What are some good methods to strain loose tea leaves?
• Leaves loose in the pot: The leaves have maximum freedom to uncurl and circulate in the water, which makes for stronger and more flavorful tea. You can then strain the tea leaves out of the water by pouring through a strainer. • Tea ball: Most tea balls are made of aluminum with small holes for water circulation. These are very easy to remove and clean. One disadvantage to this method is that there is very little room for the leaves to expand and the water cannot circulate freely around the leaves. • Stainless-steel mesh infuser: This is made of stainless steel and gives better circulation than an aluminum ball, however, the leaves are still more restricted than they would be loose. It’s easy to remove and clean. Mesh infusers also come in plastic and gold of various sizes. • Basket filter: This is a metal, plastic, or ceramic basket to hold the leaves. The leaves can circulate almost as freely as if they were loose. • Tea sock: A fabric enclosure for the leaves. The disadvantages to
