Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a darker color and a richer, bolder flavor. Green tea is minimally oxidized, resulting in a lighter color and a fresher, more delicate taste.
About Tea Leaves & Bags
Tea leaves and bags are the core brewing ingredients for making tea at home. This category includes loose-leaf teas sold in bags or tins and pre-portioned tea bags designed for straightforward steeping. Both formats make it easy to prepare tea while giving you options based on how you like to brew and how much control you want over the final cup. Loose-leaf tea consists of dried whole or larger pieces of tea leaves and blended ingredients. When hot water passes over these leaves, they unfurl and release flavor and aroma into the water. Larger leaf pieces tend to retain more of their character and complexity because they have more surface area and room to expand as they steep.
Tea bags hold measured amounts of tea in a small, sealed pouch that you place in a cup or teapot. They make brewing quick and simple, with no need to measure leaves or use an infuser, which can be handy for everyday cups or when convenience matters most. The teas in this collection range from classic black and green teas to herbal and blended styles, giving you straightforward options for hot or iced brewing. Choosing loose leaf lets you adjust the amount you use and the strength you get from each brew, while tea bags offer a consistent portion that works without extra tools. Proper storage in a cool, dry place helps maintain freshness so the flavor and aroma are preserved from the first cup to the last.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 Questions
Both loose leaf tea and tea bags can stay fresh when stored properly, but loose leaf tea often retains its flavor and aroma longer because the leaves are typically larger and less processed. Store both in airtight containers away from heat, light, moisture, and strong odors.
It is generally not recommended to store tea in the refrigerator, as moisture and food odors can affect its flavor. Tea is best kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Store loose leaf tea in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture, and strong-smelling foods. Proper storage helps preserve its flavor and aroma for longer.
Some high-quality loose leaf teas can be steeped multiple times. The number of infusions depends on the type of tea, with many green, oolong, and white teas producing good flavor over two or more brews when steeped according to the recommended times.