# Recommendation for Best Tea Source **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [July 1, 2022, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263 "2022-07-01T19:40:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/21 "2022-07-02T12:26:52Z")
My husband buys several excellent tea from [Simpson and Vail](https://www.svtea.com/mobile/). I fill in the holes, and get a golden Yunnan, Japanese rice tea, and iron goddess of mercy tea from [Rishi](https://rishi-tea.com/). Rishi also sells some stuff in the supermarket. I found them by doing a taste test of various brands of roibos, a South African herbal tea, and liked theirs the best. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/22 "2022-07-02T12:28:47Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Tea equipment designers appear to think that scooping wet leaves out of an empty teapot is an intolerably burdensome task that must be avoided with complicated metal mesh inserts, but I don’t mind it! Give me my low-tech solution! I have a tea pot with a metal mesh insert. I think of that as rather low tech, honestly. It also works really well. You might give it a try if you haven’t. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/23 "2022-07-02T12:37:24Z")
First of all, in a normal Chinese clay teapot (I assume these are sold in literally every tea shop, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours) there is a built-in strainer! [![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0EYAAOSwYu1cd9Yb/s-l640.jpg) ](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0EYAAOSwYu1cd9Yb/s-l640.jpg) Otherwise, as @puzzlegal says just use any strainer: ceramic, metal, it doesn’t matter. The glass ones with the removable metal insert [![](https://www.glass-homeware.com/photo/ps26784396-600ml_removable_infuser_clear_glass_teapot_ligjtweight_stovetop_safe_tea_kettle.jpg) ](https://www.glass-homeware.com/photo/ps26784396-600ml_removable_infuser_clear_glass_teapot_ligjtweight_stovetop_safe_tea_kettle.jpg) seem more designed to brew a quantity of tea (more than 1 cup, or perhaps ultra-concentrated), then you can pull out the metal thing and not drink the entire brew at once. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/24 "2022-07-02T13:16:04Z")
By “sieve”, i meant something like this > **[Amazon.com: Cuisinart CTG-00-3MS Set of 3 Fine Set of Mesh Strainers, Stainless...](https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CTG-00-3MS-Stainless-Steel-Strainers/dp/B007TUQF9O)** > > Online Shopping for Kitchen Utensils & Gadgets from a great selection at everyday low prices. Free 2-day Shipping with Amazon Prime. I use something like this, a cast iron tea pot that came with a deep sieve fitted to it. It’s very simple, works well, and feels elegant. If you flip through the images, you can see what i mean. > **[Mai Cast Iron Teapot | EQ3](https://www.eq3.com/us/en/product/ck5pvieg91dpu0130ujf2tp6o?src_id=CHL01SCL007-ACT0009-Undf-INT0000&src_id=CHL01SCL018-ACT0007-Undf-INT0004&gclid=CjwKCAjw2f-VBhAsEiwAO4lNeCVrSsILeSIvQhD63Fyl_k3SmzJsI56j2N09D3IBbjQBeUBH7GuABBoC9dsQAvD_BwE#gallery)** ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/25 "2022-07-02T13:50:26Z")
We order our tea online from [David’s Tea](https://www.davidstea.com/us_en/home/), a Canadian company. They have all kinds of wacky flavor blends, some of which can be fun, but we generally just get their unblended loose leaf. Their orange pekoe is very good, for example. They also have some expensive and very high quality black and green teas, one of which - Nepal Black - is one of my top 3 teas of all time. It’s absolutely gorgeous - kind of halfway to hot chocolate in its depth without any added flavors or ingredients. They also have all kinds of matcha, if you’re into that. Side note, we just returned from the Azores, which features the only remaining tea plantation in Europe, Gorreana Tea. You can tour the fields and the factory and watch them drying, sorting, etc. We picked up some loose leaf from there and it’s good, packed about three days before we bought it 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/26 "2022-07-02T14:58:11Z")
I am an immigrant from India. We like the subtle darjeelings and teas with delicate flavors. We totally dislike “chai tea” or the teas with a liberal helping of whatever spice someone likes lying around. To my horror, I have seen turmeric, gingers, cinnamon, cardamom etc etc all bundled into tea. Whoever is doing this, please stop 🙂 Having said the above, if you like a strong black tea, then please try the teas from Kenya. They are very nice - usually available at African grocery stories. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/27 "2022-07-02T15:08:49Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > By “sieve”, i meant something like this I would not use that sieve, because the holes in that sieve is much too large and it will make your tea cloudy / less enjoyable. Instead visit a local Indian grocery store and ask for a similar sieve. Look for sieves with two layers of sieve cloths. The one at the bottom should be larger mesh size (bigger holes) and the one on the top should be fine mesh size (smaller holes). The smaller mesh cloths are fragile and the bigger mesh is used as support. It is available at Japanese stores too > **[Fujiboshi Stainless Steel Tea Strainer](https://www.globalkitchenjapan.com/products/fujiboshi-stainless-steel-tea-strainer-000147)** > > Globalkitchen Japan sells Fujiboshi Stainless Steel Tea Strainer, which is made in Japan. Double net tea strainer. [https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-2152-Stainless-Double-Strainer/dp/B0000VLXOQ](https://www.amazon.com/Norpro-2152-Stainless-Double-Strainer/dp/B0000VLXOQ) ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/28 "2022-07-02T15:56:33Z")
