As any writer should, I drink copious amounts of tea. Having a cuppa while I’m writing warms me up and wakes me up! I drink a huge cup of black tea every morning and I love the routine of sipping it in the morning while reading newsletters and creating my task list for the day. This post shows you three ways to brew zero waste tea!
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Zero Waste Tea Essentials
You don’t need much to make the perfect cup of tea. I’ve been using the same four supplies to make tea for years. I first purchased an electric tea kettle in college and I would never go back! It’s great because it boils water quickly and silently. It was great for my college dorm and then the studio apartment I shared with my roommate. I could silently brew a cup of tea without waking her up and head to class.
I bought this ceramic travel mug when I was in college as well. Despite being ceramic, it’s incredibly durable! I’ve dropped it before and it holds up. I love the texture of the mug and its simple, elegant look.
I buy my tea in bulk at my local Wegmans grocery store. I fill homemade cloth bags and then transfer the tea to elite pint mason jars when I get home. Storing tea in mason jars or other upcycled glass jars keeps it fresh! I bought my ForLife tea strainer basket at Wegmans, as well. Its extra fine mesh makes sure no tea sediment gets in the drink.
Three Ways to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea
1. French Press
A French press isn’t just for coffee anymore! I love it to make loose leaf tea. You can brew one to three cups in a French press. I actually got this French press at my local thrift shop. Thrift shops always have French presses, kettles, and mugs! Always choose to buy second-hand over new if you can.
To brew, I put 1-2 tbsp of loose leaf tea and pour boiling water over. Give the tea a swirl with a spoon and leave it to steep until it’s reached its desired strength. I love to steep the first cup for about three minutes and then leave the rest to sit and get darker. I love a good super black cup of tea by letting the leaves sit for ages!
This is a great way to brew a couple cups for you and a friend. Scones optional but highly recommended 😉
2. Cloth Tea Bag
I love to use cloth tea bags for herbal tea! I made my own cloth tea bag last autumn, learn how to make it here. Using a cloth tea bag is great when the tea has extra fine bits.
To brew, just fill the tea bag with up to 1 tbsp of loose leaf tea. I often use a cloth tea bag when using my to-go mug. I can quickly pour hot water over the bag and head out the door, leave it to steep as I run to work or an event.
You could also make your own tea blend and steep it with the cloth tea bag. Adding lemon, ginger, mint leaves, or other botanicals would make a great zero waste infusion.
When finished brewing, turn the cloth bag inside out and rinse thoroughly. I often don’t wash mine until after a couple of uses. And then I’ll throw it in the washer with tea towels and my reusable cotton rounds. Or you can heat the kettle up again and soak the bag in a bowl of hot water for a couple of minutes.
3. Metal Tea Strainer
Metal tea strainers are probably the most popular way to brew zero waste tea. There are tons of options like mesh balls, mesh snap ball with a squeeze handle, or a mesh basket. I’m partial to the basket kind! I think they do the best job at brewing and keeping loose leaf tea in the mesh.
With up to 2 tbsp of loose leaf tea, pour hot water over the tea and basket and let to steep. I often leave mine until it’s cool enough to drink, making a perfectly dark cup of tea.
The great thing about a basket strainer is that it’s super easy to dump in the compost bin. If you like to reuse your tea, you can leave it in the basket and brew another cup. The ceramic dish is great for that!
I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial! No matter the weather, I always look forward to a nice hot cup. How do like to enjoy a cup of tea?
Happy Day-
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