A good cup of tea can bring relaxation and pleasure to both busy workdays and leisure time. However, to brew a perfect cup of tea, one cannot do without the right set of tea utensils that complement each other to achieve the ideal tea experience. Here are 16 essential tea utensils that you must know how to use.
1. Tea Petal, also known as tea tray, is used to place dry tea leaves and serves as an ornamental piece. It is both practical and ceremonial.
2. Fairness Cup, also referred to as ‘tea ocean’, is used to evenly distribute the tea soup. It ensures that each tea cup has the same concentration of tea.
3. Tea Strainer is used to filter tea leaves and foam, making the tea soup clearer.
4. Tea Caddy is a container for storing tea leaves that must be sealed and light-proof. Materials include tinplate, stainless steel, pewter alloy, and ceramic.
5. Tea Tasting Cup is the cup used for tasting tea, often made of white pottery, purple sand, or glass. The shape varies, and one can choose according to personal preference.
6. Tea Cloth is used to clean the tea table and utensils. It is used to wipe away excess tea water during tea brewing and should not be used as a rag.
7. Tea Tray is the base tray for placing tea cups to prevent tea soup from splashing onto the tea mat. Also known as ‘tea pad’.
8. Kettle is the tool used for boiling water. Nowadays, there are many types, including those made of glass.
9. Tea Cylinder is a tool for holding tea art supplies and accessories, making it convenient for storage and organization.
10. Tea Spoon, also known as tea scoop, resembles a spoon and is mainly used for scooping tea from a brewed teapot.
11. Tea Needle is used to unblock the inner mesh of the teapot, ensuring smooth water flow.
12. Tea Measure is used to take tea leaves and place them into the teapot or tea cup. It is one of the six gentlemen of tea ceremony.
13. Tea Tongs, as the name suggests, are used to hold tea utensils, mainly during high-temperature cleaning, such as sterilization and rolling cups.
14. Tea Fork is mainly used to pick up tea cups. After hot tea is poured into the cup and the temperature is still high, the tea fork can be used to serve guests.
15. Tea Pet is a pet for tea people, nurtured by tea water. It is a plaything during tea drinking and tasting.
16. Gaiwan, also known as the Three Talents Bowl, consists of a lid, bowl, and base, used for brewing tea. Place an appropriate amount of tea leaves in the bowl, pour water over them, cover with the lid, and after a short while, it is ready to drink.
