It’s a cold and misty morning… you’re sitting comfortably in your chair with a steaming cup of tea in your hands! The sweet aroma of your favorite drink tickles your nose and invites you to take a good sip. Of course, before enjoying your infusion, you crush the tea bag in your cup. It has become a daily ritual! But is it a good idea? We explain everything!
It’s almost a habit every day… Steep your tea bag in boiling water and squeeze it into the cup. If that’s what you’re doing, you need to stop immediately, and we’ll tell you why you should kick this “bad habit”!
Tea, the favorite drink of the French…

Brewed tea. source: spm
According to statistics, tea is a drink enjoyed by most French people. Around 60% would consume it regularly, whether it be for breakfast, a snack or just to relax at the end of the day. As for the infusions, it is almost the same story… They are also very successful! In addition, we are close to 50% to consume it. What explains the growing popularity of herbal teas in recent years is their variety of flavors and health benefits. However, did you know that many of us do not know how to prepare a tea bag correctly?
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“Is it better to squeeze these mysterious sachets before drinking them? This question is quite a debate. But while opinions differ, most tea lovers agree that the bags should not be squeezed after brewing. But why ? You will find the answer to your questions below!
Why not drain the tea bag and remove it directly after brewing?
Contrary to what one might think, this is not just a personal preference, but much more than that! In fact, our answer is based on scientific facts. To be clear, tea leaves contain beneficial polyphenols and micronutrients for our health (also present in certain fruits and vegetables). But did you know that tea is very rich in tannic acid, which considerably increases the polyphenol level of the drink?
In fact, squeezing your tea bag may seem like a very harmless act… however, you are inadvertently releasing more tannic acids into your drink, making it more bitter and acidic. Added to this is the risk of the bag tearing and the tea leaves becoming loose and mixing with the water, thus altering the color and clarity of the tea.
It goes without saying: you have to remove the tea bag right after it’s steeped, but how long should you steep it in boiling water?

Remove tea bag after infusion. source: spm
How long can you let a tea bag steep in your cup?
Meticulousness is required to enjoy quality tea, dear readers, and connoisseurs probably already know this! Here’s how to time the steeping time based on your type of tea:
type of tea | preparation time | water temperature |
Green Tea | 3 minutes | 70°C |
black tea | 4 minutes | 90-95°C |
White tea | 7-20 minutes | 85°C |
Rooibos | 5 minutes | 90-95°C |
oolong tea | 5-7 minutes | 85°C |
Please note that this is only a general guide. However, if you want a nickel result, check the instructions on your tea packet; you will find very specific advice on the ideal temperature and the appropriate infusion time.
You drank your infusion, it was impeccable! But what about the waste?
What to do with used or expired tea bags and herbal teas? 3 practical tips
If you want to preserve the planet and are looking for tips to give your used or expired tea bags a second life, you should know that it is possible to use them to:
- Make your mirrors shine by simply wiping your tea bag over the surface, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Fertilize your plant: Squeeze your tea bag and bury it in your plant’s potting soil. Your greenery will be boosted and invigorated.
- Deodorize the refrigerator: To do this, place the used tea bag in a container and place it in the refrigerator. Say goodbye to bad smells!
This short video explains in detail how to do it.
How long can an infusion be kept?
Do you want to prolong the pleasure of your infused tea, dear readers? Know that you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, no problem! However, to prevent your infusion from absorbing the smell and flavors of the surrounding food and beverages, we suggest storing it in an airtight container and voila! In addition to ensuring its conservation, you will also prevent the proliferation of bacteria in your drink.
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Tea shop. source: spm
Does the tea expire?
Tea is delicate and deserves to be treated with the utmost care! To preserve its flavor and quality, we advise you to protect it from light and humidity. Avoid storing it in glass jars exposed to the sun or in bags that do not close well. By taking good care of your tea, it will retain its full freshness and flavor for 6-12 months for plain teas and up to 6 months for flavored teas.
Dear readers, if you want to obtain a well-balanced drink and have a more pleasant taste experience, avoid crushing your tea bags after infusion. So if you feel like it next time, remember our valuable information and let your tea steep naturally, then remove it from the cup and enjoy your delicious drink!
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