5 Tips on Using a Ball Infuser
Ball infusers are one of the most common tools tea drinkers pick up on their tea journey. They’re simple, convenient, and perfect for single cups! However, if you’re not careful, you can end up with stray leaves in your drink or a weak brew. Whether your ball infuser is your daily go-to or gathering dust in a drawer, here are five tips to help you elevate your tea experience:
1. Pick the right tea!
Ball infusers work best with loose leaf teas that aren’t too fine. Very small leaves or dusty teas can escape through the tiny holes, leaving your cup with floating bits. Go for whole leaves or larger leaf blends whenever possible. I always try to avoid blends with rooibos when using ball infusers, but larger leaf teas are great for this.
2. Give your tea room to expand
Teas such as oolong or puerh might not be the best choice for ball infusers, as they need more room to expand while steeping. Overcrowding a ball infuser with these teas can restrict their flavor development. Make sure the leaves have room to move and bloom(your taste buds will thank you).
3. Don’t overfill
Even if your leaves are the right size, less is more! Filling your ball infuser too much can prevent proper steeping and make a mess in your cup. A good rule of thumb is to fill it about halfway, letting the leaves breathe.
4. Shake off the “dust”
This trick might sound a little odd, but someone recently pointed out to me that gently shaking your ball infuser over the loose leaf package before brewing helps get rid of small leaf fragments that would otherwise float in your cup. I’ve been using this trick ever since, and it has dramatically improved my experience! It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference in clarity.
5. Be Gentle!
Ball infusers are delicate, so please avoid rough handling! Opening and closing the ball carefully, and not forcing leaves through, will help it last longer and keep your tea experience smooth.
With these five tips, even a humble ball infuser can brew a cup of tea that’s cleaner, more flavorful, and just plain enjoyable. Experiment with different leaves and techniques, and you might find yourself reaching for it more than you thought!