> [@am77494](#): > > Having said the above, if you like a strong black tea, then please try the teas from Kenya. They are very nice - usually available at African grocery stories. David’s Tea has a “Kenyan Tinderet” available that is unlike any tea I’ve had before - it comes in what I can only describe as tiny pellets. It is strong, and I’m glad I tried it, but it wasn’t my favorite. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/29 "2022-07-02T16:23:03Z")
I really like Lifeboat. I got it from a online tea shop in Seattle. The tannin is a bit strong. I use 14 oz of water for 1 bag. Lemon,sugar and a few drops of milk It’s available on Amazon > **[Amazon.com : Lifeboat Tea, 80 Count, 8.8 Ounce Boxes : Black Teas : Grocery...](https://www.amazon.com/Lifeboat-Tea-Count-Ounce-Boxes/dp/B001D4SRCU)** > > Amazon.com : Lifeboat Tea, 80 Count, 8.8 Ounce Boxes : Black Teas : Grocery & Gourmet Food ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/30 "2022-07-02T16:40:58Z")
You are all awesome. Thank you. I am about to float away on a sea of tea. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/31 "2022-07-02T16:45:11Z")
I forgot to mention that Kenyan tea is best served with milk. Unlike the Darjeeling’s or similar subtle teas. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/32 "2022-07-02T17:09:08Z")
I also am thankful for this thread. I used to be a consummate coffee snob until a couple years ago and then switched fully to tea. I’m always on the lookout for a good loose leaf black tea. Has anyone here tried Zabar’s tea? A family member visiting NYC said they tried it and it was very good. But between the price of the tea and the shipping I’m not to hot to try it without some verification. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/33 "2022-07-02T17:27:46Z")
> [@am77494](#): > > I would not use that sieve, because the holes in that sieve is much too large and it will make your tea cloudy / less enjoyable. I have become somewhat snobby about my tea, and like to buy grass that are whole leaves, or at least big pieces, without enough tea dust to make my brew cloudy. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2022, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/34 "2022-07-02T18:19:51Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I have become somewhat snobby about my tea, and like to buy grass that are whole leaves … Totally respect that. I grow a little bit of my own tea which I enjoy only on weekends. I like the fresh tender leaves without drying or freezing because they have more of the fragrance but none of the tartness / acidity. I live in gardening zone 9, so the tea plants can stay outdoor all year around. We grow them in the shade. _Camellia sinensis var. sinensis_ is the Chinese and Darjeeling variety, with small leaves - its very slow growing in our Houston climate. However, _Camellia sinensis var. assamica_ is from Assam and much more used to the warm climate. So summer months, I get to enjoy the fresh Assam tea while winter/spring is when I get Darjeeling. Its very easy to grow - plants are available usually in Indian nurseries. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/35 "2022-07-03T00:22:23Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I have a tea pot with a metal mesh insert. I think of that as rather low tech, honestly. It also works really well. You might give it a try if you haven’t. Thanks but I have one of those in my office teapot, I loathe it and will get rid of it as soon as I can obtain a workable and good-quality combination of plain-round-empty-ceramic-teapot and separate strainer-that-sits-on-the-cup. > [@teelabrown](#): > > [Here’s](https://www.harney.com/collections/tea-filters-strainers/products/silver-short-handled-strainer) a nice one at the above-mentioned Harney & Sons. Silver, yet: well that would certainly boost my tea-service-classiness quotient! > [@am77494](#): > > Instead visit a local Indian grocery store and ask for a similar sieve. A good idea, thank you! ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/36 "2022-07-03T12:21:00Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > I want to dump a spoon or two of leaf tea into my empty ceramic teapot, steep it, and then pour the brewed tea through a simple little strainer-dish thingy into my teacup. In other words, I want the brewing and the straining to be two separate steps using separate utensils. You could try one of [these](https://www.davidstea.com/us_en/teaware/teaware/infusers-and-filters/perfect-infuser-silver/904044US01.html?cgid=infusers-and-accessories&dwvar_904044US01_color=115002#start=1) from David’s Tea. I use it basically every day. ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/37 "2022-07-03T12:31:10Z")
**Kimstu** , I hate cleaning the mesh insert in my teapot, too. You’re making a good case for a strainer balanced on top of a cup which cleans easier than the mesh. Now you’ve got me thinking I want one of these English things. [Here’s](https://www.harney.com/products/silver-plated-long-handled-strainer?variant=29493004166&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvorpttzc-AIVusDCBB0d8Q2zEAQYASABEgK10_D_BwE) a long-handled version of the same device. Hmmm. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/38 "2022-07-03T12:54:06Z")
Huh, i would think they are exactly as easy to clean. I clean mine by holding it upside down under the kitchen faucet until all the tea leaves have fallen off. (After first dumping most of them into the compost bin. But the ones that remain get rinsed off.) ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/39 "2022-07-03T12:54:35Z")
Let me mention yet another Chinese invention: the lidded bowl [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/YellowGaiwan.jpg/450px-YellowGaiwan.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/YellowGaiwan.jpg/450px-YellowGaiwan.jpg) The lid is used to block the tea leaves when you go to sip it. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2022, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263/40 "2022-07-03T12:58:20Z")
I use a cheap Ikea French press to strain the leaves. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendation-for-best-tea-source/967263.md?page=3)