We all know the comfort of a warm cup of tea, whether it’s your go-to morning brew or the perfect way to relax in the evening. But when you’re sipping on a cup of your favorite tea, you might wonder: Can I reuse that tea bag?
Tea bags—those simple, porous packets that hold the promise of flavor—are essential to many tea lovers. But how many cups can you really get out of one tea bag before it loses its magic? Let’s break it down!
Alabama-based registered dietitian Chelsea Edwards weighs in on the topic, emphasizing the difference between reusing a tea bag and actually enjoying that second brew. According to Edwards, while it’s entirely possible to reuse a tea bag, the flavor may not be up to par for a second round.
“Can you and should you reuse tea bags are two different questions,” she explains. “You could reuse a tea bag, but don’t expect the second cup to have the same vibrant flavor. It will likely be bland and much less enjoyable.”
It turns out the type of tea bag you use could make a difference when it comes to rebrewing. Edwards points out that regular tea bags, those simple square or round pouches, often don’t give the best results for multiple cups. However, there’s a twist! Pyramid-shaped tea bags, which are larger and allow more water to flow through the tea leaves, might just offer better results.
“These pyramid bags usually contain higher-quality tea ingredients, which can brew several good cups,” says Edwards. “If you’re into green or white teas, you’ll likely find that these types work better for multiple brews than stronger black teas.”
If you find yourself wanting to get the most out of your tea bags, you might consider reusing them with specific tea types that tend to hold up better. Green and white teas, known for their lighter flavors, tend to lend themselves well to multiple brews. So, if you’re a fan of those varieties, you could get a few more cups out of a single bag without sacrificing too much of the taste.
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