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The Often Overlooked Tea Accessory — The Tea Strainer

Tea News · May 06, 2025

The Often Overlooked Tea Accessory -- The Tea Strainer-1

We often tend to forget the Tea strainer when we brew tea. Yet, tea strainers can be quite interesting.

In actual brewing, some tea enthusiasts do not like to use a Tea strainer. Not using a tea strainer has its advantages, such as convenience and presenting the true appearance of the tea liquor, especially for loose teas with intact strands, made with care, and clean. It is also common not to use a strainer after the initial few infusions when there are fewer tea fragments.

However, the disadvantages are evident. Most Pu'er tea inevitably produces small fragments during pressing or breaking apart, and the gaps in most gaiwans or clay Teapots are insufficient to block these fragments or impurities, which can affect both aesthetics and enjoyment of the tea.

▲ Metal Material

This type of tea strainer is mainly made of pure Silver, stainless steel, etc. Pure silver ones oxidize easily and are less commonly used daily. Stainless steel tea strainers were likely the first widely adopted. Their advantages include durability and affordability, but they have several drawbacks: one, rust formation over time; two, metal taste may slightly affect the tea; three, the mesh holes are not fine enough, so small particles may still be found at the bottom of the tea liquor.

Although stainless steel tea strainers are unbreakable and last long, they tend to accumulate tea stains and rust spots over time, making them difficult to clean and maintain hygiene.

The Often Overlooked Tea Accessory -- The Tea Strainer-2

▲ Plant and Animal Materials

This category includes tea strainers made from materials such as calabash, seashells, or conches, which are eco-friendly and natural, though not necessarily inexpensive. They have a disadvantage in that they can develop odors, are not durable, and can accumulate tea stains that are hard to clean.

The Often Overlooked Tea Accessory -- The Tea Strainer-3

▲ Purple Clay

Purple clay tea strainers are now available in the market, crafted beautifully and with quality material. Purple clay strainers share many similarities with other ceramic strainers, but they can be seasoned like purple clay teapots and cups, becoming smoother with use. As long as they are cleaned promptly after use, purple clay strainers offer an additional element of enjoyment.

However, purple clay tea strainers are generally not recommended for testing tea infusions due to their slight absorption of tea aroma and flavor, which might influence the tea.

The Often Overlooked Tea Accessory -- The Tea Strainer-4

▲ Porcelain

Porcelain tea strainers range from practical to artistically decorative, including blue-and-white, powder glaze, Ru ware, Ge ware, celadon, and more, adding more interest to the tea strainer. Porcelain strainers are easy to clean, have fine mesh holes, and do not affect the aroma or taste of the tea. The filtered tea liquor becomes clearer and brighter. Some finely crafted porcelain tea strainers even have artistic value and playfulness, making them the most ideal option.

Some tea connoisseurs who are extremely particular about the quality of the tea liquor can study the effects of different tea strainer materials on the tea liquor. Choosing a suitable tea strainer can better showcase the tea liquor.

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▲ Glass

Glass tea strainers are affordable and practical, highly resistant to corrosion, and have high aesthetic and fun qualities. They enhance the living experience! Clear and transparent, healthful, providing a refreshing visual enjoyment.

The Often Overlooked Tea Accessory -- The Tea Strainer-6

Some tea connoisseurs who are extremely particular about the quality of the tea liquor can study the effects of different tea strainer materials on the tea liquor. Choosing a suitable tea strainer can better showcase the tea liquor.

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