Leaf Tea Versus Tea Bag Tea

[Stargazer]

Last month I posted that I was returning to leaf tea and asked for suggestions as to which make to buy. I plumped for Yorkshire and will never return to tea bags whether made in the teapot or in the mug (must be china mug btw). I now use only leaf tea made in a pre-heated (with boiling water) stainless steel teapot.
I also heat the china mug with boiling water. I bought a small Stellar s/s teapot with my first pay on returning to part time work as an oldie. It makes about 0.75 of a pint and is
beyond delicious and worth the five minute delay it takes over tea bag tea. Thanks to everyone who replied in March.

[Stargazer]

I am glad to see that this has generated quite a bit of interest.
I was intending to ask the question about how to use the tea leaves in my garden as I do not have a composter. Is there any special plant that would benefit and are there others that it would not be a good idea to put round their base? I do need a reply to this so please let me have feedback.
To those of you who are asking about other receptacles in which to make tea ..... forget it. In my opinion stainless steel is by far the best. Also the smaller the pot the better (ie in my case making it for a single person) as there is less space for the air hence cooling speed. Stellar make these teapots in various sizes though and are well worth the initial outlay. The water must be actually boiling as it it poured onto the leaves and the tea pot should have been heated with boiling water which, when poured away (in my case into the china mug I am to drink from), must be immediately used to make the tea. I do not let mine stand for long as I do not like "builders" tea and prefer only a trace of milk.
A fine mesh tea strainer is essential and the only drawback is disposing of the used tea leaves.
If any of you, as I do, really appreciate outstanding tea in a china cup as served in fine Tea Rooms then, if you move away from your present 'tea bag in the cup' (or pot) way of doing it, you will be rewarded beyond measure and will positively spurn the former and be a real afficionado of a fine brew as I am now. I intend to try Taylor's of Bradford loose leaf tea next! X

[Jackdaw33]

At least you don't drink Earl Grey. Tried it once many years ago. What a heap of proverbial. Should be banned IMO.

[corylus]

You just can't beat Yorkshire tea, we all know that in God's own County!!

[ummmm]

Yorkshire tea is what I'm currently drinking but that's because I've ran out of coffee :-)

[corylus]

It's all grown in the Yorkshire Dales you know.

[Lurcher100]

I have gone from tea bags to loose, Darjeeling, I use a an infuser teapot. As this is transparent I can see the brew develop to the strength I like by it`s colour and then remove infuser while I drink first cup knowing second won`t be stewed. Tip leaves into garden border.

[sunny-dave]

I agree about Stellar teapots - they are the best brewers I've ever used - no drips when pouring either.

[Stargazer]

Garden border is too vague, Lurcher. I may have to ask this question in the Gardening category to get a definite answer. I have fruit trees and many things in containers and my soil is acid ie it loves camellias, rhododendrons etc.

[rockyracoon]

When I was a nipper, I remember the lady next door putting used tea leaves around the bottom of her rose bushes.

[Muntin]

I have heard that azaleas and rhododendrons are partial to used tea leaves being scattered round their stems.
We use loose tea sometimes in a stainless steel tea pot. A strainer is needed. It has been said [can't think by whom] that tea nowadays is of a better quality so, as with coffee, use not quite boiling water for a better taste. Try for yourselves...

[cupid04]

I used to drink loose-leaf-tea years ago.
I now use tea bags, but still leave a few dregs in bottom of mug out of habit.