaves, it\’s best recommended to use ½ a teaspoon per 230 ml/8 ounces for a single serving or one tablespoon for 230 ml/8 ounces for multiple servings. However, this is not an ironclad rule. Let us drill down a bit more to the intricate nuances of the quantity.

Black loose tea leaves quantity per cup

If you prefer your beverage to be strong and want to kick-start your day with a bang, the idle amount of loose tea leaves per 8 oz / 230 ml cup is 1.5 to 2 teaspoons. This works well with oolong and Pu-erh teas (less fermented version ones).

In case you have a sweet tooth and just want to enjoy a nice cup of evening tea, 1 tsp per 8 oz/230 ml should suffice. Side note: A regular ceramic coffee mug is around 12 oz / 350 ml. Here 2tsp should do the trick.

Green loose tea leaves quantity per cup

For most green teas, the amount is straightforward, and it is also listed on almost all packaging. ½ teaspoons (2 grams) of loose green tea leaves are optimum for an 8 0z/ 230 ml cup.

Green teas are best enjoyed when the taste is on the lighter side. Adding large quantities of tea might make it more bitter with unwanted grassy tones.

Matcha tea from Japan is famous across the world and it belongs to the green tea family. When preparing matcha tea, you should use the same quantity (1/2 teaspoon for 8 0z/ 230 ml cup) as mentioned above.

White and Yellow loose tea leaves quantity per cup

Since white and yellow teas are more delicate than the green tea variety, the amount of tea added to 8 0z/ 230 ml is also ½ teaspoon. You are free to experiment to get the right amounts that make the blend satisfactory.

A general guide to properly store loose tea leaf

While most teas will not \’spoil\’, they tend to get stale and flavorless and lose their aroma and colors. It is best advised to check yourself, but tea brands from reputable companies or online stores will also provide you with descriptions of when and how it was processed and packaged.

Pro-tip: It is better to buy tea in small quantities and refill when it gets low, especially if you want to enjoy the fresh flavors and aroma of teas such as green, yellow, and white teas.

Storing black teas (Including Oolong and Pu-erh varieties)

Most oxidized teas have a more stable shelf life than the less oxidized ones, such as green tea, white tea, and yellow tea.

When stored in the right conditions, black tea varieties can last up to two years. The fermented type of black tea, also known as Pu-erh tea, can last even longer. Some aged Pu-erh teas have a shelf life of 10 years!

Storing green, yellow, and white teas

These tea are a lot more delicate and oxidized to the minimum. In fact, white tea does not undergo any oxidation at all. Flavor and aroma-wise, the green, white, and yellow teas are more fresh and aromatic than the black tea varieties. If you want to truly enjoy these teas, you should consume them within six months of the packaging date. They can also be kept for a year but will not give those distinct tones they are famous for.

Storing Flavored Teas

Teas that are treated with flavorings or additives such as spices and fruits will have a shorter shelf life. A couple of examples are Earl Grey tea flavored with bergamot oil and different types of masala teas.

Storing teabags

Most tea bags come in paper-packaged boxes, but it is not an ideal way to store tea. The paper usually absorbs moisture from the surroundings and can make your tea go stale. Remove the tea bags and store them in airtight containers for better shelf life.

Checklist: How to store tea

Check out the below to-do list to properly store loose black tea leaves and tea bags to increase shelf life and protect their flavors and aromas.

Protect loose tea leaves from their natural enemies

It is highly recommended to store tea leaves in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, heat and moisture from humidity. Sunlight and heat tend to activate certain enzymes that will eventually start to degrade your tea, making it stale and tasteless. Moreover, when tea interacts with moisture from humidity or any other source, the shelf life is drastically shortened.

Refrigerating tea leaves

Most people ask if they can refrigerate loose tea leaves or tea bags. We have a simple answer for that – No…Nada…Never. Unless it is an iced tea can.

Keep tea at room temperature

When we say room temperature, it is usually considered between 68 to 90°F (20 to 32°C). This keeps your tea fresher with its flavors and fragrance intact.

Store in air tight containers

Letting your tea breathe makes it exposed to oxygen, odors from other ingredients in the kitchen such as spices, vegetables, etc., and notable the moisture from the air around it.

Best container materials for storing loose tea leaves

The best way to store tea is in an opaque, airtight container to save it from sunlight and moisture exposure. However, the container materials also matter. The best container materials to store tea are opaque glass, tin, aluminum, stainless steel, and glazed ceramic-based containers.

Materials that are not good for storing tea leaves

Avoid plastic-based containers since they can transfer odors and chemicals into the tea leaves and affect its flavors and aromas. Another type of container to avoid is clear glass jars because this may expose the tea to direct sunlight and spoil the tea. If you want to use glass jars, store your tea in opaque ones.

Final words

If you want to know more about Teas or have any questions, just get in touch. We will be more than happy to help!