Why You Should Use A Tea Infuser?

Tea, a global favourite, comes in many forms and flavours. While tea bags are convenient, tea infusers open up a world of possibilities for tea lovers. But what is a tea infuser and why should you use one? Let’s look at the benefits and some top tips for getting the most out of this simple but powerful tool.

What Is An Infuser For Tea?

A tea infuser, also known as a tea ball or tea egg, is a device that holds loose tea leaves during the steeping process. It allows hot water to flow through the leaves, extracting flavours and nutrients to make a lovely brew. Tea infusers come in all shapes and sizes, usually made from stainless steel, silicone or heat-resistant glass. They often have holes or mesh to allow water to flow through while keeping the tea leaves out of the cup.

Benefits Of Using An Infuser For Loose Tea

Using a tea infuser makes your tea experience better in many ways. Here’s how.

• More Control: A tea infuser gives you the ability to control the strength and flavour of your tea. By adjusting the amount of tea leaves and steeping time, you can get a brew that suits your taste perfectly.
• Economical and Eco-Friendly: Unlike tea bags which contain micro plastics and are disposable, tea infusers are reusable and reduce waste. They’re a sustainable option for eco-conscious tea drinkers.
• Versatility: Tea infusers allow you to try different types of tea leaves, from delicate white teas to robust black teas and herbal blends that help reduce stress. This versatility lets you explore a wide range of flavours and health benefits of each type of tea.
• Convenience: Brewing loose-leaf tea with a tea infuser is easy and convenient. Most infusers are easy to clean and can be used in various sizes of teapots or directly in a mug, making them perfect for home and office use.
• Health Benefits: Loose-leaf teas have larger, whole tea leaves compared to tea bags which may have broken leaves or tea dust. This can result in a brew that retains more antioxidants and essential oils, potentially more health benefits.

Rest And Digest Tea Infusers

Better Tea Teapop Infuser

The Better Tea Teapop Infuser is crafted from premium-grade stainless steel and features a spring-loaded push handle for effortless measuring and cleaning. Its 18 cm size allows tea leaves to fully unfurl, delivering rich, aromatic flavours. Eco-friendly and dishwasher safe, this infuser is a practical, sustainable choice for tea enthusiasts seeking an authentic, straight-from-the-teapot experience.

Love Tea Stainless Steel Spring Infuser

The Love Tea Stainless Steel Spring Infuser is perfect for brewing loose-leaf tea, with a snug fit for any mug or teacup. Measuring 7 cm wide and 18.5 cm tall, it features an easy-to-use spring handle mechanism. After brewing, compost the tea leaves for a zero-waste solution. This is ideal for home use or as a thoughtful self care gift for tea lovers.

Love Tea Stainless Steel Mug Infuser

The Love Tea Stainless Steel Mug Infuser is essential for tea aficionados. Made from durable stainless steel, it measures 10.5 cm wide by 7.5 cm high, fitting most cups, mugs, and teapots. The lid doubles as a drip tray to prevent messes. For longevity, hand wash in warm water. Enjoy a mess-free, perfect brew every time.

Tips For Using A Tea Strainer

Using a tea infuser is an art. Here are the essentials to get the most out of your loose-leaf teas.

• Choose Good Tea: The quality of your tea leaves affects the taste of your brewed tea. Choose loose-leaf teas from reputable sources like Rest and Digest for the best flavour.
• Steeping Time: Different teas require different steeping times. Generally white and green teas steep for shorter times (2-3 minutes), black and herbal teas for longer (3-5 minutes or more).
• Water Temperature: Use the appropriate water temperature for the type of tea you are brewing. Green teas, for example, are best brewed with water just below boiling (around 175-185°F), while black teas benefit from water at a rolling boil (212°F).
• Don’t Overfill: Leave enough room for the tea leaves to expand when steeping. Overfilling the infuser can result in a brew that lacks the depth of flavour.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Rinse your tea infuser thoroughly after each use to prevent residual flavours from affecting subsequent brews. Some infusers are dishwasher safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best cleaning method.

Switching to a tea infuser from Rest and Digest can elevate your tea-drinking experience, offering superior flavour, variety, environmental benefits, and cost savings. By understanding the advantages and following a few simple tips, you can enjoy a perfect cup of tea every time. Embrace the art of loose-leaf tea with a tea infuser and discover a richer, more satisfying brew.