STAINLESS STEEL TEA INFUSER/BASKET FILTER:

A basket-shaped stainless steel infuser with small holes is the ideal utensil for steeping loose tea leaves. In this infuser, the tea leaves are able to circulate freely and unfold fully, which produces the most flavorful cup. The small holes help to keep the tea leaves from escaping into the cup or pot. It is very convenient and easy to use.

Stainless steel infusers are the safest type, as they do not contain plastic parts. Plastic infusers can leach harmful chemicals into the tea. If treated properly, stainless steel infusers will last much longer than most other infusers.

Note: We do not recommend using tea balls because the space for the tea leaves to unfold is inadequate, making them unsuitable for high quality teas. We also do not recommend using tea socks because they hold on to the flavor of the tea, which will contaminate the flavor of any other teas that are used in them.

DISPOSABLE TEA FILTER:
 

You can enjoy loose tea anywhere with these convenient disposable, unbleached, chlorine-free paper bags. These easy-to-fill bags have a longer flap on one side. This helps close the bag, or you can trap the top of the bag under a teapot or travel mug lid and close it tight. The loose tea has plenty of room to expand and release its flavor. They are available in packages of 50 or 100 disposable bags and are similar in size to a #2 and #3 T-Sac tea filter. These compostable, all natural filters are packaged in a bio-degradable clear PLA bag (poly lactic acid, a polymer derived from natural starches).

TEACUP/TEAPOT:

Ceramic, porcelain, and cast iron retain heat longer than plastic or glass and are the preferred medium for your tea ware. Many agree that tea also tastes better in these types of vessels because of the materials used to make them. Ever try drinking from a Styrofoam or plastic cup and notice the drastic difference in the flavor?

Many plastics are not heat safe and should be avoided. If using a glass teapot, a tea light warmer can be used to help sustain the temperature. Using a tea cozy will also help to keep the teacup/teapot warm longer. To clean any type of teacup/teapot, do not use soapy water. Use a mixture of hot water and vinegar and then rinse again thoroughly with fresh hot water.

ELECTRIC TEA KETTLE:

The best method for heating water, and the only method we recommend, is to use an electric tea kettle with the ability to set the water temperature. This allows you to prepare water to the correct temperature for the different types of tea, producing the best quality teas with no bitter aftertaste. An additional benefit of using an electric kettle is that it heats the water more quickly than a stovetop kettle or pan. We do not recommend using a microwave oven because the water temperature does not get hot enough, and the oxygen stays on the bottom of the cup. When the water is removed from the microwave, the motion causes the oxygen to rise quickly to the top and the water can explode out of the cup, causing a severe burn.