Brewing tea can be a true art form for dedicated enthusiasts. A quality infuser lets you appreciate all the subtle nuances of different teas, and it works even better when it doubles as a filter. Tea filters come in a variety of formats: tea balls, tea clips, cup strainers, and filter bags. So why choose filter bags for your tea? Here's everything you need to know.
Tea filter bags: a brief history
The tea filter bag wasn't invented on purpose. It was born from a happy accident. A tea merchant wanted to send samples to his customers and, to preserve all their aromas, he wrapped the teas in small squares of silk. Upon receiving them, recipients decided to leave the tea directly inside these little pouches to steep. It was through this improvised use that the tea filter bag came to life.
Tea bags: what are their key features?
A tea bag serves a dual purpose: it allows the flavour of the tea to diffuse into your cup, teapot, mug or glass at tea time, while also acting as a filter to prevent loose leaves from scattering throughout your vessel during steeping. Unlike the pyramid-shaped bags you find in shops, empty filter bags are typically flat and rectangular.
Paper tea filter bags
The paper tea filter is the most familiar and widely used option. Its low production cost makes it available at a very reasonable price, placing it among the most affordable infusers on the market. When buying empty paper tea bags, look for unbleached options, as bleached versions may contain chlorine. Also check that there is no glue or staple, which could affect the taste of your brew.
Muslin tea filter bags
You can also find filter bags made from cotton muslin. Some come with a drawstring to seal the pouch. You can choose between single-use or reusable options. Reusable bags are often made from organic cotton, are machine washable, and may develop a slight colour over time, which is perfectly normal.
Empty tea filter bags: what are the benefits?
These tea filters offer a number of advantages: they are kind to the environment, they work with any type of loose-leaf tea, and they allow the full flavour to come through. Here's why.
A more eco-friendly way to filter your tea
The vast majority of these filters are environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable, even if single-use formats may not suit everyone. Some studies have also detected microplastic particles in ready-made nylon tea bags sold by certain brands. Similarly, low-quality stainless steel infusers can corrode over time, and some silicone infusers may leave an off-taste in your water.
Filter bags for any type of loose-leaf tea
These infusers are wonderfully practical: there's no need to worry about which loose-leaf tea or herbal infusion you're using. They work for any type of tea, whether it's whole leaf, seeds, pieces, or blends.
The perfect steep, every time
You can choose the size of your filter bags, giving you the freedom to add exactly the amount of tea you prefer. Whether you're brewing in a teapot, a cup, a mug, or a glass, there's a format to suit every moment.
