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If you’re a tea drinker then you’ve probably seen those tea filter bags around. If you usually drink pre-bagged tea, then chances are you’re new to the world of loose tea. But, for those who are already loose tea drinkers, I’m about to give you some reasons to ditch your infuser and switch to tea filter bags.
Why you should use a tea filter bag
Personally, I love my tea filter bags. They’re super handy, and they mean that I can enjoy all my regular loose leaf tea more easily than with an infuser. They come in all kinds of options, including disposable, compostable, and reusable.
What is a tea filter bag anyway?
Tea filter bags are basically tea bags that are designed to hold your loose leaf tea while it brews. They basically are fillable versions of the tea bags most store-bought tea comes in. The replace an infuser, which is a reusable mesh (usually metal) strainer that is supposed to hold the loose tea inside. (More on that later).
Tea infuser bags are usually made from a natural pulp material so they’re both environmentally safe and compostable. Some are also made from a non-biodegradable plastic, and there are all kinds of reusable options out there too.
An easy introduction to loose-leaf tea drinking
A lot of people find loose leaf tea intimidating. By using tea filter bags instead of an infuser, you can replicate the regular tea brewing process you’re used to. You won’t need to worry about picking out the right kind of infuser, either.
To join the world of loose leaf tea drinkers all you have to do is pack up a pack of tea filter bags, fill one up, and enjoy!
Switching to loose leaf tea opens up a whole new world of tea drinking. You’ll be able to enjoy a fresher taste, strong flavours, and unique blends that you can’t find in pre-bagged teas.
Not sure what to try? Pick up a loose leaf tea sampler and try out a bunch of varieties!
Less bits get through
If you don’t like little bits of your tea blend inside your cup, then I think you should use a tea filter bag instead of an infuser. I find that even fine mesh infusers still let little pieces through, whereas my tea filter bag gives me a cup full of nothing but liquid.
If you are picking up tea filter bags for this reason, I would recommend you go with something that’s made from the compostable pulp material. The sides are sturdy and almost solid, so you only get flavour seeping through and nothing else.
Clean up is a breeze
Have you ever tried to clean an infuser? If you have one made from mesh, it can be really tricky to get all the tea pieces out of there when it’s clean up time. If you leave them be, though, they run the risk of moulding up.
If you brew in a tea filter bag then all you have to do is toss it or throw it into the compost bin. Easy! Even if they’re not something you use every day, I suggest you keep some on hand for your more messy loose leaf tea blends.
You can fill with your desired amount of tea
Although this is true with infusers too, most infusers hold less than a tea filter bag can. That means that you can use tea filter bags not only for individual cups of tea, but also to brew an entire pot! No more needing multiple infusers, or even worse, multiple tea bags.
Plus just in general, compared to pre-bagged teas at least, you can measure out exactly the right amount of tea. I like that for times when I’m brewing in a large mug.
Types of tea filter bags:
- An eco-friendly compostable one made from pulp
- Single use options
- Open ‘cup’ style
- Reusable tea filter bag
Is using a tea filter bag safe for the environment?
Yes and no, depending on what options you go with. Obviously reusable is a great option if you really want to help the environment. There are reusable options, although they’re definitely not as durable as standard tea infusers. Personally, I think the compostable ones are a great compromise.
They’re made from eco-friendly pulp material anyway, and are generally sold natural and unbleached. That means there’s limited environmental impact from their production compared to other less natural products.
Plus, like regular pre-bagged tea you’d buy in the grocery store, they’re compostable. So you won’t be adding anything else to the landfills.
It’s also important to keep in mind that if you switch from bought tea bags to tea filter bags you really won’t be changing your environmental impact.
You’ll know what you’re getting
Some research has come out saying that it’s not a good idea to brew your tea in plastic tea bags. By switching to loose leaf and buying your own tea filter bags to brew in you’ll know exactly what you’re putting into your cup (and body).
It also means you can control the quality of tea you put into your tea bag. Don’t settle for boxed tea when there’s so many better, healthier tea options out there!
They have some other uses too
Having some of these around the house even when you don’t drink tea regularly is good for more than just brewing an emergency cup of loose tea. They also have other uses around the house! Use them as bags for your air fresheners like potpourri or charcoal so you can put in places like drawers, the car, your backpack, and so on.
They can also be used to brew coffee in the microwave or other places where you don’t have access to a coffee maker or instant coffee.
You should use a tea filter bag
If you like drinking tea, and aren’t completely sold on using a tea infuser to brew your loose tea, then you should definitely use a tea filter bag instead. Don’t settle for drinking tea that’s already packaged in the bag! Instead, opt for great, high quality loose leaf tea tea and fill the bag yourself. That way you’ll always know what you’re getting.
