You love your fruity tea bags—those bright, cheerful blends that turn hot water into a comforting drink. But here’s a little secret: while they may be delicious, most tea bags aren’t what we call “true tea.” True tea comes from the leaves of a single plant, Camellia sinensis, and what you’ve been enjoying might be more like an infusion of herbs, fruits, and flavourings than tea in its purest form.

Does that mean you should give up your favourite brew? Not at all. But if you’re curious about exploring tea as it was meant to be—a world of craftsmanship, culture, and flavours as diverse as wine or coffee—you’re in for a treat. Let’s walk through what makes true tea different, why it matters, and how to start this exciting journey.

What Is True Tea?

True tea comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis. Green, black, white, wulong, and pu’er teas are all part of this family. The difference lies in how the leaves are processed—oxidised, dried, rolled, or aged. This craftsmanship creates the incredible variety of flavours you can find in specialty teas.

Your supermarket tea bags, on the other hand, often contain tea dust or fannings—the leftover bits from mass tea production. These small particles release flavour quickly, which is why your tea bag brews in seconds. But that convenience comes at a cost: the flavours are flat, one-dimensional, and often masked by artificial additives.

Specialty tea, by contrast, is about the leaf itself. It’s grown and harvested with care, often by small farms where the focus is on quality, not quantity. Every step—from the soil to the final sip—matters.

Why Does It Matter?

Here’s the thing: good tea isn’t just about drinking. It’s about slowing down, connecting with a tradition, and experiencing something real. Specialty tea offers:

1. Flavour You Can’t Fake:
   True tea has layers. A green tea might start grassy, with a hint of sweetness that lingers. A wulong might unfold over several steeps, revealing floral notes and a creamy texture. No artificial flavouring can replicate that.

2. A Connection to Craft:
   Specialty tea tells a story. You’re not just drinking something mass-produced—you’re tasting the care of the farmer, the region’s soil, and centuries of tradition.

3. A Moment to Pause:
   Brewing loose-leaf tea isn’t complicated, but it asks for a little attention. That act—choosing the leaves, heating the water, and watching it steep—becomes a calming ritual in itself.

How to Start with True Tea

It’s easy to feel intimidated by specialty tea if you’ve only ever used tea bags. But you don’t need fancy tools or deep knowledge to begin. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Choose a Tea That Speaks to You

Start with something approachable. If you like fruity tea bags, try a light and floral tea like white tea (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) or a lightly oxidised wulong (Tie Guan Yin). If you prefer something bold, go for a black tea like Darjeeling or Assam.

Tip: Look for teas described as “single origin” or “loose leaf.” These terms signal higher-quality tea made with care.

2. Learn the Basics of Brewing

You don’t need a lot of gear to brew specialty tea. Start with what you have at home: a mug, a strainer, and a kettle. Here’s a simple process:

• Measure the Leaves: About 1 teaspoon of tea per cup.

• Heat the Water: Use cooler water (70–80°C) for green and white teas, and hotter water (90–95°C) for black teas.

• Steep: Most teas brew in 1–3 minutes. Taste as you go to find your preferred strength.

If you’re ready to explore further, consider getting a gaiwan (a traditional Chinese brewing cup) or a kyusu (a Japanese teapot). These tools make the process easier and bring out the best in your tea.

3. Explore the Flavours

Take your time. Specialty tea is about more than just drinking—it’s about tasting. Notice the aroma, the way the flavours change as the tea cools, and how each steep is slightly different.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. You might find you like your tea brewed lighter or stronger, or that certain teas taste better with cooler water. It’s all part of the journey.

The Difference You’ll Notice

Once you’ve tried true tea, you’ll start to notice the differences:

• Depth of Flavour: Loose-leaf teas have layers that unfold with every sip. You’ll taste natural sweetness, umami, or even hints of flowers and fruits—all without added flavourings.

• A Longer Journey: Specialty teas often allow for multiple steeps, meaning you can brew the same leaves several times, with each cup offering something new.

• The Way It Feels: Many people describe specialty tea as calming and energising at the same time. This is thanks to L-theanine, a compound in tea that balances the effects of caffeine.

A Final Thought: It’s About the Experience

Switching from tea bags to specialty tea isn’t just about upgrading what’s in your cup—it’s about enriching your experience. When you choose good tea, you’re choosing to slow down, to appreciate the craft, and to connect with something real.

So, where should you start? Pick one tea that excites you. Brew it with intention. Sip it slowly. And let the journey begin.

Remember, tea isn’t about rules or perfection—it’s about discovery. The more you explore, the more you’ll realise that every cup has its own story. What’s yours going to be?