(Part 2) Best tea accessories according to redditors
We found 888 Reddit comments discussing the best tea accessories. We ranked the 300 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Ok sorry it took so long but here is the recipe! A few people have asked, I'll put them here so they get the update. Let me know if I missed someone!
AMightyWolf me2pleez lexxx223 captainvyvanse RedQueenHypothesis katekowalski2014 funkinatrix
Materials:
The Thai tea itself! I tried a few different mixes and this one's my favorite.
Because the Thai tea mix is so fine and powdery, I recommend using a very fine cloth strainer. It's not required, but it makes it better (in my opinion). I use something similar to this. This has gone up in price since I got it years ago. But paper tea bags, cheesecloth, or reusable cotton tea bags will all work as well. Whatever you use it WILL be stained orange and brown.
If you don't mind powder and fine particles getting in there (which can make it more bitter), whatever strainer you currently use for loose leaf tea will work.
​
Recipe:
My mom found this recipie (and many others) and we thought this one tasted the most like restaurant Thai iced tea.
I boil 4 cups of water and steep 1/3 cup of Thai tea mix for 20 minutes. Then I add 1/3 cup of sugar. I add in 2 cups of cold water, or 2 cups worth of ice (instead of boiling all 6 cups at the beginning) just to help it cool faster cause I am impatient and want to drink it.
Pop some in a cup with ice, and then add your milk, cream, whatever you want. I like it most with half and half, but usually I don't keep that around so I just do regular milk more often.
Originally the recipe calls for 15 minute steeping and 1/2 cup of sugar, but I liked it stronger and a bit less sweet. You play around and see how you like it. I find the 20 minute steep and 1/3 cup of sugar is as close as I can get to restaurant Thai iced tea. Half and half also gets it closest to restaurant as well (imo). I ask sometimes when I go to Thai restaurants what they use for cream, and most of them tell me half and half. Once someone told me sweetened condensed milk with an extra splash of milk. I have not yet tried that.
As you noticed the recipe is for a large quantity. It keeps well in the fridge, so you can have some ready on hand. Mine doesn't usually last very long.
Have fun!
They usually sell them at Kohls and places like that! I have a sloth one.
Here's one on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fred-TEATANIC-Titanic-Tea-Infuser/dp/B00BU1IWJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524233247&sr=8-1&keywords=teatanic
As big as possible to give the leaves adequate room to open up. I have this one but any "basket" style infuser will suffice.
Looks good, but why not just use your regular tea ball ?
You can buy the same at Amazon.com USA. There are also many similar boxes available:
https://www.amazon.com/Estilo-Storage-Equally-Divided-Compartments/dp/B00YPWJYPG
I happen to like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Leaf-Storage-Compartments-Cherrywood/dp/B01C019RLO
The water lays calm and undisturbed in my mug. Each H20 particle relaxed and at rest going about doing what ever it is still water does. Then things begin. The water resting in the mug becomes shaken, as if an earth quake has just hit, as I place my mug in to the microwave. There is a loud bang as I shut the microwave door. Then all seems calm again for the water for a few brief seconds. Then the beeping begins. With each button push on the microwave its like a siren goes off to the the helpless water within the mug. A flash of light goes off, the water inside burning. Steam begins coming off the mug, the water dieing as its spirit leaves the cup here it once laid so peacefully. I open the microwave looking down at my victims. they seem helpless but they still haven't suffered enough to satisfy my appetites. Thats when i grab the bomb I open it up and fill it with leaves herbs and spices, although delicious to us, these things are poisonous and deadly to the citizens of my mug. I drop the bomb in and the chemical explosion happens instantly. You can see the corpses of the water rapidly turn brown, all the while their souls still leap from my mug. But this is still not enough for me. I reach for a spoon and stir, the mug has become an inescapable vortex of death with my tea bomb right at the center. I celebrate my victory by adding some honey, as victory is sweet. then to savor that victory I slowly sip from the mug, feeling empowered and ready to start my day.
Change Jar, just in case.
I would do what /u/AIO12 suggests, but with emphasis on using coconut oil. If you want to use butter, I suggest clarifying it first; this way it will keep longer. My method is to put the AVB in a jar, and then cover it with coconut oil (you may have to pre-liquefy the coconut oil if it is not hot in your house).
