What is a Tea Steeper?
A tea steeper is an essential tool for creating high-quality hot tea. It is a simple device used to extract flavor and aroma from high-quality tea leaves while they steep in hot water. Depending on the type of tea, the steeper process may take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes.
Types of Tea Steeper
Tea steepers come in a few different varieties, each with their own unique advantages. Some of the most popular types include:
- Traditional Teapot: A timeless classic, the traditional teapot is often used to brew large pot of tea. As long as the teapot is made of proper materials such as porcelain or ceramic, it can keep even the boldest flavors from over-steeping.
- Infuser: A tea infuser is a simple device that allows you to steep your tea without the bulk of a teapot or pot. It’s also convenient for those who prefer a single cup of tea as it can be removed from the mug when the brewing cycle is complete.
- Gravity Steeper: A gravity steeper is designed to steep both large pots of tea and individual cups. Utilizing the natural force of gravity, tea is steeped when a spinning top is held in place at the top of the device to keep the loose tea confined while the hot water flows below.
Tips for Steeping Tea
Regardless of which type of steeper you choose, there are a few common tips to help you steep the perfect cup of tea.
- Heat your water to the appropriate temperature for your tea. For instance: black tea 185-212°F, oolong tea 175-185°F, green tea 158-176°F, and white tea 176-194°F.
- Use only 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 8 ounces of water.
- Allow your tea to steep for only the recommended amount of time. Over-steeping will result in a bitter cup of tea.
- Remove the tea leaves from the water after the tea has finished steeping in order to avoid further over-steeping.
Using the right type of tea steeper and steeping for the correct amount of time can result in an exceptional cup of tea. With a little bit of practice, you can be an expert tea steeper in no time.
