The practice involves steeping loose-leaf tea within a specialized device designed to contain the leaves while allowing the flavor to permeate the hot water. For instance, a stainless steel mesh ball, a perforated basket, or even a specialized tea press can be employed to achieve optimal flavor extraction without the inconvenience of loose leaves floating in the beverage.
This method offers several advantages. It allows for the use of higher quality, whole-leaf teas, which often yield a more complex and nuanced flavor profile compared to pre-packaged tea bags. Furthermore, it reduces waste associated with disposable tea bags and provides greater control over the brewing process, including the strength of the tea and the steeping time. Historically, utilizing devices for tea preparation allowed for more efficient and controlled tea consumption, particularly in regions where tea leaves were a valuable commodity.