I fill the crockpot (or slow cooker) about half-way with water, and loosely tighten the top of the jar with the oil and AVB (I do this because some additional decarboxilation occurs, and this releases gas, and I don't want to risk the jar exploding -- although I realize this is highly unlikely). I make sure the water comes up about halfway to 3/4 of the way up the side of the jar of oil and AVB.
I also suspend the jar of AVB and Oil using the rings from canning jars. This way the jar of oil and bud is not touching the ceramic cooking vessel. This way you ensure that your product will never get hotter than ~212 degrees Fahrenheit.
I put other empty canning jars in the slow cooker around the edges so that things don't float or move around. I put the crock pot on high and leave it at that temperature setting for about 6 hours.
Once every hour or so, I will take the jar out and give it a shake, or open it up and give it a stir.
I usually end up adding extra water to top off the ceramic cooking vessel about 3 hours in, but since I keep the glass cover on the slow cooker, most of the water re-condenses and stays in the ceramic cooking vessel. But keep an eye on it! If the water evaporates you might damage your slow cooker (unlikely) or burn your infusion (likely). That would be so sad!
I also throw in a few pinches of fresh bud mixed in with the AVB -- I think this gives a slightly more full-spectrum infusion. Also, I think it tastes good. Also, I will add a couple of whole crushed cocoa beans and maybe half a stick of cinnamon during the infusion. It comes out smelling and tasting pretty damn good! The toastyness of the AVB, the smooth sweetness of the coconut oil, and the richness of the cocoa bean and cinnamon go really well together.
After 6 hours (or more), I remove the jar of oil and AVB. I let it sit for about 20 minutes so it cools down a little, but still stays hot and liquid.
Then, while still liquid, but not so hot as to burn me, I strain the bud and oil through a large cotton muslin bag (like this http://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Muslin-Bags-Drawstring-Count/dp/B004YTLW0K - which I also use for steeping loose herbal tea and for preparing kava kava). The reason I use these is because I can sinch off the bag, and use all my strength to twist and squeeze every last drop of precious infused oil out of the AVB. There is a LOT of oil that that will stay in the bud otherwise, and I have found this method to be best and quickest at salvaging almost all of it!
You should end up with a a lot of a very potent infusion. My latest batch is so strong... if I eat more than 1 teaspoon, I am practically wasted for the rest of the day. For me and my body, I have found that it takes, on average, TWO hours for the effects to kick in. Surprisingly long. Then the effects stick around and get more intense for a few hours, and then peak, and I am pretty much stoned for about 8 hours. Infused oil using AVB really rocks me. I get so stoned that I don't even feel like smoking pot or drinking alcohol. I am just all set.
One thing I will mention, if you are feeling adventurous or experimental: I want to try this, but haven't had a chance yet -- but I want to try doing the infusion in a pressure cooker. This will increase the temperature to 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which won't burn the bud or oil, and could result in an even more complete extraction of the AVB and infusion of actives into the oil. I have a pressure cooker which I use to sterilize substrate for the purpose of cultivating mushrooms at home, but that is all I use it for, so it would be nice if I could find another use for the pressure cooker. Ideally, my plans are to save up a bunch of AVB, and do 3 or 4 different infusions and then compare them. One theory I have is that the higher temp and pressure in the pressure cooker might be able to achieve an equivalent infusion (or an even BETTER infusion?!) than the slow cooker, but in half or even a quarter of the time. Time will tell...
Finally, another consideration for you might be to invest in something like the "cap-m-quick." This is a little "machine" that holds 00 gelatin or vegetable-based capsules. The oil will not leak through the capsules, as long as your oil is free of all water, and as long as your oil is as cool as possible while remaining a liquid. This is the idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVIVL1YkF48
It would be nice to have capsules containing even quantities of the oil. It is discreet, pretty much odorless, and perfect for transportation, or for sharing with others. I plan on doing this today actually! I plan on storing the filled capsules in the freezer, for freshness. I will post something to this sub once I give it a try and let you guys know a) how it goes, b) if it seems worth doing, c) how much weight each capsule weighs, d) how consistent each capsule's weight is, and e) how effective they are at doing their job ;)
In any event, please do post your results back here! I for one would love to hear how your end product comes out :)
I have this same one! Amazon US though, so not only for México :p
Someone else posted the link: here
!!
Getting started with matcha is so awesome! I've been drinking it in the morning with breakfast for almost a full year now, and knock on my fake-wood desk, I haven't gotten sick at all (except for that one sinus infection when I stopped drinking it for two weeks...whoops).
