Hi:
First I want to thank everyone who writes in. I've learned a lot from
this list.

I'm using a piao infuser, glass with plastic infuser basket. I've only
used it for white, green, oolong and red. Pu Erh tea goes to a
dedicated yixing pot.

I read that some people do not scrub the infuser basket but let
it become coated so as to provide a barrier between the
basket and the tea. Is there a good reason to do this?

Melissa

wrote:
> Hi:
> First I want to thank everyone who writes in. I've learned a lot from
> this list.
>
> I'm using a piao infuser, glass with plastic infuser basket. I've only
> used it for white, green, oolong and red. Pu Erh tea goes to a
> dedicated yixing pot.
>
> I read that some people do not scrub the infuser basket but let
> it become coated so as to provide a barrier between the
> basket and the tea. Is there a good reason to do this?
>
> Melissa

Hey Melissa,

I use a "People's Brew Basket" for work use. It is a polymesh (nylon)
large mesh basket that fits into most mugs and allows tons of room for
the tea to expand and come in contact with the water. They cost about
$3-4 dollars and I just dump out my tea and give it a solid rinse
daily. I have put them in the dishwasher and they come out clean and
fine with no off taste, I have also cleaned one in a vinegar/water
solution which worked too. But the nice thing is that they cane be used
for about a year and tossed with no real loss

I'm not big on soap and water scrubbing daily, but once or twice a year
can't hurt. I wouldn't just dump out the leaves and call it a day
though, a good rinse is in order after each use at least.

I am not very fond of metal and plastic infusers though, porcelain or
these polymesh baskets are my preference for taste, life, and quality.

- Dominic