The Great Squeeze Debate

Tea.

It's the world's most popular drink (excluding water), [Source] and it is simple enough to make that anyone can enjoy it. Additionally, it can be relatively cheap, especially when compared to coffee.

        

So obviously, the majority of the world can agree that tea is a spectacular beverage, but what seems to be the cause for debate in this area is the matter of whether or not tea bags should be squeezed subsequent to brewing.

It makes sense to squeeze tea bags. After all, the liquid absorbed by the bag is usually the most flavorful, and by wringing out the bag, the issue of that tea-puddle disappears.

However, many argue that in squeezing the tea bag, the previously perfect cup of tea takes on a bitter taste.

Which side has a more valid argument?

As it turns out, tea leaves have oils in them, called tannins. These oils are what can cause a cup of tea to turn bitter. When one squeezes their tea bag post-brewing, they are releasing the bitter tannins into their beverage. The bitterness is rather subtle. Enough so, in fact, that many do not notice a difference in flavor!

Typically, black, white, and green teas have the highest amount of tannins in them, while herbal teas have little to no tannins.

So really the choice is yours, whether or not to squeeze the tea bag. If the flavor of your tea seems kind of off, then maybe try not to squeeze the bag or don't let it brew as long. If that tea puddle really bothers you, squeezing the bag will not make such a huge difference on the taste.

Or do it like I do: don't remove the bag at all.

-Liesl