I think you are selling yourself short if taste isn't as important to you. I feel high quality matcha is better for you, but maybe I'm just overthinking things. I would give this one a shot since it claims to be ceremonial grade, it's 4oz, AND it's barely over $20. That sounds like a steal.
I have matcha every morning. Tea ceremony purists would probably faint over my routine, but it's pretty quick for me and it still tastes lovely.
Tools:
__
If you're trying to just have some tea to drink at the office, you could just make a strong infusion and mix with a little hot water.
You mention "benefits", what are you trying to extract?
Of course brewing fresh tea is always going to be the tastiest ...
You could bag your own tea if you pick up some teabags.
Here's amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Tea-Empty-Bags-60ea/dp/B00027CM5C
and here's an amazingly 1990s website: http://www.naturalteabags.com/home.html
Ask and you shall receive.
https://www.amazon.com/Fred-OCTEAPUS-Octopus-Tea-Infuser/dp/B00FY88KDW
Prime shipping isn't immediately but is pretty close.
To me a gadget is neither a full on appliance (like a stick blender) not a tool (like a thermaPen), though I love both, but a small convenience that might be overlooked or mistakenly thought to be a unitasker, so I nominate the large tea basket. I use one that is 50 years old and perforated sheet metal that screws together, rather than the spring clip mesh one linked, but yards of cheesecloth and miles of twine for tying bouquet garni have been saved by using a large tea basket. Put yer stuff in there, simmer, remove and run through the dishwasher. Because it is large, you get good circulation for flavoring; because it is essentially indestructible, it never goes on the "to buy "list; because stem tying is not in play, you never have to fiddle with matching sprig lengths/sturdiness.
I'll try this tonight. Thanks! I suggest, as it was suggested to me, to use this Thai tea filter. It's much quicker than the coffee filter method.
[The infuser I use](
https://www.amazon.com/Infuser-Threaded-Connection-Stainless-Extended/dp/B075K57B73/) came with a little saucer that I can set it on until I get around to emptying out the leaves.
Not a ball, but what about something like this? Tea socks are very fine mesh, and this particular one says it's 9 inches long. Should provide lots of space for the leaves to steep in a large pitcher or jug.
I am tired of waiting so I'll make a budget matcha set for you:
[Rice Bowl $7.6] (http://www.amazon.com/Smiling-Blue-Porcelain-Rice-Bowl/dp/B0042J0R7Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412653136&sr=8-2&keywords=rice+bowl) you can find this cheaper, but I'll post this for convience. while a proper chawan has a wider base that is better for whisking the matcha, this type of bowl could work. Generally chawans are $20 and up.
[Bamboo whisk$11.88] (http://www.amazon.com/1x-BambooMN-Brand-Chashaku-preparing/dp/B003VSEG7Q/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1412653207&sr=1-3&keywords=matcha+bowl) (+ Chashaku & spoon) you can find cheaper whisks for around $5 or more expensive ones from Japan that generally are of a better quality. Some people use milk frothers or normal cooking whisks, both can be used, but won't be as effective.
Right now we are at $19.48, the cheapest matcha at o-cha is the [Uji Organic Matcha] (http://www.o-cha.com/uji-organic-matcha.html) for $10.56, slightly more expensive and in my oponion a more friendly matcha is the [Uji Matcha Kiri No Mori] (http://www.o-cha.com/uji-matcha-kiri.html) at $12.74. If this is your first time making matcha, I wouldn't recommending purchasing anything over $15 there.
Bonus accessories that are useful, but not necessary is the [Matcha Sifter for $14.56] (http://www.o-cha.com/matcha-furui.html) and the [bamboo whisk stand] (http://www.o-cha.com/matcha-whisk-keeper.html) for $4.73.
Also if you want to practice your whisking skills I reccomend getting a powdered green tea [like Teavivre's] (http://www.teavivre.com/organic-green-tea-powder/).
When people ask for the best xyz food in town, I hate when redditers respond with, "You should make it yourself, it's easy/cheaper/better!"
So I'm going to hate myself for saying this, but you could take your favorite loose tea with you in tea bags like these or these.
Perhaps more helpfully, though, I'm partial to Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset/Spice Black Tea, and you can get the bags/sachets at our Target.
