"Dominic T." > wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> ZZ wrote:
>> Currently I'm using a tea ball strainer for brewing my tea, or using a
>> French press. I would like some opinions on the IngenuiTea Teapot that
>> Adagio sells:
>> http://www.adagio.com/teaware/ingenu...e88 d58f3972a .
>>
>> Is that a good option for brewing loose tea as well as Pu-erh?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Dave
>
> Hi Dave,
>
> I'd say a big no to all the above. We've all started off with tea
> balls, but they are restrictive even with large ones... and especially
> with a compressed tea like puerh that expands ten-fold or even more.
> The ingenuitea is expensive and not exactly my cup of tea (boo! bad
> pun) Some like them, but not me. I think they are clunky and kind of
> pointless plus expensive for what it is.
>
> I'm not saying you need to rush out and buy all kinds of expensive
> periphernalia either, though. My suggestion: A ceramic 3-piece tea mug
> that comes with the mug, strainer, and lid. The most important thing
> being the strainer. Make sure it is large and extends down pretty far
> into the mug and has medium sized (1/8" or so)holes all around and on
> the bottom. I still use one all the time when I don't have time for
> more elaborate undertakings. The lid generally doubles as a coaster for
> the strainer which is nice. Also, the strainer should be very large to
> allow for expansion. Plus, for Puerh it is nice because you can easily
> rinse the leaves. (here is a basic link:
> http://www.naturalzing.com/catalog/p... efcdcd6844fe
> I have never ordered from this company nor do I suggest this one due to
> it not having enough holes, but it is a good idea of what you are
> looking for and the size of the infuser to mug ratio you are looking
> for.)
>
> Even easier is to get yourself a nice normal sized white inside coffee
> mug and a People's Brew Basket mesh infuser. The infuser is large and
> fits perfectly inside. The only downside is that you need something to
> set the infuser on or in when done brewing.
> (http://www.republicoftea.com/templat...asp?navID=1597 can be
> bought cheaper elsewhere (about $3.99))
>
> Gaiwan's (guywan) are nice too for greens/oolongs and easy to enjoy.
>
> Yixing is probably one of the nicest ways to enjoy a darker tea like an
> oolong or Puerh, but it is a bit labor intensive and involved. Most
> likely if tea ends up being a more prevalent hobby/pursuit then you
> will naturally progress to this at some point. It is a great way to
> slow down and really enjoy the tea.
>
> - Dominic
> Drinking: brewing Feather Tip (Xin Yang Mao Jian)
> teasphere.wordpress.com


Dominic,

Thank you for the well thought out and detailed letter! This is a big help.

Dave