HappyGrace Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 We don't make pots of tea; we make individual cups of tea. Would the spoon be best? And can you plz give a recommendation for best brands for this type of thing? I'd be buying from Amazon. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Would the spoon be best?It doesn't matter, as long as it's big enough that the tea is not tightly packed. As for Amazon teas, we like Numi and Tao of Tea. Is there are particular kind you like? Do you want tea tea, or herbal? Here's information on both comanies: Numi Tao of Tea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagnaSky Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 For me it is not quetion about spoon or ball, I use both. But I only use mesh, no other materials. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dripdripsplat Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 If you can find them, I think the sealing tea bags that some health food stores sell work best. You can package up some of your bulk tea in them, and that way it's premeasured, and ready to be steeped whenever you're ready for tea. I prefer these, because it always seems that the spoons and tea balls still allow the dust to get into my tea, and I'm picky like that. You can also find them on amazon. Just do a search for "tea bag for bulk tea", or "tea filters". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyce Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 only because it's easier to dangle in the cup. The spoon is harder and tends to rise up more to the surface so the water is not flowing through the tea as much and seems to make the tea weaker. but that IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomOfOneFunOne Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 I've used the metal ball with holes, the mesh ball, and a little sieve looking thing that sits on the cup. By far, the little sieve is my favorite. The one I've been using for ages now looks like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom in High Heels Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 I've been using bulk tea for YEARS! I secretly think they pack tea bags with the left over bits in the bottom of the tea tins and it's just not as good IMO. I prefer the tea ball (strainer) to the metal spoon. The spoon doesn't sit in the cup as well (it floats often) and the holes are too big and tea escapes, leaving you with leaves floating in your tea. Make sure you don't pack it full though. The tea needs room to move around. Often, I'll make tea for all 3 of us and I pack some tea in little filter bags I buy from the tea shop. They are self sealing, but I still use a tea clip to make sure none of the tea escapes. I've found that I use less tea when making a larger pot than if I make individual cups because I can let it brew longer. The longer it brews, the less tea I need. Man, now I need tea. Off to the tea cupboard to make a cup!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 We don't make pots of tea; we make individual cups of tea. Would the spoon be best? And can you plz give a recommendation for best brands for this type of thing? I'd be buying from Amazon. Thanks! This is the type we use; it works great! The balls eventually start coming loose, ime, and "leak" leaves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 What you really want is one (or two) of these little baskets. So much easier than the ball. Hang it on the side of your mug or put it into your tea pot, add appropriate amount of tea and cover. It makes wonderful tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 What you really want is one (or two) of these little baskets. So much easier than the ball. Hang it on the side of your mug or put it into your tea pot, add appropriate amount of tea and cover. It makes wonderful tea.Oh, that's brilliant... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookfiend Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 What you really want is one (or two) of these little baskets. So much easier than the ball. Hang it on the side of your mug or put it into your tea pot, add appropriate amount of tea and cover. It makes wonderful tea. Yes this is the perfect thing! It's all I use also. Ohhh, cold weather = hot tea and a fire in the fireplace, school suddenly has atmosphere! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 This is the type we use; it works great! The balls eventually start coming loose, ime, and "leak" leaves. This is what I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delaney Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Can I ask what kind you buy and is it cheaper than bagged tea on sale?:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 I don't like either one. I prefer a tea infuser, which sits inside the cup/mug. There are two on this page ("tea infuser small" and "tea infuser large"). A tea sock is good, too, if you can find it. I also like "The People's Brew Basket." Tea leaves expands when they are wet. Brew baskets/infusers give them lots of room to breathe while they are brewing. Spoons and teaballs don't seem to have that much room. I could be wrong, but still...:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 We have a very small tea pot. Put the loose tea in with 1 cup of hot water. Then use a small strainer over the tea cup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 I like the look of the tea infuser that sits in the mug but that is pricey-we usually need three at a time so I'd have to buy a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 The balls are generally a little larger and give you more opportunity to vary the amount you put inside.