If you want easy, you can buy a mug strainer or empty tea bags to pack yourself:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPA3Y8
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JIRDSCC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J3JFJU
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HW1C7VK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00027CM5C
I grind fresh coffee the day I leave for a trip. Espresso grind (number 2 on my grinder). I bring fillable tea bags
Tiesta Tea Loose Leaf Tea Filters, 100 Count, Disposable Tea Infuser for 100 Cups of Tea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S8XOL88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zE8MDbGJBMT6E
Then fill one of those up with 1-2 spoons. Drop it in for about 4 mins.
They are super light.
Much better tasting that the instant stuff.
I use a tea organizer:
https://www.amazon.com/Estilo-Storage-Equally-Divided-Compartments/dp/B00YPWJYPG?ref_=ast_bbp_dp
I live in a small space with minimal closet storage, and for me this looks nice enough to store on a bookshelf or dresser. They run $15-20 on Amazon but can fit a decent number of samples/decants, and allow for easy organization of contents.
A replacement is fairly cheap
Try these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002WB12IO/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?qid=1421792081&sr=8-9&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 it will let you use your loose leaf tea, but you can fill the bags before you leave the house.
Ok look at getting a metal tea strainer like this https://www.amazon.com/Schefs-Premium-Tea-Infuser-Stainless/dp/B012T8SX1I/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1466302962&sr=1-3&keywords=tea+pot+strainer make sure the arms are wide enough to stay on top of your pots rim.
You don't need a scoop, just use a 1/2 or 1/4 teaspoon measure.
I can't answer you on the whisk - I have a cheap one from Daiso ($1.50!) that works okay, but I prefer using my electric hand frother for faster results.
I know people who bought this set and was happy http://www.amazon.com/1x-BambooMN-Brand-Chashaku-preparing/dp/B003VSEG7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410226557&sr=8-1&keywords=chasen
You sound kind of like me, I wasn't into tea because I thought tea meant Lipton and then I had to quit the Red Bull and got into tea for the variety.
Personally I use these empty tea filters from Tiesta Tea for making tea at work. You can choose whatever loose tea your feeling at the moment and how much you'd like to use and then let it steep like any other tea bag. I try to only make 8oz glasses because there isn't that much space for a lot of tea. Hope that helps, enjoy the variety of tea.
a used book, valued at $5 or less
$4 or less if you look at the other options
$3 or less
$2 or less
I give up, I can't find the last one haha... happy birthday!
Matcha is super easy to make. You just need a wide teacup and a whisk. Amazon has a pretty good set here.
Bombilla. You're right, it's a mate straw.
ECOTEAS Tea Straw Stainless Steel Spring Bombilla https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0012BUGZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4u3mDbRSV0PSR
I just chop/grind up the shrooms and steep them in boiling water for 10 minutes or recently boiled water for 20. Add your favorite tea bag and some sugar, and there's no need to eat the shrooms after making tea from them so you can either strain them out (or use a tea ball/empty teabag) or eat them if you want to get the tiny bit left in them.
BTW you can buy empty tea bags on Amazon. Great for shrooms and loose leaf teas.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCT9BLZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NWbFDbPXKQ8V9
I recommend this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JIRDSCC
I have multiple infusers I like, including Forlife, but this House Again one has really impressed me. I think if I had to buy one, this one would be it--it's all steel and will keep any particulates out of the water. Finum is good too, but has plastic if that's a concern.
We've used lots of infusers. Finum and Forlife have been our favorites.
We recently purchased this House Again infuser and have been very happy with it. It might be our favorite infuser. The pore size is far smaller than any other infuser we've used, except the Finum infuser we have, which isn't actually Finum--it's an older brand that's not sold anymore that was bought out by Finum years ago.
The Forlife is more durable than the other two, but has larger pore size, so it can be kind of irritating. If I were going to have one infuser, it would be the House Again infuser. I usually reach for the Forlife infuser if I know it's a larger-leaf tea, just because it's so sturdy, but for anything where there might be particulate, I use the House Again infuser.
Out of convenience, I usually use an artisan instant coffee like Voila.
