You've been making tea wrong - and it's bad news for those who squeeze the bag

10 March 2024 , 11:28

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There is more science to making the perfect brew then you may think (Image: Getty Images)

If you squeeze your teabag in the mug when brewing up - you've apparently been making your tea wrong.

Something that is so quintessentially British is the humble cup of tea. Some like their brews milky, some with three teaspoons of sugar, and some like their teabag to brew for hours. We all make our own cuppas our own way, but an argument for the ages has been about what makes the perfect tea.

Now while milk, sugar and brewing time are all down to personal preference, one of the most important elements when making a brew is actually how you remove the teabag. According to science, if you press your teabag against your cup with the back of a spoon to squeeze it instead of allowing the brew you're probably ruining your tea's flavour.

The reason behind this claim is all to do with tannins. Tannins are plant compounds which are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, they are pretty bitter. Tea is one of the richest sources of tannins and they're responsible for giving the beverage its dry, somewhat bitter flavour.

According to the experts at Ringtons Tea - and "most tea aficionados" - you shouldn't squeeze your teabags after it has been "steeped". Ringtons Tea says: "The liquid that remains trapped inside the tea bag has even higher instances of tannic acid than what is able to steep out of the bag on its own. By squeezing the tea bag, you inadvertently release these tannic acids into your tea and, in turn, create a far more bitter, sour, and acidic cup of tea."

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However, if you are a fan of your tea this way, then fair enough. However, Ringtons Tea does warn of the structural risks of squeezing the bag on the side of your mug. By squeezing the bag, you run the risk of ripping it more easily which could result in loose tea leaves floating in your cup. Ringtons Tea added: "Overall this makes for a more cloudy tea and of course a much less enjoyable cup of tea."

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Ruby Flanagan