Accessories for Tea Enjoyment
We have collected some of the most popular and convenient tea-brewing methods here for your perusal. A number of these items can also be used to brew coffee, so if you also enjoy a cup of java, you might find these items particularly convenient and cost-effective.
Of course, most of these items are designed for loose-leaf tea; our lovely Dragonflowers do not require any kind of special equipment, although a glass bowl or teapot is ideal to display them while they unfurl.
Teaballs
Teaballs are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit your taste. We have a few favorites, chosen for their quality, convenience, and good brewing results. Each is different, and produces a different amount of tea; the image to the right all shows the varieties. We recommend you click on the image to see a larger version with more information. All stainless steel.
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Single-Use Filterbags
- also useful for coffee
These convenient little filterbags are, essentially, do-it-yourself teabags. Intriguingly, these little bags can also be used to brew coffee. Just put in a rounded teaspoonful of tea leaves for a cup (or more for a large mug) and brew in a cup of hot water for the optimal time for your tea. You can even fill teabags with your favorite tea in the morning and then take them to work with you!
Multipurpose Wire Mesh Strainer
- also useful for coffee
These wire mesh strainers are useful for a variety of purposes. They are designed to place across the opening of a mug, teacup, or teapot, and hold the tea leaves or coffee grounds while brewing. It prevents that inevitable escaped tea leaf that always floats in the bottom of a cup brewing with a teaball, too. This product is available with a little bamboo handle (a useful safety feature for preventing burns and spills), or without the handle to better fit inside a teapot if you know your opening size.
French Press
- also useful for coffee
The French-style Press is a method of brewing that allows maximum circulation for maximum flavor. We like this particular model because it can be completely disassembled for ease of cleaning, and the plunger is well-designed for a long life. Brewing tea in a French Press allows for maximum opening of the tea leaves to extract more flavor and visual appeal. It's also exceptionally easy to use.
All are steel and glass.
Stoneware Tea Set
- also useful for coffee
This cute and well-designed stoneware set can be used to brew loose-leaf tea, or it can brew "pot" style coffee, steeping like a coffee press (but without the plunger). The teapot contains a fine mesh filter insert and metal lid; both of these items are removable to make the unit microwaveable and easy to clean. The matching cups are attractive, too. Makes up to three cups of hot tea or coffee.
