What is Loose Leaf Tea?

Loose leaf tea refers to tea leaves that are not contained within tea bags or other pre-packaged forms. Instead, loose leaf tea consists of whole or partially broken tea leaves, typically sourced from the Camellia senensis plant or other herbal plants used for infusions. These leaves are harvested, processed, and dried before being sold for brewing.

Is loose leaf tea better?

In one word, yes! 

Compared to tea bags, loose leaf tea offers several advantages. Firstly, the leaves in loose leaf tea are generally of higher quality since they are whole or larger in size, allowing for a more robust and flavorful brew. Tea bags often contain smaller, fragmented leaves, which can result in a less nuanced taste. Loose leaf tea also allows for more customization in terms of strength, as the amount of tea used can be adjusted to individual preferences.

How long does loose leaf tea last?

On the pack it will have an expiry date, however you can expect a fresh pack of loose leaf tea to last 2 years. After this time the flavours may start to become less strong, it is still useful, but may not be as strong.

Where to buy loose leaf tea?

We have a range of 14 teas and counting here at The Tea Cartel. View the Pure Collection of teas at this link: SHOP ALL TEAS

Which loose leaf tea is best?

Loose leaf refers to the form of tea (without a bag), so any tea including florals, herbal mixes and black tea is loose leaf.

Our favourite two teas we recommend everyone to try:

• Forever Young Breakfast Tea - very indulgent and gentle
• French Earl Grey - the flavour is incredible 

Our favourite two caffeine free teas we highly recommend include:

• Refresh Acai Berry Tea 
• Cloud Lemongrass and Ginger 

Our Favourite two green teas are:

• Love Jasmine and Green Tea
• Sencha Green Tea

Our favourite two teas that surprise guests and great for cocktails and cooking:

• Aloha Hibiscus Tea
• Empress Blue Butterfly Pea Flower

In fact, to be honest it's really hard to narrow it down as each one has a unique flavour and are enjoyable (we don't sell bad teas).

Is loose leaf tea healthier?

Yes, because the tea is all natural and not-treated with any additives to make it into a powdery form. It's be best tea. Loose leaf tea is healthier and easy to prepare.

Preparing loose leaf tea involves using a tea infuser or filter to steep the leaves in hot water. This allows the water to flow freely through the leaves, extracting the flavours and aromas more effectively. The leaves have room to expand and release their natural oils, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Another benefit of loose leaf tea is the variety it offers. There is a vast array of loose leaf teas available, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal infusions. Each type of tea has its own unique characteristics, flavors, and health benefits, making the exploration of loose leaf tea an exciting and enriching journey for tea enthusiasts.

While loose leaf tea provides a superior tea-drinking experience, it does require a little more effort in terms of preparation. However, many tea enthusiasts find the process of measuring and steeping loose leaf tea to be part of the enjoyment. Additionally, the ritual of brewing loose leaf tea can be a calming and mindful practice, allowing one to appreciate the art and craftsmanship that goes into each cup.

Loose leaf tea is a premium form of tea made up of whole or partially broken tea leaves. It offers a higher quality and more flavorful brew compared to tea bags. With a wide variety of options available, loose leaf tea allows for customization and exploration of different tastes and aromas. Though it requires a bit more preparation, many tea lovers find the experience of brewing and savoring loose leaf tea to be a rewarding and satisfying endeavor.

Loose leaf tea is often considered better than tea bags for several reasons:

1. Quality: Loose leaf tea is made up of whole or larger leaves, allowing for better flavor and aroma compared to the smaller, fragmented leaves found in tea bags. Whole leaves retain more essential oils and natural compounds, resulting in a more nuanced and satisfying taste experience.

2. Freshness: Loose leaf tea is generally fresher since it has a larger surface area exposed to air. Tea bags, on the other hand, often contain tea leaves that have been ground into smaller particles and may have been stored for longer periods. The freshness of loose leaf tea contributes to a more vibrant and flavorful cup.

3. Customization: Loose leaf tea offers more flexibility in terms of adjusting the strength and flavor of your brew. Since you can measure the amount of loose leaf tea used, you have greater control over the strength of your tea. This allows you to experiment and personalize each cup to suit your preferences.

4. Environmental Impact: Tea bags typically use paper or synthetic materials, including plastics, which can contribute to waste and have an environmental impact. Opting for loose leaf tea reduces the use of packaging materials and promotes a more sustainable choice.

5. Variety and Selection: Loose leaf tea offers a wide range of options, including different types of tea (black, green, oolong, white, herbal), blends, and single-origin teas. This variety allows tea lovers to explore different flavors, aromas, and health benefits that may not be available in tea bag form.

6. Ritual and Experience: Preparing loose leaf tea involves a more hands-on and immersive process. The act of measuring, steeping, and straining the leaves can be a mindful and enjoyable ritual, providing a moment of relaxation and connection with the tea. The sensory experience of smelling the aroma and appreciating the appearance of the leaves adds to the overall enjoyment.

While loose leaf tea requires a little more effort in terms of preparation, many tea enthusiasts believe that the enhanced quality, flavor, and overall experience make it a superior choice. The exploration of loose leaf teas opens up a world of flavors and allows individuals to develop a deeper appreciation for the art and culture of tea.