Tea Infuser and Tea Strainers – Loose Leaf Tea Accessories
Most of us who drink tea probably settle for a bagged version which is relatively quick and convenient to make. Tea can also be enjoyed in its natural, loose leaf state. A tea ball, tea strainer and tea infuser are all used to make loose leaf tea. Although each of these utensils serves the same purpose, the only real difference is in the name.
Ingenuitea Tea Infuser Pitcher
Before discussing individual accessories and their benefits, if you are looking for a tea pot that also serves as a loose leaf infuser or strainer, look no further than the Ingenuitea. Adagio Teas Ingenuitea is a great tea strainer for loose tea because it is a tea pitcher and infuser all in one. Tea leaves are placed in the pitcher and hot water is poured over them. Once the tea has steeped, the device is placed on top of a cup for tea to dispense. Ingenuitea is inexpensive and very easy to use.
Other Tea Infuser Tea Pots
If you are looking for a more versatile tea pot, Adagio Teas Personalitea is the way to go. The Personalitea is a ceramic tea pot with a removable stainless steel infuser basket. This is the best tea infuser for loose tea based on product reviews and personal experience. The Personalitea is easy to clean and does not have to be used with loose leaf tea. You can remove the infuser and add tea bags to the pot.
The Personalitea has a removable tea infuser basket
Other Loose Leaf Tea Accessories
Tea Ball for Rooibos
Rooibos is a very fine, delicate tea leaf. If you prefer to steep Rooibos from loose leaves as opposed to a tea bag, a mesh tea ball would be ideal.
A tea ball is typically made out of stainless steel, plastic or mesh and contains small holes which keep the leaves in but allow the flavor to come out. Most tea balls also have a small hook which can be attached to the side of a pot or mug for easy recovery. In addition, some styles of a tea ball have a handle that rests on top of a cup to avoid drips.
Cuisipro Tea Ball
Another style of tea ball is a spring loaded tea ball which ensures the tea leaves stay put while steeping. Most are constructed out of stainless steel which makes them durable. The Cuisipro tea ball is a unique design as it is a spring plunger which allows for a faster, customized brew. The Cuisipro is sold along with a saucer tray and comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Tea Strainers
Tea strainers can be used for steeping tea in either cups or pots. Similar to a tea infuser and tea ball, a strainer is made of stainless steel mesh and is dishwasher safe. Some strainers are designed to fit directly over a cup or tea pot, while others have a single handle. Tea strainers allow you to pour hot water directly over the leaves into a cup or pot. A tea strainer that has a single handle is typically easier to use because it is simple to remove from the cup or pot when you have finished steeping. Some strainers that fit directly over a cup are hard to remove because they get too hot from the water. If you prefer, tea strainers can be used to filter tea leaves from a freshly made pot, similar to a colander.
How to Buy Tea Accessories
When seeking out the perfect vessel for making loose leaf tea, consider the options that work best for you. If you like to make more than a cup at a time, you probably want to invest in a tea strainer as they generally have the largest capacity basket. On the other hand, if you only drink an occasional cup, a tea ball or infuser would probably be more suitable. Good luck with your search and make sure to read product descriptions and review carefully.
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