Quick Answer

Use t-sac filter bags to brew loose leaf tea with minimal cleanup. Add your tea, fold the top, and brew in a mug or teapot, choosing size 1 for single cups and size 4 for larger pots.

Why Choose Tea Filter Bags?

Tea filter bags are a convenient middle ground between loose leaf and pre-packaged tea bags. They let you use your favorite loose leaf blends without needing a separate infuser or strainer. The result is a full-flavored cup with virtually no cleanup.

Unlike metal infusers, paper filter bags are disposable and biodegradable, making them a practical choice for travel, office, or outdoor brewing. They also allow more room for tea leaves to expand, which can improve flavor extraction.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right T-Sac

T-sac filter bags come in different sizes, and choosing the right one depends on your brewing vessel. Size 1 is designed for a single mug or cup, while size 4 is meant for teapots that make six to twelve cups, or for a half to a full gallon of iced tea.

Using a bag that's too small for your teapot can restrict water flow and lead to weak tea. Conversely, a bag that's too large for a mug may be awkward to handle and could tear. Always match the bag size to your brewing equipment.

Step-by-Step: Brewing with Tea Filter Bags

  1. Choose the right size: Select a t-sac size based on your brewing vessel: size 1 for a single mug, size 4 for a teapot or iced tea batch. Check your teapot capacity before buying; a mismatch leads to weak tea or overflow.
  2. Add your loose leaf tea: Open the t-sac and fill it with your desired amount of loose leaf tea. Use about one teaspoon per cup, adjusting to taste. Don't overfill; leaves need room to expand for proper flavor extraction.
  3. Fold or twist the top: Fold or twist the open end of the sac to secure the tea inside. Make sure it's closed tightly to prevent leaves from escaping. A loose top can let tea leaves escape into your cup, causing a gritty texture.
  4. Brew in your vessel: Place the filled sac in your mug or teapot. If using a teapot, tuck the folded flap under the lid to keep it in place. For mugs, consider using a string or clip to keep the bag from sinking completely.
  5. Steep and remove: Pour hot water over the sac and steep for the recommended time for your tea type. Remove the sac and dispose of it after brewing. Don't over-steep; it can make your tea bitter. Set a timer for best results.

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