Teepussien

Teepussien are small, porous sachets that hold tea leaves or herbal blends for infusion in hot water. They provide a convenient, standardized method for brewing tea and are used in homes, offices, and hospitality settings worldwide.

The modern teabag emerged in the early 20th century. A widely cited account credits Thomas Sullivan of New York with popularizing the idea after sending samples in small silk bags around 1908; customers steeped the bags directly, rather than emptying contents first. Earlier experiments used fabric pouches for loose tea, and paper-based bags gradually became common in the mid- to late-20th century.

Traditional bags are rectangular or square, while newer designs include larger, permeable pyramid shapes that give tea leaves more room to expand. Materials vary by brand; most bags are made from paper or plant-based fibers, and some use heat-sealed polymers or nylon filters. In recent years, there has been a shift toward plastic-free, compostable bags and inks to improve environmental compatibility.

Brewing involves placing a bag in hot water and steeping for a few minutes before removing the bag. The choice of bag and its disposal can influence household waste and recycling, depending on local facilities and bag composition. Teepussien remain the most common form of making tea quickly in households and workplaces around the world.