If I really want actual coffee grounds, I’ll bring the grounds in a plastic bag and use a tea strainer. It works well. Just get water near boil, drop in tea strainer with grounds, lightly stir. This is the exact one I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075K57B73/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UUA6BbJCMDBJN
As for a stove, I use this ridiculously light and cheap Chinese stove. Quantity is not great but it’s dirt cheap and I’ve never had one show up not functional. Some will leak gas for an instant when you screw the stove on (more than you’d expect), some don’t. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NNMF70U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2VA6BbGGSBA02
Green teas are very fragile and need to be brewed at a specific temperature. If your water is too hot, your tea will become bitter. I highly recommend investing in a variable temperature kettle so that you can brew at the right temperature. Quality of tea is also important. You want nice, whole leaves, not dust & fannings. The latter indicates poor quality and in addition to broken up tea leaves, you may also get twigs, stems, pebbles, etc.
If you are planning on brewing loose, get a stainless steel infuser basket that are large enough to allow tea leaves to expand. Don't get one of those mini-size tea balls - there isn't enough room. They also have these silicone animal-shaped tea infusers, and although they are adorable, I don't think they're big enough for loose leaf tea.
Alternatively, you can also buy paper tea bags instead of a mesh infuser.
Also on Amazon -- thats a non-referal link BTW
A happy medium may be these little disposable bags. I use a similar product and have had great results.
I wonder if tea bags for loose tea would work.
Something like this
Would be a quick and easy solution if it did.
Honestly, I haven't found a great tea infuser that doesn't leave little bits and pieces in my cup. That's really a peeve of mine. Its a little wasteful, but I really like these filters: Tiesta Tea Filters
This one is super highly rated and recommended.
This is nice since it will work with any mug.
Something like this looks really nice and works well.
I had one just like this that I loved.
I had one like this that was cherished until it broke. It worked amazingly well. And there's this if you want to make more than one cup!
You really want to find something large that gives the tea leaves room to expand. The cute novelty ones are adorable, but don't steep the tea very well. You can also reuse the leaves so don't throw them away after one use!!
Also if you have one near you, David's Teas have super cute stuff. There's also a /r/tea subreddit :)
Sorry, that I can't help you with. I just drank a shit load of coffee and tea when I was in Thailand and went on a food tour that stopped at one of the thousands of little stands that make coffee or tea. All of it had sweetened condensed milk it. Thai people love sweet foods and drinks.
I never saw anybody drinking black coffee, very rarely even hot coffee. Knowing how poor most of them are, its probably not the best coffee, though I would assume its grown in Thailand but might be Robusta not Arabica.
I also just remembered, the coffee is made using basically a cloth filter, https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Filter-Natural-Strainer-Thailand/dp/B01HIKU16M/ref=pd_sim_325_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KJ4Z79NY9AZZP7EH3932
Edit - I know how she feels too, summer wasn't exactly great for me, especially since last summer I went to Thailand (Bangkok & Phuket) and absolutely loved it, such an amazing place.
Bittersweet is easy! Many teas are naturally a little bitter, and there's a reason why it's common to add sugar (or honey). I'd stay away from the darker teas here, but a basic oolong tea is going to be light and a little bitter. I drink this one regularly, but there's plenty of other alternatives. Green teas are also going to be a good choice here, though I don't know them well. If you want something with a little extra body, try a Genmai Cha, which is a green tea with toasted rice added.
Fruity is also easy, but I may be the wrong person to ask here; the only fruity teas I get into tend to be tangy. That said, virtually any fruit or berry can be turned into a tea, and I'd wager all of them have. In my experience you can find fruit teas in two major categories, standard teas with fruit added and teas that are literally just fruit; the former generally include caffeine, the latter don't.
(Caffeine rule of thumb: black teas have caffeine, green teas have a little caffeine, if it doesn't actually have tea leaves in it, it contains no caffeine.)
Most tea vendors online have a "sample" option that gives you enough tea for half a dozen cups at a very low price. If you're just experimenting with teas, picking up half a dozen to a dozen samples is a pretty good way to start. I'm linking to Upton because I buy most of my teas from them and I know their samples are good - they often include a free sample or two in the box just for fun, in fact - but there's plenty of other good tea vendors online.
Finally, here's the tea snob in me; you know teabags? Teabags suck. They're more expensive and lower quality and have less variety. You get the absolute lowest-quality tea in them, pay a premium for the bag, and your options are sharply limited. I strongly recommend picking up a tea infuser which makes looseleaf teas both easy and convenient to brew. If you're just experimenting with teas and don't want to put out the money for the infuser, there's cheaper solutions, but IMO they're more awkward and annoying and also don't provide as good of a result if you're dealing with a tea that seriously rehydrates.
