Tea & Kombucha

[Blackhawk]

Speaking of which, my basket infuser is wearing out, and the company that made it is gone. I have another (a different brand) but the mesh is so fine and the metal is so thin that it is a huge pain to clean up after brewing a cup.

Does anyone have a recommendation?

[Alefroth]

The ones we use are from Murchie's Tea, but this looks the same-

https://www.oxo.com/twisting-tea-ball.html

[TheMix]

I've been quite satisfied with the strainer I got from Harney and Sons. The only real issue is that it doesn't work as well if I use a non-standard cup (usually because the mouth is too wide for the strainer and lid to fit securely on. I really like that I can flip the lid and use it to set the strainer on.

[hitbyambulance]

i've now tried several more of the 2lb bags/boxes of black tea from random brands found at Indian import grocery stores - it almost doesn't matter what brand you get: these are for sure the best-bang-for-buck. you get a LOT for $9-$12 and every one i've gotten has been really good. put half (or more) in the freezer so it stays fresher longer, as it'll take a while to go through that first pound.

[Blackhawk]

I've been quite satisfied with the strainer I got from Harney and Sons. The only real issue is that it doesn't work as well if I use a non-standard cup (usually because the mouth is too wide for the strainer and lid to fit securely on. I really like that I can flip the lid and use it to set the strainer on.

Thanks. I'm a big fan of Harney & Sons (I get most of my non-discount tea from them now), and definitely prefer a basket infuser over a ball style. They give teas with larger leaves (some teas are nearly whole leaves rolled rather than chopped) room to expand properly.

i've now tried several more of the 2lb bags/boxes of black tea from random brands found at Indian import grocery stores - it almost doesn't matter what brand you get: these are for sure the best-bang-for-buck. you get a LOT for $9-$12 and every one i've gotten has been really good. put half (or more) in the freezer so it stays fresher longer, as it'll take a while to go through that first pound.

FWIW, tea, like coffee, shouldn't go in the freezer. It can actually speed up the oxidization, and will fool you by helping it to keep the color at the same time. The best way to store tea long-term is to get some airtight, light blocking mylar food-grade storage bags (I use these), put the tea in there, squeeze out the air, and store them someplace cool - it doesn't need to be cold, just cool. More delicate green teas, however, can benefit from being stored in the fridge. If you do decide to store them somewhere cold, it absolutely needs to be in something airtight, and let them warm up to room temperature for at least an hour or so before opening them and letting moisture into the bag (or you'll find yourself with damp tea - maybe not damp enough to feel, but damp enough to speed deterioration considerably.)

[hitbyambulance]

well what do you know... i learned something

https://www.plumdeluxe.com/the-fastest- ... in-freezer

[hitbyambulance]

trying out making matcha now (the traditional way, with bamboo whisk and tea bowl, etc)... it's annoying that you have to make it in 2oz servings, one at a time. kinda just want to get a milk frother and vrrrrrr it up directly in the mug.

https://www.justonecookbook.com/how-to- ... green-tea/

[Blackhawk]

I've wanted to experiment with matcha, but the equipment plus the tea itself are a little cost prohibitive for me.

[hitbyambulance]

while here in London i got this Scotch Whisky Black from Whitard of Chelsea that promises to be good

https://www.whittard.co.uk/tea/tea-type ... 15069.html

the proprietor suggested adding just two drops of whole milk to each cup for best flavor

[hitbyambulance]

while in Prague i had these Pickwick teas in the hotel room. the 'English Breakfast' tea was ok and all, but the fruit tisanes (no actual tea, so no caffeine) are probably the best i've tried in a mass-market brand. very strong flavor! a huge improvement over the 'slightly fruit-flavored water with bitter and off-taste notes' ones i've had in the US. https://www.amazon.com/Pickwick-Tea/s?k=Pickwick+Tea

[em2nought]

while in Prague i had these Pickwick teas in the hotel room. the 'English Breakfast' tea was ok and all, but the fruit tisanes (no actual tea, so no caffeine) are probably the best i've tried in a mass-market brand. very strong flavor! a huge improvement over the 'slightly fruit-flavored water with bitter and off-taste notes' ones i've had in the US. https://www.amazon.com/Pickwick-Tea/s?k=Pickwick+Tea

Which flavors did you like the best?

[hitbyambulance]

while in Prague i had these Pickwick teas in the hotel room. the 'English Breakfast' tea was ok and all, but the fruit tisanes (no actual tea, so no caffeine) are probably the best i've tried in a mass-market brand. very strong flavor! a huge improvement over the 'slightly fruit-flavored water with bitter and off-taste notes' ones i've had in the US. https://www.amazon.com/Pickwick-Tea/s?k=Pickwick+Tea

Which flavors did you like the best?

i had the "Forest Fruit" and "Strawberry". i am sure they are all good, tho.

[em2nought]

i had the "Forest Fruit" and "Strawberry". i am sure they are all good, tho.

Thanks!