My new addiction to gourmet tea has sent
me on a search to find the best brewing method. If you are going to buy
the best you
might as well learn to prepare it properly. Rule number 1 is no more
heating water in the microwave. At the very least get a tea kettle so
you know when the water is actually boiling. Different types of teas
require different water temperatures to brew correctly. Black tea requires
boiling
water which would burn green or white tea. Green and white tea should
be made with water that is around 140 to 180 degrees and steeping time
should be increased to about 7 minutes.
Tea infusers, tea balls
or a tea press are the best way to brew tea. Tea leaves should be loose
in the container, not packed tightly
like your average tea bag from the store. Some tea balls may be too small
for white tea which has larger leaves. A tea press allows you to press
a
plunger
and
instantly
stop the tea from brewing.
Do you want to make one cup of tea or several
for a group. If you want a large pot that will stay warm for awhile look
at an insulated stainless steel model as opposed to glass which will
cool quickly. Below I have listed some interesting items from various
web sites.
The
Tea Bag Timer
I laughed when I first saw this device. I mean
how lazy can you be that you need a machine to lift your tea bag
for you?
Then I became an addict
of gourment tea and realized how important it is not to over steep
your tea. I set my timer on my
microwave and run around doing other things while I am waiting for
my tea to steep. Guess what? I never hear the timer and get back in
time. This can result in bitter tasting tea. The tea bag timer is the
perfect device! It comes with a tea ball and a timer that you can set
from 2 to 20 minutes. When the time is up it lifts the bag or tea ball
out of the hot water and a bell also rings. I gotta have this great
gadget!
Click
for details or to order the Tea Bag Timer |
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European-Crafted
Porcelain Tea Mugs
These tea mugs have unique saucers
that couble as heat-saving lids and come with porcelain filters
that fit in the mugs for steeping.  |
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Tea Infuser 6.75-in
Silver-plated and delicately designed, makes a great gift for the
tea lover. |
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Bodum
Assam
6-Cup Tea Press
If you want to make enough tea for everyone this 6 cup press will
do the job.
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Bodum
Columbia Thermal 12-Cup Coffee and Tea Press, Stainless Steel
This tea press received great reviews and is made
of double walled stainless steel. It will keep your tea warm for
up to 2 hours. |
Bodum
Assam
2-Cup Tea Press
This glass pot gives you the added convinence of being able to tell
at a glance when your tea is the right strength. |
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Globo
Teapot
This German made glass teapot has a built in infuser.
Tilt it back on the handle to steep the tea then set it upright.
It is diswasher and microwave safe.
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