Quest For Finding The Best Tea Bag
Tea bags have become an integral part of our daily lives for many people around the world. However, not all tea bags are created equal especially when comes to the niche tea section including the Earl Grey Tea. Looking best tea bag in the Earl Grey tea domain is a bit technical owing to the novelty of the tea.
Fortunately, this article will provide detailed insight for resolving this issue and highlight various aspects of the Best Tea Bag Brands of Earl Grey ranging from how to select best tea bag to the preparation of tea from the tea bag. You can enjoy an informative review of 6 top tea bag brands in the last section.
What To Look Into A Best Tea Bag?
It’s important to know which qualities make a Best Bagged Tea Brand. Here are the key characteristics that you should look out for when selecting tea bags, especially the Earl Grey Tea:
Quality Materials Used
The most important aspect when looking for Best Brand Of Tea Bags is the quality of the materials used in developing that unique blend of tea. Usually, teas are a complex mixture when it comes to materials.
This is because the materials are just the tea leaves but from where these tea leaves are sourced, and the procedure of sourcing the tea leaves matters a lot. If we say that all teas are the same, then it would be definitely an injustice. The Earl Grey tea sourced from Kenya is considered superior to the same tea sourced from China.
Another aspect in this regard is the quality of constituents used in raising the tea tree. For example, if GMOs are used in developing a tea tree then definitely the tea leaves will not be considered as healthy. Apart from that, if the fertilizers used in the plantation of tea trees contain harsh chemicals, then this would impact the quality of the tea leaves.
Now considering the quality of tea bags, high-quality tea bags use materials like food-grade paper or biodegradable material which is made from natural fibers e.g. plant pulp, cotton, hemp, or bamboo. Looking for brands that emphasize on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices also comes under the quality stream.
The stitching of the tea bag is also very crucial if we are considering Best Flavored Tea Bags because it allows steeping the final product more conveniently. If the stitching is not up to the mark, then the tea bag will disintegrate soon causing a lot of trouble to the final user.
Proper Tea Leaf Selection For A Best Tea Bag
To ensure optimal flavor extraction, we have to choose tea bags with carefully selected loose-leaf tea leaves rather than dusty fanning or low-quality crush-cut pieces. This is because it offers better infusion during brewing resulting in improved taste and aroma. The higher grade or Good Tea Bags typically contain more intact whole leaf fragments giving them a distinctive richness and complexity.
Additionally, blends containing just two main varieties instead of mixing multiple types together as this often results in overpowering flavors instead of balance across different notes within each sip. A vital aspect in selecting the tea leaves is to carefully lookout the origin of the leaves because the flavor of tea leaves depends upon the region in which these are produced.
Adequate Tea Quantity
The Best Tea Bag Brands are the ones in which there is sufficient quantity of high-quality loose-leaf tea leaves packed into each bag so the user can enjoy steeping without any issue. If the quantity is a lot, then it will make the tea bitter and if the quantity is small, then it will not provide the true flavor.
Ideally, the tea leaves quantity in a tea bag ranges from 1.5 to 6 grams, depending upon the flavoring strength of tea leaves. Generally, an amount of 3 grams of dried tea leaves is used in a tea bag. If the tea leaves are very flavorful or mixing these in a cup yields a very strong flavor, then the amount of tea leaves is reduced from 3 grams to 2 or 1.5 grams. On the contrary, the quantity of mild flavoring tea leaves is increased and, on average, ranges around 5 or 6 grams.
This also ensures an enjoyable drinking experience every time with no disappointment or frustration from inappropriate flavors. The users can add two or three tea bags a time if they want to but the size and quantity offered by the company are usually considered a perfect ratio for making the best tea bag.
Consistent Shape And Size
The tea bags should have consistent shape and size. The amount of product in all the tea bags should be same. Consistency is a vital attribute for any best tea bag because it ensures the same taste every time. This would allow the user to get used to with the specific quantity. Moreover, the size should be user friendly as well. It should be easy to carry, use, and match the sizes of cups available in the market.
If the size of the tea bag is big then it will be difficult to put it in the regular cups. Ultimately, the inappropriate shape and size issue will irritate the user. So while selecting the tea bags, this aspect should be considered as well. A Best Tea Bag is surely the one which is convenient in usage.
How To Use The Earl Grey Tea bags
Well, selecting the Best Flavored Tea Bags is not enough because here is another important phase, and it is the making of the tea. If you have been successful in obtaining a best tea bag according to your preferences, then preparing is the next crucial step. Although it may sound weird but yes an appropriate use of the tea bags is mandatory for a good flavor. Some simple steps for your convenience are provided as below:
Step 1: Opening the Tea Bag
One may laugh at this step because anyone can open a tea bag and it is not a rocket science. However, the point is that often the people damage the tea bags while opening. Sometimes, they tear the wrapper in such a way that either the hanging thread of teabag or the envelope of the tea bag gets damaged. Usually the top notch or best tea bags are good in quality and their packaging is fool proof, however anything can happen if unwanted force is used to open the tea bags. Ultimately, this takes a toll on the tea preparation and causes much trouble to user.
Best Tea In Bags is the one tactfully and carefully used. It is advised that to read the instructions mentioned on the pack of the tea bags carefully and open the tea bag accordingly. If the instructions are not available, then take the teabag and try to open it lightly so that stays safe and sound. Usually, the best tea bag brands offer a detailed set of instructions on the box and the tea bag sachet.
Step 2: Heat Water
After opening the teabag, the next step is to heat the water. The temperature of the water should be high because if the water is not heated enough then it may impact the taste of the tea leaves. This is because the tea leaves are dry, and The Best Tea Bags require a reasonable time in water otherwise their flavor won’t come out.
