Make Your Own Tea Traveler
 

What you'll need:

1. A fine mesh basket infuser w/o a tab. I'm using The People's Brew Basket,
item #90121, $4.50 from The Republic of Tea:
http://www.republicoftea.com/templat....asp?navID=473.
At 2-1/2" tall, it has a 3" outside diameter at its widest.

2. A traveler's mug or tumbler that the basket will fit into that tapers
down so as to fit into standard cup holders. Mine is a 16 oz. thermal
tumbler, 7-3/4" from base to top of lid. It's important to use a taller
traveler that narrows so that the basket doesn't slip down to the bottom.
For Method A, a basket that slips down will constrain tea leaves more than
is necessary or desirable. For Method B, fishing down near the bottom of a
mug to remove the basket is too inconvenient.

***Method A***
For teas that brew best in <boiling water such as oolong, green, and white
teas:

1. Measure tea into bottom of mug.
2. Insert basket.
3. Add hot water and cap.
4. Let steep, then drink as desired.
4. Remove lid and add more hot water as needed until leaves are spent.

By using the brew basket as a strainer, Method A makes a multi-infusing tea
traveler similar in purpose to the Fuguang traveler sold by Yellow Mountain
Imports on eBay, starting bid $9.99.


***Method B***
For black teas:

1. Insert basket into mug.
2. Measure tea into basket.
3. Add hot water and steep for desired length of time.
4. Remove basket carefully.
5. Cap traveler and drink as desired.
6. Rinse, dry, and store basket. The People's Brew Basket fits perfectly
into an empty plastic Fleischmann's margarine tub.

By using the brew basket as an infuser, Method B makes a tea traveler
similar to the Nissan Coffee and Tea Traveler, list price $29.99.

--
~~Bluesea~~ "Huh. It looks like that $4.50 wasn't wasted, after all."
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On 2/24/2005 4:18 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> What you'll need:
>
> 1. A fine mesh basket infuser w/o a tab. I'm using The People's Brew Basket,
> item #90121, $4.50 from The Republic of Tea:
> http://www.republicoftea.com/templat....asp?navID=473.
> At 2-1/2" tall, it has a 3" outside diameter at its widest.
>
> 2. A traveler's mug or tumbler that the basket will fit into that tapers
> down so as to fit into standard cup holders. Mine is a 16 oz. thermal
> tumbler, 7-3/4" from base to top of lid. It's important to use a taller
> traveler that narrows so that the basket doesn't slip down to the bottom.
> For Method A, a basket that slips down will constrain tea leaves more than
> is necessary or desirable. For Method B, fishing down near the bottom of a
> mug to remove the basket is too inconvenient.
>
> ***Method A***
> For teas that brew best in <boiling water such as oolong, green, and white
> teas:
>
> 1. Measure tea into bottom of mug.
> 2. Insert basket.
> 3. Add hot water and cap.
> 4. Let steep, then drink as desired.
> 4. Remove lid and add more hot water as needed until leaves are spent.
>
> By using the brew basket as a strainer, Method A makes a multi-infusing tea
> traveler similar in purpose to the Fuguang traveler sold by Yellow Mountain
> Imports on eBay, starting bid $9.99.
>
>
> ***Method B***
> For black teas:
>
> 1. Insert basket into mug.
> 2. Measure tea into basket.
> 3. Add hot water and steep for desired length of time.
> 4. Remove basket carefully.
> 5. Cap traveler and drink as desired.
> 6. Rinse, dry, and store basket. The People's Brew Basket fits perfectly
> into an empty plastic Fleischmann's margarine tub.
>
> By using the brew basket as an infuser, Method B makes a tea traveler
> similar to the Nissan Coffee and Tea Traveler, list price $29.99.

This is terrific - thank you! When you get a chance - does the basket
narrow at all in diameter below the top? How much? I'm wondering if it
will fit in my travel tumbler, though I'm thinking I know the answer.

Any ROT teas to suggest? As long as I'm ordering...

Shopping note to self: ROT Brew Basket, new tumbler that will fit the
basket, waterproof ink for journal, helpful CD tray, new house to store
all the tea related items that are needed. And I thought tea was
relatively inexpensive!

