Tea strainer facts for kids
A tea strainer is a special tool, like a small sieve, used to catch loose tea leaves. You place it over or in your teacup when you pour tea.
When tea is made in the traditional way, the tea leaves float freely in the water inside the teapot. They are not held in teabags. Since you don't want to drink the leaves, a tea strainer helps to filter them out. Most strainers fit right on top of your cup. They catch the leaves as you pour the tea.
Some tea strainers are deeper. You can use these to brew a single cup of tea. You put the leaves in the strainer and place it in your cup. After the tea has brewed, you take out the strainer with the used leaves. This way, you can even use the same tea leaves to make more cups of tea.
In recent years, many people use tea bags. This has made tea strainers less common. However, many tea experts still prefer strainers. They believe that tea leaves packed in a bag cannot spread their flavor as well. They also say that teabags often contain lower quality tea, like very small pieces called "dust."
Tea strainers are usually made from sterling silver, stainless steel, or china. Sometimes, they come in a set with a small saucer. This saucer is for the strainer to rest on after you use it. Tea strainers can be very beautiful. Some are even works of art made by silver or goldsmiths.
Brewing baskets are similar to tea strainers. They are often placed inside a teapot to hold the tea leaves while brewing. There isn't a big difference between a brewing basket and a tea strainer. The same tool can sometimes be used for both jobs.
What Are Tea Strainers Made Of?
Tea strainers are usually made from strong and pretty materials.
- Sterling Silver: This is a classic choice. Silver strainers can be very fancy and detailed.
- Stainless Steel: This material is very common. It is strong, easy to clean, and does not rust.
- Porcelain or China: Some strainers are made from this delicate material. They often match a tea set.
Many strainers are sold with a small dish. This dish is for the strainer to sit on after you use it. This keeps your table clean.
Brewing Baskets: A Close Relative
You might also hear about "brewing baskets." These are very much like tea strainers. They are usually placed inside a teapot. Their job is to keep the tea leaves together while the tea brews. It can be hard to tell the difference between a brewing basket and a tea strainer. Sometimes, the same tool can be used for both tasks.
See also
In Spanish: Colador de té para niños
