For steeping fine teas like rooibos, I had been using a plastic infuser basket that I received as a gift. And then one day, it disappeared! I don't know if I stuck it away in some tea mug in the cabinet where I can't find it or whether I accidentally threw it away. All I know is that I am missing that mesh infuser basket. So I was at Harry's Farmer's Market in Marietta last week when I spotted a Republic of Tea stainless steel mesh infuser basket that I thought might do the trick. At $4.99, it was a good price for experimenting with!
My test tea for the finest of infusers is always a rooibos tea, because that tea has the tiniest particles. And while this basket didn't strain out quite all of the tea that an infuser tea bag would, I thought it did a great job, and I have been using it when steeping rooibos teas over the past few days. I do have an almost brand new box of infuser bags, but I feel wasteful if I use one when I have a reusable infuser sitting around. What about you? What do you prefer to use to strain and/or filter your tea?
I have a teapot that came with a mesh infuser basket fairly similar to this one, a little more rounded - and another that I use most often with a cylindrical mesh basket that fits into the top and is large enough to make two cups. I use the mesh part even with teabags, it's just easier to lift the whole thing out when it's ready!
ReplyDeleteI use a strainer if it is just for me. I use a filter if making tea for guest, easier to just toss. I think my priorities are backwards!
ReplyDeleteAngela, I use a fabric infuser that my daughter-in-law introduced to me years ago. It's reusable and lasts for years. I convinced my local tea shop to order them. Enjoy your afternoon tea. ♥
ReplyDeleteI use similar filters as you have shown and love them. I think I have about 5 in a couple different styles. They get used daily in my house and I will pack one for a trip in my bag to make tea in a mug.
ReplyDeleteAs I told you earlier, I'm working my way through your archives. In October, 2013, you mentioned that you were looking for a Russian Tea Room Cookbook. Did you ever find it?
ReplyDeletePatsy from Nixa, MO
At home, I use a reusable metal strainer. But at the office, I use the disposable filter bags.
ReplyDeleteI us d the disposable bags for years. A few years ago I got a metal infuser and live it. I've seen the one you featured many times. Glad it worked
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