The tea bag was an accidental invention. In 1908, New York tea merchant Thomas Sullivan began sending samples of his tea blends in small silk pouches to customers. He intended for the customers to pour the loose tea out, but many found it easier to just drop the entire pouch into the hot water. After receiving orders for 'tea in bags,' Sullivan realized he had a hit. He later refined the design using gauze and eventually paper. This convenience transformed tea from a formal ceremony into an everyday drink. Today, the 'pyramid' tea bag is popular because its 3D shape allows larger tea leaves more room to expand and release flavor, mimicking the quality of loose-leaf tea.