Tea infusion can be quite an art for great enthusiasts. A quality infuser allows you to appreciate all the subtleties of the different teas, and it is even better when it also acts as a filter. Tea filters are accessories available in various formats: tea ball, tea tong, tea strainer and finally bags. Why choose filter bags for tea? Here is an explanation.
Tea filter bags: a little history
The tea filter bag was not created intentionally, but came about by accident. Indeed, a tea merchant wanted to send samples to his customers and, to preserve all their aromas, he wrapped his teas in squares of silk. Upon receiving them, people decided to leave the teas directly in these small bags to steep. It was during this use that the tea filter bag was born.
Tea bag: what are its characteristics?
The tea bag will have a dual action, as it will on the one hand allow the flavour of the tea to diffuse into your cup, your teapot, your mug or a glass, at the time of your tea time. It will then play a filtering role and prevent the tea leaves from scattering in your container during infusion. Unlike commercially available ones which can take a pyramidal shape, the empty bag is often rectangular and flat in shape.
The paper tea bag
This paper tea filter is the best known and most widely used. Its low manufacturing cost means it is sold at a very reasonable price, as these are the least expensive infusers on the market. When you buy an empty tea bag, it is important to choose one that is unbleached, as bleached ones may contain chlorine. Also check that there is no glue or staple to avoid altering the flavour.
The muslin tea bag
You can also find the filter bag in cotton muslin. Some products come with a drawstring to close your small bag. You can choose to use a disposable bag or a reusable one. These reusable products are often made from organic cotton, they are washable, even if they may become discoloured over time, which is normal.
Using empty tea filter bags: what are the advantages?
This tea filter has many advantages: it is environmentally friendly, allows the preparation of all types of loose-leaf tea and releases all of its flavour. Here is an explanation.
Tea filters that are more environmentally friendly
These tea filters are, for the most part, environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable, even if the single use of the product may bother some people. Furthermore, some studies have shown the presence of microplastic particles in ready-made nylon tea bags sold by certain brands. In the same way, some poor-quality stainless steel infusers can deteriorate, while others made of silicone can leave a taste in your water.
The filter bag for preparing all types of loose-leaf tea
This infuser is very practical, as you do not have to worry about choosing the tea or even the loose-leaf herbal tea. They allow the preparation and infusion of all types of tea, whether in leaf form, with seeds or pieces, etc.
An ideal infusion for your tea with the bag
You can choose the size of your tea filters, which gives you the freedom to add the quantity of tea you wish. You can therefore make infusions in a teapot, a cup, a mug, a glass, etc.