Just pour hot boiling water in the cup containing the tea bag and immediately put a cover on the cup. It will allow to retain the temperature of the water for some time and the content of the teabag will impart a good flavor. The ideal temperature for brewing tea depends on the type of tea you are using but most teas requires boiling water (212°F) but some prefer lower temperatures around 160°F to 170°F.
Step 3: Measure Tea Leaves
If you are suggested a special quantity or amount of tea, then it is better to measure the teabags. We are suggesting this because sometimes, even a minor gram can make a difference especially when medical grounds are concerned. If the teabag doesn’t offer the required quantity, then it is better to select the loose leaves of early grey, and instead of searching What Are The Best Tea Bags, just search for the best loose leaf earl grey tea.
Step 4: Steep Tea
Steeping the tea is a bit technical as it is totally dependent upon the taste of the individual. Some people like to have a very strong flavor of the tea while the others would love to enjoy the mild flavor including very light notes of the tea.
Hence, it is first suggested to know which type of tea flavor you like or prefer. If you like strong flavor, then you have to steep the tea for at least 5 to 6 minutes or may be 10 minutes. This time will impart a very strong flavor however it will also become bitter. On the other hand, if you are an admirer of mild flavor, then steeping the tea for just 2 to 3 minutes would be more than enough.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
After steeping the tea, the next step or final step is to serve the tea. Here you may add anything you like such as any sweetener or any specific spice you love. Some people like honey or maple syrup as sweeteners.
If want to give some refreshing tint to your tea, then you may add fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or fennel seeds into the cup. You may also sprinkle the dried herbs e.g. rosemary, thyme, oregano on the tea directly. Serve it hot or cold, depending upon your preference.
Available Brands for Best Tea Bags
1. Fortnum & Mason – This particular tea is immensely popular in the circle of tea lovers because of its premium flavor and aroma. The user experiences (available in the form of online reviews) reveal that its aroma is very classy and special. Hence, the tea bags of this brand are considered as the best tea bags around the world.
As per the brand’s statement, the raw materials used in making this tea are obtained from various regions around the world. Moreover, original bergamot citrus fruits are used for making the tea bags. Apart from it, the packaging ensures the safety of the product from the environmental issues.
2. Twinings – The ‘Twinings’ tea is another hot favorite of the tea enthusiasts. It offers a simple but pure blend of black tea, bergamot oil, and some essence of classic tea. This specific brand has been serving the tea segment for more than 300 years and is still widely adored all over the world. In fact, it is available in majority of the countries and this aspect increases its ranks among the available best tea bag brands.
It is the classic UK bergamot tea flavor that attracts the senses of the tea admirers and they enjoy every sip of this perfectly balanced tea. Recently, the brand has launched a caffeine-free alternative, and these are also worth giving a try.
3. Adagio Teas – Adagio tea occupies a significant place among the tea segment. The contents or raw materials of this brand are also sourced from all over the world however the main ingredients including black tea leaves and pure bergamot essential oils are sourced from the company owned gardens located in Assam and Darjeeling, India.
Since, India is a hub of strong flavored spices, the raw materials obtained for this tea are cultivated with special techniques which gave a strong and distinct flavor to the tea. Hence, those who prefer strong flavor, should try this brand. You can enjoy this best tea bag with strong flavors anywhere you want.
4. The English Tea Store – This particular brand of tea was originally famous for the loose-leaf premium Earl Grey teas. However, it has recently witnessed a spike in its sales after introducing tea bags. It offers two types of teas including ‘Organic Earl Grey’ and ‘Lavender Earl Grey’.
As the names suggest, the former one has the classic earl grey taste while the latter has developed with lavender flavor. However, both contain the bergamot essential oil and are equally delicious options.
5. Republic of Tea – The brand ‘Republic of Tea’ occupies a special corner in the domain of earl grey tea because it offers various options of the classic earl grey tea blended with different other tea flavors. If you are a herbal tea lovers, then you enjoy the earl grey tea with blends of vanilla, honey, lavender, cardamom, and many other options. If bold black tea is your choice, then you can also get it from here. In short, this brand has something for everyone, and hence it holds a huge customer base.
6. Bigelow Tea – This tea is popular among the fans of earl grey tea with high moral and ethical standards. The brand ‘Bigelow Tea’ is strongly committed to the ethical business practices and has incorporating sustainability across its entire business operations around the world. Not only the raw materials are premium but also the way with which these are sourced is super ethical. The company only selects those suppliers who met its ethical code of conduct.
Conclusion
The Earl Grey teabags are a classical choice for tea lovers as these are not only tasty but also cater to the energy needs of consumers. However, it is a difficult task to select a brand of Earl Grey teabags from so many available options. There are so many factors to consider while opting for a best tea bag. A customer can easily be distracted by the marketing tactics and promotional techniques offered by various brands, and there are huge chances of ending up in a wrong option.
After going through this article, the consumers will be able to distinguish among the available brands on the basis of certain characteristics. Although there are so many brands are available but only a few top ones are discussed here to ease the lives of the consumers.
Just simply check out your own preferences, and then scroll through the available options. Fortunately, there is everything for everyone in this arena. If you are looking for an option that has a classic taste, then you may consider Twinings as this brand is famous for its classic taste. If price is your parameter, then may find Bigelow Tea as a good choice. Looking for luxury and best tea bag in the earl grey domain? Perhaps, Fortnum & Mason could be your ideal solution. So go ahead and explore their collections to find your perfect Earl Grey match!
