Tea is a personal choice and almost everyone has an opinion on what makes a perfect cup. The debate about loose-leaf tea vs. teabag has been going on for a while. So, are you a teabag person or do you prefer loose-leaf tea?
Reading the leaves
Loose-leaf tea contains whole tea leaves and buds that are usually freshly handpicked and processed with care. This makes for a more flavourful and aromatic cup of tea. Additionally, when you use loose-leaf tea, the focus is not just on the end result i.e. the cup of tea, but rather it’s about enjoying the whole brewing process. Loose-leaf tea also releases more antioxidants, and it is a more eco-friendly option, as it doesn’t involve excessive packaging material in the form of bags.
The Hillcart Tales has a range of loose-leaf teas ranging from black to green to oolong, all of which come beautifully packaged in caddies or airtight tins to preserve their freshness. Try the Darjeeling Excelsior, a lightly fragrant black tea with floral overtones or Rwandan Treasure for an earthier brew. If you’re a green tea enthusiast, try the calming blend of Green Embassy or the exotic notes of Jasmine Pearl, which are green tea beads. For an afternoon pick-me-up, we recommend Oriental Oolong, a rich full-bodied brew with grassy undertones.
Bag it up
Teabags have become more common and the biggest reason for that is convenience. It’s easy to dip a teabag in a cup of hot water and have steaming tea ready in minutes. Because a teabag is in a concentrated format, it brews a cup of tea faster though it may also release more tannin making the tea astringent or bitter. Teabags are also perfect for travelling with as they are spill-proof and can be packed and carried easily.
Another important consideration while choosing teabag is the material out of which teabags are made. Most commercial teabags are made of food-grade plastic and are not the best option to dunk in a hot cup of water. Also, these are not completely biodegradable. Choose teabags made of paper or cotton muslin instead. The Hillcart Tales’ muslin teabags are handmade following strict hygiene practices, and are eco-friendly.
The Hillcart Tales’ assorted Mélange offerings are the perfect way to try a variety of teas. Each pack contains 14 muslin teabags with a range of different teas for you to try. Ebony Mélange is an assortment of seven different black teas, including English Breakfast, Mystical Assam, Darjeeling Muscatel, and more. For green tea lovers, we recommend Evergreen Mélange, a mix of four green teas like Emerald Green, Honey Limón, Indian Holy Basil, and Magical Mint. Brew it light and skip the milk and sugar to enjoy the mellow piquancy of these teas. For a spot of indulgence, pick Exotic Mélange, a mix of dessert teas and tisanes that bring a sense of ceremony to your evening cup of tea.
Whether it’s loose-leaf tea or teabag, what’s important is choosing a brand that focuses on quality and sources tea fresh from the finest gardens. The Hillcart Tales brings you the best of both worlds – whether you prefer loose-leaf tea or teabags, there’s something for everyone.