Really clever Bluesea, thanks!!

Melinda

--
"The country has entered an era in which
questions are not asked, for questions are
daughters of disquiet or arrogance, both
fruits of temptation and the food of sacrilege." Djaout

"Bluesea" > wrote in message
...
> What you'll need:
>
> 1. A fine mesh basket infuser w/o a tab. I'm using The People's Brew
> Basket,
> item #90121, $4.50 from The Republic of Tea:
> http://www.republicoftea.com/templat....asp?navID=473.
> At 2-1/2" tall, it has a 3" outside diameter at its widest.
>
> 2. A traveler's mug or tumbler that the basket will fit into that tapers
> down so as to fit into standard cup holders. Mine is a 16 oz. thermal
> tumbler, 7-3/4" from base to top of lid. It's important to use a taller
> traveler that narrows so that the basket doesn't slip down to the bottom.
> For Method A, a basket that slips down will constrain tea leaves more than
> is necessary or desirable. For Method B, fishing down near the bottom of a
> mug to remove the basket is too inconvenient.
>
> ***Method A***
> For teas that brew best in <boiling water such as oolong, green, and white
> teas:
>
> 1. Measure tea into bottom of mug.
> 2. Insert basket.
> 3. Add hot water and cap.
> 4. Let steep, then drink as desired.
> 4. Remove lid and add more hot water as needed until leaves are spent.
>
> By using the brew basket as a strainer, Method A makes a multi-infusing
> tea
> traveler similar in purpose to the Fuguang traveler sold by Yellow
> Mountain
> Imports on eBay, starting bid $9.99.
>
>
> ***Method B***
> For black teas:
>
> 1. Insert basket into mug.
> 2. Measure tea into basket.
> 3. Add hot water and steep for desired length of time.
> 4. Remove basket carefully.
> 5. Cap traveler and drink as desired.
> 6. Rinse, dry, and store basket. The People's Brew Basket fits perfectly
> into an empty plastic Fleischmann's margarine tub.
>
> By using the brew basket as an infuser, Method B makes a tea traveler
> similar to the Nissan Coffee and Tea Traveler, list price $29.99.
>
> --
> ~~Bluesea~~ "Huh. It looks like that $4.50 wasn't wasted, after all."
> Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
> Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.
>
>

"Serendip" > wrote in message
...
> On 2/24/2005 4:18 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> > What you'll need:
> >
> > 1. A fine mesh basket infuser w/o a tab. I'm using The People's Brew
Basket,
> > item #90121, $4.50 from The Republic of Tea:
> > http://www.republicoftea.com/templat....asp?navID=473.
> > At 2-1/2" tall, it has a 3" outside diameter at its widest.
> >
> > 2. A traveler's mug or tumbler that the basket will fit into that tapers
> > down so as to fit into standard cup holders. Mine is a 16 oz. thermal
> > tumbler, 7-3/4" from base to top of lid. It's important to use a taller
> > traveler that narrows so that the basket doesn't slip down to the
bottom.
> > For Method A, a basket that slips down will constrain tea leaves more
than
> > is necessary or desirable. For Method B, fishing down near the bottom of
a
> > mug to remove the basket is too inconvenient.
>
> This is terrific - thank you! When you get a chance - does the basket
> narrow at all in diameter below the top? How much? I'm wondering if it
> will fit in my travel tumbler, though I'm thinking I know the answer.

Yes, the above outside diameter includes the top rim. At the bottom of the
basket, the diameter is 2-1/4".

I forgot to mention that the basket from my Beehouse teapot fits a smaller
traveling mug that a cheesehead friend gave me as a souvenir when I visited
her in WI. The mesh of that isn't as fine as the RoT, however, so some small
leaf particles may pass through.

> Any ROT teas to suggest? As long as I'm ordering...

I have to let others answer due my lack of experience w/ RoT. I actually
purchased my basket from a local store.

> Shopping note to self: ROT Brew Basket, new tumbler that will fit the
> basket, waterproof ink for journal, helpful CD tray, new house to store
> all the tea related items that are needed. And I thought tea was
> relatively inexpensive!