And note that looseleaf teas have to be kept in a reasonably airtight and opaque container. Most vendors will sell you teas either in a competently-made tea tin or at least a resealable pouch - everything Upton sells you will show up sensibly packed - but you can't always guarantee that. I bought this set a while back and the first thing I did was move them into resealable tea tins (sold by Upton, natch.)
Now you know more than you wanted to about tea :)
Loose leaf is really worth it with green tea, to start out with.
My favorite type of green tea is Japanese. O cha has some great stuff. Sencha is your basic Japanese green tea, don't worry so much about the other types unless you want to make a hobby of it. It is very strong, highly caffeinated stuff, which also means you have to be careful; don't brew it in boiling water or for more than two minutes, or it will take the roof of your mouth off.
China also produces some excellent green teas. I'd go to Silk Road Teas for that. Chinese tea is much more forgiving. It's pretty common to dump a scoop of leaves into a thermos and then just keep topping it up with more water all day. More subtle brewing techniques will let you play with flavor more, of course. Dragonwell is the most common everyday Chinese green, and it's easy to brew and drink, so it might be good for a beginner. Silk Road also does nice sample sets!
Many beginners also like Adagio. They're good at easing you into the world of tea, and sell a lot of teaware if you don't have any equipment yet. In-mug infusers are a fantastic approach if you don't feel like spending gobs of cash on decorative teapots, Amazon is also a good source there.
Green is only one category of tea, of course. Black is great stuff, oolong and white if you get interested in the complex flavors, and if you want a powerful hit of caffeine, try the pu erh. It's an acquired taste, but boy will it keep you awake.
ETA: Mug infusers that are in stock. They come in colors, but you'll have to look yourself. Also fill your own tea bags for the weak of heart who insist on tea bags.
You shall kill 4 mice by the time the sun sets on the thirtieth of August. No more. No less.
To help you on your journey, I present a [a companion of infinite value] (http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Monkey-Infuser-Drip-Tray/dp/B005SQ4BJW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=16Q1M9X9GOLAF&coliid=I3UICS49GSTJLJ).
Stainless Steel Tea Ball is $1.99+free shipping, thanks for the contest.
Here it is! Be warned: it's awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Tea-Empty-Bags-60ea/dp/B00027CM5C
first thing that popped up on google when i typed in empty tea bags.
Here ya go. Amazon has them in packs of 25. Drawstring cloth bags
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fred-Friends-TTAN-TEATANIC-Infuser/dp/B00BU1IWJO
This is what I use for single mugs, it's a nice roomy infuser. It's deep so it could possibly work well with a thermos too.
Non-mobile link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WB12IO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
This is a good one..
And you'll need one of these too.
You don't need a gourd unless you really just want one. I use a regular coffee mug.
Amazon México, sorry guys 😎 only mexico can handle this
here
I've bought them all from Amazon, the bamboo bombillas are all the same but my favorite metal bombilla is this one. You have to pull more with your mouth than the other typical bombillas because of the fine mesh filter, but it's worth it for finely ground teas
You can use whole coffee beans. It takes longer to brew, but there are zero grounds.
Another way is to use a Muslin bag. I empty, rinse and reuse. You can get a lot of times out of one bag.
This (but I paid less) not the best, but it gets the job done...
[Tea infuser ](jokari healthy steps total tea infuser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y3B8T2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_d2NgAbXX11FMZ)
This green contraption?
This is so neat :D
Skip the Keurig, buy a pack of these, buy your coffee at Trader Joe's and pick up a coffee grinder. This is my recipe for great tasting single serving coffee without a giant unitasker on your countertop or having to buy anything from Keurig.
THIS!
I have several bombillae, and two 1, 2 of them can be opened and scrubbed with a small diameter brush as needed. Tho' mostly I just scrub the outside, and run hot water thru them to clean.
You should really look at Tea Filters.
You could also substitute the water boiler for an electric kettle.
I use a single cup infuser, a coffee cup, and a microwave at my work.
