The steeping of tea is a time-honored ritual that has been observed for centuries. In recent years, U.S. consumers are redefining the way they prepare tea, taking note from traditions that have withstood the test of time.
One important thing to remember about preparing tea is that different teas require different steeping temperatures. No longer is the “boil water, insert tea bag for unspecified amount of time, and drink” considered acceptable. Now, especially with the wider variety of teas available on the market, there are numerous products available that help make the tea experience more enjoyable. We’ve gathered a few to inspire you to brew — or should we say, ‘steep’?
The Teapot
For those who enjoy steeping tea the traditional ‘in a pot’ way, Sowden has developed a pot that ensures the tea is prepared perfectly. Utilizing the SoftBrew™filter, which allows the water to flow and take up the taste without trapping or squashing the delicate leaves. The purpose of the SoftBrew™filter is to give your tea room to breath while gently extracting all the flavors. Thousands of microscopic holes and the generous capacity allow the water to flow and take up the taste without trapping or squashing the delicate leaves. The method is as simple as any tradition teapot; place the filter in the porcelain pot, put the loose leaves of tea into the filter and pour over hot water at the temperature of your choice that’s it! If you want to avoid the bitter taste of over brewing just take out the filter when you brew is as you like it
Sowden has several teapots available including the JAKOB SoftBrew™TEA, with a one liter capacity, porcelain body, wooden lid and stainless steel filter.
The Kettle Upgrade
For those tea drinkers who are enjoy exacting temperatures for steeping their tea, choosing an electric kettle, with temperature sensitive settings, ensures your tea is brewed perfectly.
Launching this month is the KRUPS new Personal Tea Kettle, which features an internal circulation system in which water is circulated through an inside tube into the mesh tea leaf chamber, where leaves are saturated for optimum infusion. The Personal Tea Kettle has a 1 Liter capacity and an angled spout for easy pouring. It also features a self-locking, removable lid and a mesh brew basket to hold loose leaves or a tea bag.
Water Boiler & Warmer
If you’re boiling water for larger capacity, or, you simply like to keep water at the perfect tempe
rature, ready on demand, choose a water boiler and warmer.
According to Zojirushi, there are main things to look for when you choose a water boiler/warmer for use in your home.
* Choose by temperature functions: Depending on the purpose, different water temperature should be used. Different models have different temperature settings. Pick a model that comes with temperature settings to accommodate your purpose.
* Choose by size: How much hot water do you use? Think about how much hot water you would use to brew tea or prepare instant foods, and choose the right capacity accordingly.
For more information about water boilers, visit Zojirushi.
This energy efficient VE® Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer utilizes vacuum insulation technology (like travel mugs) to keep water hot with very little electricity. With its battery operated cordless dispensing, it can be taken and used anywhere in the house. A few of the features include: battery operated cordless dispensing for extra portability, vacuum-electric (VE) hybrid
keep warm system, micro computerized temperature control system, and three keep warm temperature settings (175°F, 195°F, 208°F and Vacuum Insulated Non-Electric Keep Warm).
Flowering Tea Brewing
The beauty of steeping flowering teas lies in the ability to see the leaves unfurl. Primula offers the perfect gift set for tea connoisseurs and beginners alike with the Tea Experience Gift Set from Primula. Each beautiful box contains a 40 oz. hand blown borosilicate glass tea pot, a glass tea infuser with glass lid, 6 flowering green tea bulbs and 3 packets of loose tea in black, white and green tea flavors. Tantalize your taste buds while you enjoy one of the selected hand-picked green teas made by artisans in China. There the finest tea leaves are cultivated, and carefully blended with dried flowers in an encapsulated pod. When hot water is added to the tea ball, a gentle, graceful flower emerges within your pot, releasing its delicate splendor, fragrance and flavor. You’ll be amazed at the beauty, taste, and health benefits sheathed within each flowering bud as you observe it materialize through the crystal clear glass tea pot. This gift set is packaged beautifully and is accompanied by easy brewing and care instructions. Borosilicate glass is durable, stovetop and dishwasher safe, and more thermal resistant than most glassware.
Iced Tea Enjoyment
You want iced tea, but you don’t want to wait for it to cool off? Try the Takeya Flash Chill Tea Maker, and you’ll go from hot to cold in 30 seconds. The premium rotating tea infuser brews loose leaf teas by providing ample room for tea to expand and bloom in hot water. The insulating Thermo Jacket™ keeps tea ice cold and prevents condensation while the infuser holder stores your tea for a second brewing. With a 2-quart capacity (to make 8 servings of iced tea), the Takeya Flash Chill lets you brew, chill, serve and store iced tea all in one pitcher. using either tea bags or TAKEYA Flash Chill Iced Teas. The airtight lid keeps iced tea fresh while storing, and it can even be stored on its side or in fridge door. BPA free and dishwasher safe.