Yes, that CD tray's critical ;).

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Melinda" > wrote in message
...
> Really clever Bluesea, thanks!!

You're welcome :).

It occurred to me when I became dissatisfied about using a Chatsford or
Teeli basket for my traveling kit because they don't allow the mug's lid to
be attached while brewing and I like the concept of both the Fuguang and
Nissan travelers.

Necessity being the mother of invention...

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On 2/24/2005 6:29 PM, Bluesea wrote:

>> This is terrific - thank you! When you get a chance - does the basket
>> narrow at all in diameter below the top? How much? I'm wondering if it
>> will fit in my travel tumbler, though I'm thinking I know the answer.
>
> Yes, the above outside diameter includes the top rim. At the bottom of the
> basket, the diameter is 2-1/4".
>
> I forgot to mention that the basket from my Beehouse teapot fits a smaller
> traveling mug that a cheesehead friend gave me as a souvenir when I visited
> her in WI. The mesh of that isn't as fine as the RoT, however, so some small
> leaf particles may pass through.

Thanks! I tested my infusers with my tumbler... none fit.

>> Shopping note to self: ROT Brew Basket, new tumbler that will fit the
>> basket, waterproof ink for journal, helpful CD tray, new house to store
>> all the tea related items that are needed. And I thought tea was
>> relatively inexpensive!
>
> Yes, that CD tray's critical ;).

Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...

--
"The country has entered an era in which
questions are not asked, for questions are
daughters of disquiet or arrogance, both
fruits of temptation and the food of sacrilege." Djaout


It's hard waiting for tea shipments....

But I'm too cheap to fork over for overnight, lol...

I feel your pain. ;)

Melinda

>
> Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...

"Bluesea" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Serendip" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On 2/24/2005 4:18 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> > > What you'll need:
> > >
> > > 2. A traveler's mug or tumbler that the basket will fit into that
tapers
> > > down so as to fit into standard cup holders. Mine is a 16 oz. thermal
> > > tumbler, 7-3/4" from base to top of lid. It's important to use a
taller
> > > traveler that narrows so that the basket doesn't slip down to the
> > > bottom.

This link isn't to the exact tumbler that I have (I don't know the
manufacturer), but shows the general form:

http://buypromoproducts.com/Travelmugs.html.

> I forgot to mention that the basket from my Beehouse teapot fits a smaller
> traveling mug that a cheesehead friend gave me as a souvenir when I
visited
> her in WI. The mesh of that isn't as fine as the RoT, however, so some
small
> leaf particles may pass through.

My GBP mug is made by Whirley, but since the website doesn't show the exact
same model, this will have to do for illustrative purposes:

http://www.whirley.com/onlinecatalog...tion/sc16.html

or, http://tinyurl.com/5jk8f.

HTH give you the general idea.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Serendip" > wrote in message
...
> On 2/24/2005 6:29 PM, Bluesea wrote:
>
> Thanks! I tested my infusers with my tumbler... none fit.

I don't know if travel mugs and tumblers have standardized interior
measurements. I may have simply lucked out with the two tab-less baskets
that I have. My other thermal mugs are way too big.

> Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...

Upton packages *usually* take 5 days to get to me. Maybe you'll get yours
today.

I'm currently wondering why FedEx drove past my place when my order from
Adagio is scheduled to be delivered today. The last time FedEx had a package
for me, it was put on the wrong shelf and the driver didn't realize it until
he was in the next town. He came back that night, but since I had already
left, I didn't get it until the next day. I sure hope today isn't a repeat.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

LOL - thanks!! I have a problem with paying for speedier delivery, too,
and in the Upton case, it wouldn't have gotten here any faster.

But... it's here now!! YAY!!! Now, the decisions... which to try first.
(This never ends, does it?! LOL!)

Resa

On 2/25/2005 1:45 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> I don't know if travel mugs and tumblers have standardized interior
> measurements. I may have simply lucked out with the two tab-less
> baskets that I have. My other thermal mugs are way too big.