I have something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Teapot-Strainer-Infuser-Steeper-Handle/dp/B00GNWKPIQ/ref=sr_1_36?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1458247170&sr=1-36&keywords=tea+infuser
or this
http://www.amazon.com/FORLIFE-Brew---Mug-Extra-Fine-Infuser/dp/B001JPA3Y8/ref=sr_1_29?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1458247170&sr=1-29&keywords=tea+infuser
It is! He lives on Amazon!
re: # 3 - I bought one of these and cut a small hole to fit my dip tube in. It goes on the inside of the kettle to be clear. And it does a great job of keeping hops out of the fermenter. https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Sales-Spice-Infuser-Stainless/dp/B004X4LGIO
edit congrats on first AG batch.
If you don't have a lot of stuff, how about a modified tea box - something like this but bigger. Knock out one of the internal dividers to accommodate your razors
https://www.amazon.com/Infuser-Cooking-Stainless-Extended-Seasonings/dp/B075K57B73/ref=sr_1_3
Things like that work pretty well. Some of the DE pieces will be too large tho and collect in the bottom. Try to find a cheap one as they tend to have bigger holes.
If you can, rent an ozone generator and use it after spreading DE around. Ozone is good at killing stuff, but isn't really going to do much to bed bugs by itself. However, it will irritate the crap out of them thus making them come out of their hiding spots, run around, and get DE on them. You have to stay out until the Ozone dissipates / breaks down, but otherwise is safe. (Also, put a note on the doors to let ppl know about the ozone.) If you have bedbugs, you may have other pests / mold situations that the ozone will also help.
My grandfather was a small time slum lord. I've done this more times than I care to remember. It works, and it's cheap, but it may take a couple treatments.
The tea gizmo also works well for spreading baking soda on carpet to get rid of smells.
Yes, the pot I use does have a mesh infuser, but I think you're right - it's not big enough to let the larger leaves "unfurl" and brew properly. I don't think it goes deep enough into the pot for whole leaves, but I'm guessing. Instead of replacing the pot, I was looking at options and found these loose leaf teabags -
Loose Leaf Tea Filters
I thought that if I used a bag like that and bypassed the infuser entirely by putting the tea in one of those bags, dropping it into the bottom of the pot, and pouring the water directly over it might give the tea more room to "breathe" and brew properly.
I'm going to see if this fits in there when mine comes. I use it for straining my oil now, It is much shorter and wider than the pod that comes with the LEVO. Dimensions are 3 inch tall X 2 3/4 inch wide at the top rim.
Before you go out and buy a lot of tea, only to find out it's not to your liking, explore your options a bit by trying out sampler packs.
A bunch of good samplers where linked to over here, but that's mostly for straight unblended teas.
I hardly drink flavoured teas myself, so I can't really give you any good recommendations on that, but perhaps someone else will chime in.
Adagio carries a lot of samplers, many of them containing fruity tea blends, so you might want to check that out.
If you don't have anything to steep your loose leaf in, I recommend picking up an infuser basket that allows you to brew directly in your cup/mug. If you end up liking hot tea, you can always invest in teapots and whatnot later. (And so begin the hopeless teaware addiction many of us suffer from!)
This, and this should do well. Avoid smaller infusers such as this, as your leaf needs the room to expand and interact with the water while steeping. A cramped infuser will not allow your leaf to do so, and may lead to an inferior brew.
> I think I will start with some fruity tea, is it acceptable to put honey/sugar into that?
It's your tea, you're free to drink it however you like it best. I do recommend steering away from your usual preferences every now and then to experiment a bit. There's a lot of different flavours to be found in straight tea, and it'd be a shame not to give it a shot. If you like it better with sweetener though, by all means drink it with sweetener.
> I had some tea bags but wasnt a huge fan, not very strong of a taste, would loose leaf tea be better?
You betcha!
https://www.amazon.com/Oceanstar-Bamboo-Tea-Box-Natural/dp/B00BNRO5UU
I have a Teatanic
FWIW, I don't buy the snobbery that is the "No Teabag" camp.
That said, try some loose leaf teas and see if you like them better. I recommend Rooibos. =) Loose Rooibos leaves are fine and needle-like though. You may want to get some tea bags for loose teas for them. Look also in the "Also Bought" section for more different ones. Use them like little sandwich bags.
I throw my bag of loose tea leaves or a teabag into a Libre tea bottle and keep refilling hot water all day.
I have a Breville one-touch, which is similar to the Hamilton Beach 40865 Glass Kettle except it has the basket. You definitely will need something that allows you to monitor water temperature or else you run the risk of scorching your tea, which makes it very bitter.
