A tea basket (or tea ball) is used to steep loose leaf tea. Here's a guide:
- Open the Tea Basket: Most tea baskets have a clasp or twist mechanism to open and close them.
- Fill with Tea: Add the desired amount of loose leaf tea to the basket. A good starting point is about 1 teaspoon per cup of water, but adjust to your preference. Ensure not to overfill, allowing the tea leaves room to expand.
- Close Securely: Make sure the basket is properly closed to prevent tea leaves from escaping into your cup.
- Place in Cup or Mug: Put the filled tea basket into your empty cup or mug.
- Pour Hot Water: Pour hot water over the tea basket. Use water heated to the appropriate temperature for the type of tea you're using (e.g., lower temperatures for green tea, higher for black tea).
- Steep: Allow the tea to steep for the recommended time, typically 3-5 minutes, depending on the tea type and your taste.
- Remove Basket: Once the tea has steeped to your liking, remove the tea basket from the cup.
- Enjoy: Your tea is now ready to drink! You can add milk, sugar, or lemon to taste.
The tea basket provides a convenient way to brew loose leaf tea when you only have a kettle and milk handy. It's a great alternative to other infusing methods when you're looking for simplicity.