LOL - now which comes first... finding a tumbler, and then a tea infuser
to fit? Nope - I'm going to choose an infuser, and then carry that
around to anyplace that has tumblers, and then get one. That might work.

>> Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...
>
> Upton packages *usually* take 5 days to get to me. Maybe you'll get
> yours today.

I did!! YAYAYAY!!

> I'm currently wondering why FedEx drove past my place when my order
> from Adagio is scheduled to be delivered today. The last time FedEx
> had a package for me, it was put on the wrong shelf and the driver
> didn't realize it until he was in the next town. He came back that
> night, but since I had already left, I didn't get it until the next
> day. I sure hope today isn't a repeat.

And you didn't drop everything you were doing and chase after the
truck?! I admire your maturity.

On 2/25/2005 1:37 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> This link isn't to the exact tumbler that I have (I don't know the
> manufacturer), but shows the general form:
>
> http://buypromoproducts.com/Travelmugs.html.
>
>> I forgot to mention that the basket from my Beehouse teapot fits a smaller
>> traveling mug that a cheesehead friend gave me as a souvenir when I
> visited
>> her in WI. The mesh of that isn't as fine as the RoT, however, so some
> small
>> leaf particles may pass through.
>
> My GBP mug is made by Whirley, but since the website doesn't show the exact
> same model, this will have to do for illustrative purposes:
>
> http://www.whirley.com/onlinecatalog...tion/sc16.html
>
> or, http://tinyurl.com/5jk8f.
>
> HTH give you the general idea.

Thanks!!

Mine is a (I apolgize if this is a curse word here) Starbucks tumbler
that I received with a gift box of (sorry, again) coffee. I can't find
it online, but the shape looks like this ebay one, without the handle.

http://tinyurl.com/635kh

In other words, it has a "waist" which could cause problems.

Thanks again for the links!

> wrote in message
...
> On 2/25/2005 1:45 PM, Bluesea wrote:
> > I don't know if travel mugs and tumblers have standardized interior
> > measurements. I may have simply lucked out with the two tab-less
> > baskets that I have. My other thermal mugs are way too big.
>
> LOL - now which comes first... finding a tumbler, and then a tea infuser
> to fit? Nope - I'm going to choose an infuser, and then carry that
> around to anyplace that has tumblers, and then get one. That might work.

I agree because there are more travel mugs and tumblers than there are brew
baskets.

> >> Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...
> >
> > Upton packages *usually* take 5 days to get to me. Maybe you'll get
> > yours today.
>
> I did!! YAYAYAY!!

Super! And you'll post a review after you've tried your teas, right? (Hint:
the correct answer is "Yes.")

> > I'm currently wondering why FedEx drove past my place when my order
> > from Adagio is scheduled to be delivered today. The last time FedEx
> > had a package for me, it was put on the wrong shelf and the driver
> > didn't realize it until he was in the next town. He came back that
> > night, but since I had already left, I didn't get it until the next
> > day. I sure hope today isn't a repeat.
>
> And you didn't drop everything you were doing and chase after the
> truck?! I admire your maturity.

Weel, I went thinking it had overshot my place and would come back, but when
I got outside, it was going around the corner at the end of the block. A
smaller truck delivered my package a few minutes after I last posted and
I've been drinking my new teas ever since. Got stuck on the Irish Breakfast
(Ceylon w/ Assam) and then the Keemun Concerto (Mao Feng), so will post
reviews later.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

> wrote in message
...
>
> Thanks!!
>
> Mine is a (I apolgize if this is a curse word here) Starbucks tumbler
> that I received with a gift box of (sorry, again) coffee. I can't find
> it online, but the shape looks like this ebay one, without the handle.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/635kh
>
> In other words, it has a "waist" which could cause problems.
>
> Thanks again for the links!

You're welcome.

I wouldn't think the waist would necessarily cause a problem. It depends on
if it's narrow enough to prevent the basket from sliding down or if it
narrows too quickly for the basket to be seated in the first place.

You don't need to apologize for the gifts others give you. I didn't want the
Packers mug but didn't want to hurt my friend's feelings so accepted but
never used it. Now that I've found it perfect for a tea traveler, though...