I'm personally more of a mug person, because I like to drink my tea 16oz at a time so things like Travel Tea Set by Music City Tea don't appeal to me because size. When I was new to loose leaf and before I got my Breville I used this because it's a low-cost, low commitment apparatus that's super easy to use. That way, you're not spending a lot of money on something you don't know if you'll even be into. It's not as cute, or as fancy, but it's a cost-effective introduction to loose leaf.
That being said, you definitely want an infuser that allows the tea leaves to expand, like a basket or teapot-basket combo because tea leaves love to expand. I also think expanded tea leaves produce better flavor, but that might be just me.
It appears to be the Total Tea Infuser made by Jokari
what kind of tea infuser/teaspoon is that?
edit Never mind, I found it Jokari Total Tea Infuser
I'm not familiar with that particular tea, so it's possible it's just a subtle tea to begin with. Many teas are very subtle and it can take a while to developed a taste for it when you're used to strong iced tea. That said, there are a few things it could be.
Tea balls can be restrictive of the leaves - tea leaves need to unfurl and have room to soak up water, otherwise you may not get as much flavor as you should out of them. I generally recommend infuser baskets instead of tea balls, like stainless steel infusers. A big benefit to loose tea over bagged is giving it room to expand and release flavor, but balls can be too tight.
You can also double up the leaf. Adding more time won't necessarily make it stronger, it will just make it bitter if you steep too long. Try three or four teaspoons for five minutes and see what you get.
If it's still bland after that, toss the brew, and try re-steeping the same leaves. Many teas are good for multiple infusions, and some actually get MORE flavor the second time.
If that all fails, you may just have a tea that doesn't suit your taste. Don't be discouraged from tea in general though, there are so many out there. We may be able to provide recommendations for stronger blacks depending on what you're looking for :)
I've had some success using hop pellets in tea bags- that allows enough diffusion for 2F dryhopping and they are way easier to fish out than it would be to strain the final product.
you can get big tea balls.
yes, i indeed read that, but not knowing what these things look like or how each feature that sets them all apart makes my seeking after one more challenging. so is this: https://www.amazon.com/Schefs-Premium-Tea-Infuser-Stainless/dp/B012T8SX1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479147565&sr=8-1&keywords=tea++basket+infuser something i'd want? if so, i'm imagining filling the basket up with leaf then pouring hot water over it into whatever drinking device i'd like, in my case a thermos? how are the leaves allowed to steep in this setup?
I believe it was World Market. But I found it on Amazon also.
https://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Monkey-Infuser-Drip-Tray/dp/B005SQ4BJW
Things for relaxing: Lavender $15.99, Bath Caddy $14.97, Muslin Bags $7.49 and finally Chocolate $10.48 all items are located on RAoA list
I have one like this: https://www.amazon.com/ECOTEAS-Straw-Stainless-Spring-Bombilla/dp/B0012BUGZU
Would this be fine?
Relevant
This infuser is too damn cute
You can't go wrong with this type of strainer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNWKPIQ
An open cup-shaped strainer is the best because it allows moderate room for the leaves, and it's easy enough to fill, empty and wash. A sealable ball is more practical only if the opening in your pot is incompatible with open strainers.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNRO5UU/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
I like using similar bamboo tea bag boxes. I find most of them have the proper dimensions in each compartment to fit 5 GB/C carts in clamshells. Most such products in the 10-25$ range have a Q&A with someone listing the interior compartment dimensions. a Gameboy clamshell has the following dimensions: (LxWxH) 2 6/10" x 11/20" x 2 9/10"
They work great for loose games if you dont want to spend $5-7 per game getting custom artwork cases, and dont have the shelf space displaying them.
Here is the mobile version of your link
Should I buy it for dry-hopping?: http://amzn.com/B004X4LGIO
Do you think it has enough room for 2 - 3 OZ of hops?
My mom got me a Mr Tea and my friend got me an Oc-TEA-pus
Meh, an empty bag is simpler then this tea infuser but a normal stainless steel infuser like this one has literally none of the drawbacks you describe.
The word letterbox makes me realize how strange the word mailbox is. Just a noun before the word box.
What's next? Breadbox? Cerealbox? Teabox?
Well... at least the last of those things doesn't exist.
Wait, holy shit! http://www.amazon.com/Oceanstar-Bamboo-Tea-Box-Natural/dp/B00BNRO5UU