All tea sold in this store is currently in the loose tea form variety.

Loose is whole leaf or broken leaf tea that is sold loose, and not bagged. These teas infuse more slowly, and are appreciated by connoisseurs for the control they have over their own cup.

The main difference between loose teas and bagged teas is the size of the leaves. That's what effects the resulting cup of tea. Tea leaves contain chemicals and essential oils, which are the basis for the delightful flavor of tea. When the tea leaves are broken up, those oils can evaporate, leaving a dull and tasteless tea. Typical tea bags are filled with the tiniest pieces of broken leaves, called fannings. Loose teas are typically whole leaves or at least large pieces of leaves.

*image of typical loose leaf tea as sold here

On top of the leaf size, there is also the space factor. Tea leaves need space to swell, expand and unfurl. Good water circulation around the leaves is important, which doesn't typically happen in a cramped little tea bag.

*image of common tea bag

Loose tea requires an infuser unless the drinker is making a cup Gong Fu style. In the East, and increasingly in the West, tea aficionados are drinking their favorite oolong and green teas Gong Fu style. Successive brews of loose tea are poured into small ceramic cups to be shared and appreciated, by a gathering of friends. This ceremonial drinking style is meant to focus the mind and relax the spirit in a shared experience. Paying close attention to the evolving taste and aroma of the tea, slowing to observe the dance of its leaves against beautiful ceramic cups enhances one's appreciation of both the tea and the moment. There is nothing like Gong Fu to create a warm, intimate atmosphere among friends.

*image of Gong Fu style tea prepared and poured