Always Use the Proper Tea Strainer

Have you ever been unpleasantly surprised to find tea leaves floating in your cup when using a tea strainer? Nothing disturbs my tea comfort more than to know I’ve ruined a tea experience using the wrong tea strainer.

Tea strainers come in all shapes and sizes. There are paper, ceramic, china, silver and mesh tea strainers. Some are decorative while others are merely functional. The proper tea strainer can make all the difference when brewing loose tea. Consider these tips when choosing a tea strainer that’s right for your special brew.

Mesh Tea Strainers

For fine loose teas like rooibos, matcha or gemaicha, mesh tea strainers are more effective. Easy and convenient to use, they have spring closures that seal in the leaves while brewing. The Long Spoon Mesh Tea Strainer works well with single cups and makes it easy to remove and discard brewed tea leaves. Mesh Ball Tea Infusers can be used for single servings also, but tend to work better in teapots, and for mulling spices or herbs. With the attached hook the ball is able to hang from the teapot while steeping. Made of high-quality stainless steel, mesh tea strainers will not rust.

Decorative Tea Strainers

Ideal for loose teas with large leaves and flowers, decorative tea strainers include a drip bowl to catch any liquid that remains in the strainer after pouring the tea. Available in ceramic, china or silver-plate, they may have one or two handles for ease of use. A disadvantage of this type of tea strainer is that you will have to use it each time you refresh a cup of tea or when pouring tea for others. However, the elegance and ceremony that decorative tea strainers provide when enjoying afternoon tea is well worth the inconvenience.

Of course, if you’re drinking tea-on-the-go, you can use paper filters that are great for very fine and powdered teas.

The point of this post is to encourage you to give a little bit more thought to using the proper tea strainer BEFORE brewing a cup or pot of tea. That way, you will not spoil your enjoyment.

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