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Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you probably appreciate the convenience of tea bags. Unfortunately, although they are easy to use, they are also known to be fragile, and you might find your tea bag breaking when you’re simply trying to savor a peaceful morning cup of tea.
Let’s be clear.
If your tea bag breaks open, it is perfectly fine to keep brewing it. It’s not technically a problem if there are broken leaf bits at the bottom of your cup, but many people prefer a clear cup of tea, without any broken particles in it. If that’s your preference, then you can always opt to strain out the excess leaf material with a strainer.
Table of Contents
Is Tea from Broken Tea Bags Safe?
Yes, the tea inside of broken tea bags is generally safe to brew tea with.
You can remove them and choose to brew your tea however you would prefer.
How to Save and Use Leaves from a Broken Tea Bag
Just because your tea bag breaks, it doesn’t mean that you have to throw the tea away.
Simply remove the tea and brew it via an alternative method, such as the ones described below!
Use a Tea Ball or Tea Infuser
One straightforward solution is to transfer the tea from a broken bag to a tea ball or tea infuser.
A mesh tea ball, for example, allows water to flow through while keeping the tea particles contained.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiesta Tea Small Stainless Steel Infuser Ball for Loose Leaf, Reusable Strainer with Extra Fine Mesh… |
$5.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket |
$14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Use a Coffee Filter
In the absence of a tea ball, a coffee filter could serve as a handy substitute.
It might not be the optimal way to brew tea, but it will do the job in a pinch.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hario V60 Paper Coffee Filter, Size 01, White, 100ct Box |
$6.69 | Buy on Amazon |
Use a Strainer
Brewing your tea using a strainer is another viable method. The tea would be brewed in a small vessel and then poured over a strainer into a cup. This method ensures none of the tea particles end up in the cup.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosle 95158 Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Tea & Kitchen Strainer with Wire Handle 3.2 In. | Buy on Amazon |
Are Tea Bags Edible?
While tea bags are designed to be food-grade, they are not generally edible. The composition of a tea bag can range from paper to food-grade nylon, which, although generally considered safe for brewing tea, is a form of plastic and not meant for direct consumption.