A Tea Infuser (and linen washable tea bags)

This stainless steel loose tea infuser is ideal if you like a ‘proper pot of tea’ but don’t want the hassle of using a traditional teapot, especially if you travel or work from an office. This little gadget lets you make a perfect cup with loose tea leaves, allowing the water to circulate and infuse flavours.

Made from quality steel, the sleek modern design lets you hook the strainer on the end of your mug, with a retractable opening/closing mechanism, so it’s easy to remove and clean.

NHS says that it’s best to avoid caffeine for pregnancy/nursing (or no more than 2 cups of weak tea daily – or 1 cup of mild coffee or cola). Also avoid caffeine for certain medical conditions. 

Use a sink drainer to catch tea leaves, then bin (caffeine may affect compost creatures). Same with coffee grounds.

To brew black tea:

1. Boil Water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boiling point. Black tea needs high heat to release its full richness.
2. Measure Tea: Use about one teaspoon of loose leaf black tea for each cup. Loose tea allows for fuller flavour extraction than tea bags.
3. Brewing Time: Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Longer steeping can lead to bitterness.
4. Strain and Serve: Use a metal or silicone strainer to keep your brew plastic-free. Serve plain or with a dash of plant milk.

An alternative to tea bags is to use loose tea with washable linen tea bags. Featuring quotes to inspire your day, wash with biodegradable washing-up liquid and rinse/line-dry after each use, and occasionally soak in a 1 part cleaning vinegar to two parts water (then rinse).