"Eric3" > wrote in message
news
> Yesterday I went to Costco and bought three gift boxes of Bigelow tea
> assortments.
>
> I gave a box to a friend this morning.

That's nice.

> Then I went home and opened some of the tea. I was surprised to see the
> low weight of tea in a box of 20 tea bags.
> Range: 20g, 3 of 25g, 33g, 34g, 38g, 42g... per box.

You opened a box of 20 teabags in 5 envelopes and are giving us eight
(including the 3x25g) weights? This does not compute. Do you mean 8 boxes
are in a gift set and each box has 20 bags for a total of...um...160 bags
per set? If so, the range of weights is normal because you're talking about
an assortment.

> They were packed 4 per envelope, 5 envelopes per box.

This strikes me as odd because I've only known Bigelow to pack each teabag
in it's own foil envelope.

> Some of the bags were very skimpy when you looked at them, before
> putting them in hot water. And they didn't swell up to much, either.

Skimpy when you looked at them? So? Not all of my teabags from various
companies swell up, either.

> Bottom line - not very tasty, but rather wimpy.

Now, you're talking. Which did you try? It might be characteristic of that
particular blend especially if you didn't brew it long enough in water that
was hot enough.

> I am doubtful that the weights are accurate, as listed on the boxes.

Whatever.

> At any rate, when a consumer purchases a tea bag, it's a reasonable
> assumption that it should provide at least a 6 oz. cup of tea at nominal
> strength.

Yes, and I've had several boxes by Bigelow that say 1 bag will make 2 cups.

> Comparing the volume of the skimpiest looks to be about 1/10 the amount
> of a Lipton tea bag.

Lipton? <gagging>

Be careful of comparing apples to oranges. The real question is are you
comparing teas that are alike? And, really, who cares how much a box of 20
bags weighs as long as the price is right for the flavor delivered? If you
bought the Teas For All Seasons assortment that includes flavored tea,
blends, and herbals, they really mustn't be compared to regular Lipton
because they're all different and none are as robust which may also account
for tasting "wimpy" as you mentioned above.

> I went online to determine the typical amount of tea for a cup... around
> 2.5 grams.

What's your source? Most that I've seen recommend 2 or 2.25 grams of LOOSE
TEA (herbals aren't real tea) as in whole or broken leaves. The tea in bags
is fannings or dust which typically release flavor quicker so less is
required.

> Is this a bad year for tea?
>
> Any other experiences out there?
>
> I am looking for my Costco receipt, in hopes of finding it, and
> returning the tea for a refund.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. Check the brewing instructions to
make sure you got it right and enjoy the variety of not-regular-Lipton that
you have at hand. If you want, look for similar teas by Lipton to compare
FLAVORS (not weights since we're talking bags and not loose teas).

--
~~Bluesea~~
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