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 My favorite tea making device (the drink, folks) is this. I also have the mesh ball that squeezes open, but I don't like it as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyGrace Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 lol-I didn't even realize til Ethel mentioned it that I had started my first TEA thread :lol: Now my mind is going down that road, with tea balls, etc.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paintedlady Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 What you really want is one (or two) of these little baskets. So much easier than the ball. Hang it on the side of your mug or put it into your tea pot, add appropriate amount of tea and cover. It makes wonderful tea. :iagree:I have a similar one and it makes a great (and easy) cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nina560 Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I've been using bulk tea for YEARS! I secretly think they pack tea bags with the left over bits in the bottom of the tea tins and it's just not as good IMO. that's exactly what they do.. the reason why enthusiasts refer to it as 'tea dust'! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 (edited) I have this. I'm not sure if it's a ball or spoon. I'm just as likely to use a teapot though. I have a little cast iron Asian pot with a mesh insert that makes about a mug of tea. I do think the tea likes to spread out, so I also brew it in a pot or mug, then strain it through this into a mug before drinking it. Edited February 1, 2012 by KungFuPanda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I want a robot tea infuser. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 This is what I use. SO EASY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Ellie, you're links aren't working :-( Yes, I click on all tea related links on the quest for more things I NEED. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Rain Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 My favorite tea making device (the drink, folks) is this. That is what I use also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 KungFuPanda, is that the one from IKEA? I picked up a few of those during my last trip since we grow our own mint and raspberry teas....I agree, though, the basket is my preferred method now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I use the teapots and strainers from For Life. They are amazing. Since you don't do pots of tea they also have mugs: http://www.forlifedesign.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=36 http://www.forlifedesign.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12_5&products_id=38 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Teapot and strainer is the best (you can get small teapots that just make one cup). The tea infuses best if it is not clumped up in something. If you must do ball vs. spoon, I say ball. I think it contains the tea better (the spoons leak). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 KungFuPanda, is that the one from IKEA? I picked up a few of those during my last trip since we grow our own mint and raspberry teas....I agree, though, the basket is my preferred method now. I don't remember. Actually I'm not sure which item you're asking about, but I don't remember where I got either of them. I DO have an Ikea problem. I KNOW I picked up the small cast iron kettle for cheap at Home Goods. Is would caution you to make sure you get stainless. We had a tea ball/spoon thing once that wasn't stainless and it rusted on us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Whatever you use, have more than ONE, because once you start using loose-leaf tea EVERYONE in the family will want it. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmith Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 This is what I use. SO EASY! :iagree: After I steep, I sit it on a little plate, and use it for another cup. I also have a small 2-cup teapot with one of these strainers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyFL Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I have this... http://www.teavana.com/tea-products/tea-makers-infusers/p/teavana-perfect-teamaker I love it! It allows the tea plenty of room and make 1-2 cups at a time. When it's done steeping, you set the bottom on the top of your cup and the tea "magically" pours into the cup. I have fascinated more than a few adults with this. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I have this. I'm not sure if it's a ball or spoon. I have one of these too. Now I want some tea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 I use neither with loose tea. I let it float loose and then strain it as I pour it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Tea Infuser Brew Basket The People's Brew Basket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 We use T-sac tea filters; we like the fact that they can be composted. We've found that tea balls and tea infusing spoons are a pain to clean. We like size 2 for making a mug of tea; size 1 is a tad fiddly for our taste. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quad Shot Academy Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 My favorite tea making device (the drink, folks) is this. :iagree: I bought mine directly from Adagio and we love their loose leaf teas too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 I need tea lessons. I have some wonderful loose tea. But I can't get it right. It still taste okay, BUT I know it could be WONDERFUL if I could do it right. I have green tea and some herbal and fruity/flowery tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Either is fine, I buy wonderful teacups for my dd with a saucer, lid and strainer for her loose teas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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