Editing Tea (section)

=== Loose tea ===

[[File:English Westminster Tea.jpg|thumb|A blend of loose-leaf black teas]]

The tea leaves are packaged loosely in a canister, paper bag, or other container such as a [[tea chest]]. Some whole teas, such as rolled [[gunpowder tea]] leaves, which resist crumbling, are vacuum-packed for freshness in [[BoPET|aluminised packaging]] for storage and retail. The loose tea is individually measured for use, allowing for flexibility and flavour control at the expense of convenience. Strainers, [[Infuser|tea balls]], tea presses, filtered teapots, and infusion bags prevent loose leaves from floating in the tea and over-brewing. A traditional method uses a three-piece lidded teacup called a [[gaiwan]], the lid of which is tilted to decant the tea into a different cup for consumption.