Tea bags work by allowing hot water to steep the tea leaves, releasing their flavor and color into the water to create a delicious cup of tea. This process, called infusion, is made possible by the porous nature of the tea bag itself.
The Science of Steeping
The process is simple yet effective:
- Immersion: A tea bag, filled with dried tea leaves (or other herbs), is placed in hot water.
- Diffusion: The heat of the water causes the leaves to expand. This increases the surface area exposed to the water.
- Extraction: Water molecules penetrate the leaves, dissolving the compounds responsible for the tea's flavor, aroma, and color. These compounds, including tannins, theaflavins, and caffeine (in the case of true teas), move from the leaves into the surrounding water.
- Infusion: Over time, the water absorbs more and more of these compounds, resulting in a flavorful and colored infusion. The longer the steeping time, generally the stronger the tea becomes.
Types of Tea Bags
Tea bags aren't all the same! They vary in material and design:
- Paper tea bags: These are the most common, made from porous paper. They are biodegradable but may sometimes release small paper fibers into the tea.
- Silk tea bags: These are considered more luxurious, offering finer filtration and a cleaner cup.
- Mesh tea bags: Offer superior filtration, allowing for larger pieces of tea to be used and preventing small bits from ending up in your cup.
Originally used only for Camellia sinensis tea, tea bags now contain a wide range of herbs and tisanes, all using the same basic principle of infusion.
Practical Tips for Better Tea
- Water Temperature: Use the correct water temperature for the type of tea you are brewing. Different teas have optimal brewing temperatures.
- Steeping Time: Follow the recommended steeping time on the tea bag packaging. Over-steeping can lead to a bitter taste.
- Discard the Bag: After steeping, remove the tea bag to prevent over-extraction and bitterness.
