While a mortar and pestle are fantastic for grinding spices and herbs, they might not be the most practical tools for creating your own tea sachets. Here's a breakdown of why and what alternatives might be better suited:

Challenges of Using a Mortar and Pestle for Tea Sachets

• Fine Grind: Tea leaves often need a finer grind than what's easily achievable with a mortar and pestle. Larger pieces might not infuse properly or could tear the sachet.
• Mess and Inefficiency: Grinding tea leaves in a mortar and pestle can be messy. Tiny pieces can get stuck, making it difficult to transfer all the tea into the sachet.
• Material Limitations: Some tea sachets are made of delicate materials like muslin or paper. A mortar and pestle's grinding action could potentially damage the sachet.

Better Alternatives for Making Tea Sachets

• Spice Grinder: A small, dedicated spice or coffee grinder is ideal for achieving a fine, even grind for your tea leaves.
• Sharp Scissors: For whole-leaf teas, carefully cutting the leaves with sharp scissors can be a decent substitute for grinding.
• Pre-Made Sachets: If the goal is convenience, consider purchasing empty tea sachets that you can easily fill with your desired blend.

When a Mortar and Pestle Might Work

• Crushing Ingredients: If your tea blend includes larger spices or dried fruit pieces, a mortar and pestle could be useful to partially crush them before adding to the sachet.
• Small Batches: For very small quantities of tea, a mortar and pestle might be sufficient, though efficiency is still a concern.

Additional Considerations

• Tea Type: Black teas, robust herbal blends, and teas with larger leaves might be slightly more forgiving to a coarser grind. Delicate teas like green tea need finer particles for optimal flavor release.
• Sachet Material: Sturdier sachets may better withstand the grinding process in a mortar and pestle.

References

• The Kitchn - How to Make Your Own Tea Bags: https://www.thekitchn.com/uses-tea-bags-hacks-260431
• The Spruce Eats - How to Make Your Own Tea Bags: https://www.instructables.com/Spruce-Tea/

In Conclusion

While technically possible, using a mortar and pestle to prepare tea for sachets is generally not the most efficient or effective method. Other tools and methods will likely yield better results and a less frustrating tea-making experience.