Did you know that it takes around 2,000 small tea leaves to make half a kilo of tea? That’s a big number considering that tea is the second most consumed drink in the world right after water. The tea plants originate from Asia and this continent is the largest tea manufacturer. But to make the perfect cup of tea, you’ll need several more things, such as a tea infuser, kettle and the right cup.
What’s a Tea Infuser?
As more and more people start to buy loose tea leaves, there’s an increased demand for these devices. This device is meant to hold the leaves when they’re brewed or steeped. It’s usually left in a mug, teapot or in travel cup. Many of the travel mugs have a built-in infuser that makes them incredibly practical for frequent travellers.
Some infusers have bigger holes, and you have to use a strainer as well, to keep all of the leaves and spices away from the tea. Unlike the high-grade practical basket infuser that will do the job on its own. Some of the other names for this device are tea makers, tea balls or tea eggs. Whatever you call it, it has the same function. The infuser is often made of mesh and from stainless steel or some type of silicone. The shape is almost always round and there’s a chain so you can remove it from the cup.
Different Types of Tea Infusers
Tea Pincer
This is a practical tea infuser that has a handle that’s spring-loaded on one end and a ball on the other. The ball opens when you squeeze the handle, making it simple to fill with tea leaves. The tea is then infused by submerging the ball in hot water. The pincer is great when you’re brewing just one cup of tea and you can use it for many infusions.
Fine Mesh Strainer
Fine mesh strainers are perfect when you want to make several cups of tea. It’s composed of a big wire-mesh basket that goes over a teacup or a pitcher. The leaves are then easily separated from the liquid by pouring the tea concentrate and leaves over the strainer. So next time you decide to do several different types of tea or when you want to use spices, you can turn to the fine mesh strainer.
Travel Infusers
Whether you want to take your favourite loose tea leaves to the office or the gym, travel infusers allow you to make hot tea on the go. You could choose between a collapsible tea strainer and mugs with built-in strainers. The mugs will infuse and keep the tea warm for a long time. The collapsible strainer is very practical because you can fold it and put it in your bag or your pocket. It’s a small tool that’s always accessible and very practical. So, if you’re often on the go and want to enjoy a good cuppa, there’s no doubt, this is the right thing for you.
Basket Infusers
This infuser is bigger than the rest, and one of the most common ones. It’s very popular among tea lovers. When it comes to placement, it almost always rests on the rim of the cup or the teapot. You can sometimes find the basket infuser as part of the teapot, but you can also buy it separately. It makes sure that the leaves have enough room to expand inside, and release all of their flavour and nutrition into the water.
They’re easy to work with and you can wash them by hand or slide them into the dishwasher. Tea connoisseurs and tea experts use this infuser all the time because of the high-quality flavour it provides.
Tea Filters
Tea filters are fine paper bags that you fill with tea leaves and brew them together. They allow the leaves to expand and the tea steeps through the material into the water. You can find them in several sizes, large, medium and small. Large is for when you need to serve 5+ cups, the medium is for 3-4 cups and the small one is for a single cup. You can secure them, so the leaves don’t fall out, with a small pin or a stapler, whatever works for you.
What to Consider When Buying
Materials
Infusers can be made of different materials but the most common one is stainless steel. This is a very durable material that won’t rust. It’s also dishwasher safe which makes it easy to clean and maintain. You can use it every day for a long time and it won’t get damaged or interfere with the taste of the tea. It’s a good investment that will last for years to come.
Bamboo is another popular material mainly used in Asia, especially in China. But if you get this strainer, remember that it’ll absorb the flavour and colour of the tea. So, it’s recommended that you use it with just one type of tea. If you’re a person that likes good aesthetics and brews tea in a glass teapot, this is the right choice for you. The bamboo gives a nice visual and a warm feel to the whole process.
Silicone is another option and a very popular one among tea drinkers. This specific silicone is eco-friendly, and you can use it many times. Just make sure it’s BPA-free so no chemicals will come in touch with the liquid and get into your body. This means buying from reputable brands and reading reviews before buying. You can find these infusers in many shapes and colours, from flowers to wild animals.
Size
Size is also an important factor. Even though little tea balls and spoons are popular, it’s always better to get larger tea infusers. Bigger ones have room for the leaves to expand and steep and release all of their goodness into the water. You’ll get a tastier cup of tea that nourishes your body. Bigger infusers are made to fit almost every teacup and teapot.
Other Considerations
The infusers should be easy to use. They don’t need to have a lot of latches, complex mechanisms or a lot of handles. A simple opening mechanism and a part that will help you remove it from the water will suffice. The mesh should be firm and not have big holes so the spices or herbs float outside of it. Aesthetics is also important. Some people love simple designs and some want intricate details and bright colours. There’s something for everyone on the market, you just have to know what you’re looking for.
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