I put white tea in it and have been using it at home, refilling and
refilling and refilling. It's tacky-looking but simplifies the process and
keeps the cat from drinking my tea.

--
~~Bluesea~~ "Instant tea - just add hot water!"
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On 2/28/2005 9:48 AM, Bluesea wrote:
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/635kh
>>
>> In other words, it has a "waist" which could cause problems.
>>
>
> I wouldn't think the waist would necessarily cause a problem. It depends on
> if it's narrow enough to prevent the basket from sliding down or if it
> narrows too quickly for the basket to be seated in the first place.

Yet another variable!

> You don't need to apologize for the gifts others give you. I didn't want the
> Packers mug but didn't want to hurt my friend's feelings so accepted but
> never used it. Now that I've found it perfect for a tea traveler, though...
>
> I put white tea in it and have been using it at home, refilling and
> refilling and refilling. It's tacky-looking but simplifies the process and
> keeps the cat from drinking my tea.

Your cat isn't a Packers fan?

On 2/28/2005 9:35 AM, Bluesea wrote:

>> >> Still waiting, though not as patiently. Sigh...
>> >
>> > Upton packages *usually* take 5 days to get to me. Maybe you'll get
>> > yours today.
>>
>> I did!! YAYAYAY!!
>
> Super! And you'll post a review after you've tried your teas, right? (Hint:
> the correct answer is "Yes.")

Yes.

>> > I'm currently wondering why FedEx drove past my place when my order
>> > from Adagio is scheduled to be delivered today. The last time FedEx
>> > had a package for me, it was put on the wrong shelf and the driver
>> > didn't realize it until he was in the next town. He came back that
>> > night, but since I had already left, I didn't get it until the next
>> > day. I sure hope today isn't a repeat.
>>
>> And you didn't drop everything you were doing and chase after the
>> truck?! I admire your maturity.
>
> Weel, I went thinking it had overshot my place and would come back, but when
> I got outside, it was going around the corner at the end of the block. A
> smaller truck delivered my package a few minutes after I last posted and
> I've been drinking my new teas ever since. Got stuck on the Irish Breakfast
> (Ceylon w/ Assam) and then the Keemun Concerto (Mao Feng), so will post
> reviews later.

Very good - now and again they do that "one, two truck trick" just to
keep you on your toes.

"Serendip" > wrote in message
...
> On 2/28/2005 9:35 AM, Bluesea wrote:
>
> > Weel, I went thinking it had overshot my place and would come back, but
when
> > I got outside, it was going around the corner at the end of the block. A
> > smaller truck delivered my package a few minutes after I last posted and
> > I've been drinking my new teas ever since. Got stuck on the Irish
Breakfast
> > (Ceylon w/ Assam) and then the Keemun Concerto (Mao Feng), so will post
> > reviews later.
>
> Very good - now and again they do that "one, two truck trick" just to
> keep you on your toes.

I didn't know that.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Serendip" > wrote in message
...
> On 2/28/2005 9:35 AM, Bluesea wrote:
>
> > Weel, I went thinking it had overshot my place and would come back, but
when
> > I got outside, it was going around the corner at the end of the block. A
> > smaller truck delivered my package a few minutes after I last posted and
> > I've been drinking my new teas ever since. Got stuck on the Irish
Breakfast
> > (Ceylon w/ Assam) and then the Keemun Concerto (Mao Feng), so will post
> > reviews later.
>
> Very good - now and again they do that "one, two truck trick" just to
> keep you on your toes.

I didn't know that.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Serendip" > wrote in message
...
> On 2/28/2005 9:48 AM, Bluesea wrote:
> >>
> > I wouldn't think the waist would necessarily cause a problem. It depends
on
> > if it's narrow enough to prevent the basket from sliding down or if it
> > narrows too quickly for the basket to be seated in the first place.
>
> Yet another variable!

I'm thinking that you should get your brew basket and see if it fits your
Starbucks mug, first.

> Your cat isn't a Packers fan?

She cares only for fresh water, a clean box, tuna, shrimp, salmon, chicken,
my Darjeeling and white teas, and tummy rubs.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.