Tea Making Treasures: A Closer Look at My Favorite Brewing Tools
Are you a fellow tea enthusiast like me? If the answer is yes, then you understand the significance of having the right equipment to perfect your tea-making experience. In this blog post, I'll be sharing with you my most beloved tea-making supplies and cheering you on to build your essential yet luxurious cabinet of tea supplies too!
Kettle & Quality Water
First and foremost, I highly recommend investing in a top-notch kettle—it's the cornerstone of tea making. Personally, I've found that an electric kettle with temperature control is a game-changer. This feature allows you to precisely heat your water to the ideal temperature for the specific type of tea you're brewing. My bedroom kettle was a gift and heats water based on the type of tea (herbal, black, green, etc.). It’s really a gem and if I time tea making perfectly I can even use the push to serve spout built in.
Don't forget that the quality of water matters too; using filtered or spring water can bring out the best flavors in your tea.
Infuser or Brew Basket
Moving on to the infuser or brew basket, this tool is indispensable when working with loose tea. It enables the tea leaves to expand fully, releasing all their delightful flavors. The market offers a variety of infusers and brew baskets, some even come in charming shapes and designs to add a touch of fun to your tea time. For bulk tea making (32+ cups at once), I love my Finum baskets but sometimes the lids bust off resulting in what I refer to as a “tea emergency” so part of my tea kit always includes an emergency strainer with a handle to repair those types of situations.
Teapot & Tea Cups
Enhance your tea time experience with a beautiful, hand crafted teapot and you can’t go wrong with the matching tea cups. These not only serve a practical purpose but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your tea session. Whether you prefer ceramic, glass, or cast-iron teapots, there are numerous options to choose from.
Think of a teapot not just as a vessel, but as the stage where tea leaves perform their aromatic act. The material can dramatically impact the performance:
Ceramic: The classic choice, ceramic teapots retain heat well and come in a variety of styles. However, they can be fragile and prone to staining.
Glass: Offering a transparent view of the brewing process, glass teapots are perfect for visual tea lovers. But they don't insulate as well as ceramic and can be delicate.
Cast iron: Ideal for slow-steeping teas like pu-erh, cast iron teapots boast exceptional heat retention. However, they require special care and seasoning.
As for the tea cups, you can opt for traditional designs or go for something more modern and stylish, depending on your personal taste.
Teas You Love
Naturally, no collection of tea-making supplies is complete without the teas you love. With a vast array of options like black, green, white, oolong, herbal, each offering a unique flavor profile and health benefits, you're sure to find your favorites. Don't hesitate to explore new types of tea from time to time to expand your palate.
Tea Tray & Towel
Lastly, consider adding a tea tray and a towel to your setup. A tea tray not only serves a practical function but also introduces an element of elegance to your tea preparation. It makes serving tea a breeze and adds enjoyment to the process. Meanwhile, a tea towel is essential for quickly cleaning up any spills or drips during your tea session.
Cheers to your tea time and check out our previous article on maintaining your teawares once you find those precious items.
