Best Tea Bags and Plastic Free
Statistics indicate that, on average, Brits drink 165 million cups of Tea daily. An estimated 96% of that comes in the form of a Tea Bag. These pockets of goodness have been popular for many years, the product, largely, of their convenience. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company stock the best ones around, all of which we pack fresh to order. You can learn more about them below.
Tea Bags vs Loose Leaf Tea
A fierce debate over which is better, Tea Bags or Loose Leaf Tea, rages across the world. Traditionalists argue that the latter looks better, tastes better, and, overall, offers more. But we're not so sure. There is little in the way of concrete evidence to suggest that biodegradable ones lose out on quality or character. One legitimate concern, admittedly, is the prominence of Plastic - but you don't have to worry about that here.
We'll talk more about them without Plastic later. What's worth acknowledging now is that they're time-savers, which is one of the primary reasons why people choose them. When you're late for work or need to drop the kids off at school, they're the answer. When your friends and family pop over for a surprise visit or, simply, you need a quick pick-me-up, these incredible parcels will serve you well.
How Much Caffeine in Tea Bags?
Caffeine is a stimulating chemical compound that, in most households, needs little introduction. It gets us out of bed in the morning, providing us with an often much-needed energy boost. Not every one we stock, however, offers such a kick. Those that contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis (Tea) plant will. Those that have Herbal of Fruit Tea inside will not - or at least not usually.
Examples of Caffeine in Tea include, but are not limited to, Pluckley Tea (approx. 45-mg per serving), Green Tea (30-mg) and White Tea (15-mg). Even the likes of Decaffeinated Black Tea have a trace amount. But then there are Caffeine Free ones too, such as Hibiscus Tea Bags, Rooibos and Peppermint. Only you can decide which one you'd prefer.
How Many Calories in Tea Bags?
You might also be interested in Calories in Tea and Nutritional Facts. The good news is that there is little in the way of the former and much in the latter. What we mean here is that the average brew has no more than two calories per serving. On the other hand, almost all varieties contain a wealth of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants capable of improving your life in small yet significant ways.
Take Green Tea, whether you pick Leaf Tea or its parcelled counterpart, you can expect Vitamins A, B, C and D, Manganese, Potassium, Theanine and Zinc. These combined can combat free radicals in the body, the product of natural, though harmful, oxidative stress. The result is a reduced risk of developing a multitude of chronic conditions from heart disease to type-2 diabetes.
When Were Tea Bags Invented?
All that from a bag. But where did it begin? Who Invented Tea Bags and when? While Tea in its entirety dates back some 5,000 years, packaging it in this manner only took place in 1908. Some clever chap, reportedly a New York merchant called Thomas Sullivan, came up with the idea of a bag full of Loose Tea. The only thing was that the creation was a pure accident!
His customers, seeing them, mistakenly assumed one used them for brewing much like Tea Infusers. However, their purpose - at least at the time - was only for transporting the leaves. It nevertheless worked. They took the world by storm soon after, although, in recent years, people have been waking up to the materials used to make them.
What are Plastic Free Tea Bags
A lot has happened since 1908. We now know that the climate and environment need our help, which is why we've moved away from harmful products and instead introduced Them without plastic. These we create with wood pulp and vegetable starch. Although technically classified as a “bio-plastic,” they're much better than the alternative, thereby supporting mother nature.
It means that they're Biodegradable and can, therefore, find their way into your garden. In other words, you can compost these when you buy from us. We have the relevant accreditation, too, as they've been certified compostable to EN-13432 standard. Additionally, they adhere to ISO 9001/2015 Kosher and Halal certification - practically a win on all fronts.
How to Make Tea with Biodegradable Tea Bags
Perhaps everything we've covered so far has made you thirsty. You might want to know how to make Tea with them, so allow us to show you. The instructions that follow are straightforward and require little effort on your part. You won't need Loose Tea, a Tea Filer or Infuser; only the bag itself, your favourite mug, a kettle and, of course, water. Here is your simple guide once you have the items to hand:
1, Place the Tea Bag in a Cup or Mug.
Take your pick, be it Lemon or Darjeeling, and place it in your cup.
2, Boil Fresh Water.
Put the kettle on with fresh water for better oxygen levels and, ultimately, better taste.
3, Pour Water over the Bag.
Consider leaving enough room for additions later down the line.
4, Allow it to Steep for a Few Minutes.
Steep for around one to two minutes with Green, White or Oolong; three to five minutes with Black; and five to ten for Herbal or Fruit Teas.
Should you find yourself in the heat of summer, you might want to know how to make Iced Teas with them also. The above instructions still apply, though you'll also need to let the Tea cool in a fridge, covered, until cold, for about an hour. Finally, top up with cold water while adding ice cubes and other accompaniments before serving. There is nothing quite like it on a hot day.
What To Do With Used Ones
But what comes after you've drained your infusion? The fact that these pockets are 100% void of petrochemical means you can use them outside. They can, for example, repel pests and fungal diseases while providing nutrition. They also increase nitrogen levels, thereby improving soil structure and, in turn, giving earthworms something wholesome to eat.
Arguably better still, when applied topically, you can reuse them to keep your skin looking healthy, vibrant, and youthful. This is because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which can, among other qualities, soothe sunburn, treat rashes and bug bites, and reduce wrinkles. Some people even consider Used Tea Bags excellent firelighters or air fresheners. The possibilities are almost endless.
Do They Expire?
For those who are tea enthusiast, you may be ready to stock up, which is all fair and well when you have adequate storage. However, you're probably wondering, “How long do Tea Bags last?” The truth is that they seldom go “bad” in the conventional sense - a tactful way of saying they don't go mouldy under most circumstances. What could happen instead is that, with time, they begin to lose their flavour upon brewing.
We recommend using them within 18 to 24 months to ensure you're getting the best of the best. An exception to the rule would be Pu erh Tea, a type of Chinese Black Tea known to get only better with age when stored correctly. Consider setting up a Tea and Coffee Subscription so you can have a constant supply at a time of your choosing - yet another perk to buying from us.
We Supply the Best Tea Bags
We've given you the facts. All that's left is to explore our vast teas and find a product that suits your needs when it comes to tea type. We were established in 1982. Since then, our family-run business has taken pride in stocking only the finest items. You can buy online or visit us in-store here in the beautiful Kentish village of Pluckley. The choice is yours.
