Loose Leaf Tea To Go

You don’t have to be a loose leaf tea connoisseur to appreciate these. On my recent layover in the Taiwan airport I came across a Zojirushi vacuum mug with tea strainer. I was immediately enamored by the idea. I’ve always loved loose leaf teas but hated the hassle of tea straining that came along with it. Sure, the mug looked a little techie but that little elephant on the bottle means quality so I was sold. Then after my trip, I came across Tea Libre (via estarla), another brand that makes a prettier version of the same thing. I smell a side-by-side comparison coming on…

Zojirushi D-Mug with Tea Strainer

(from $33 at Amazon.com)

The Zojirushi D-Mug with Tea Strainer has a solid construction. An insulated stainless steel mug is inserted into a plastic outer cover that also houses the interchangeable paper pattern. The tea strainer sits at the top of the open mouth, below the twist cap. The mug holds 12 ounces and will keep your hot water hot for hours. Even though the bottle seems portable, it really is only portable before or after you make the tea since you have to remove the strainer to drink the tea. (Could get messy in the car) You can steep your tea as long as you prefer but you you’ll have to know that by heart since there’s no looking in to judge the color.

Libre Tea Glass’n Poly

($24 at LibreTea.com)

The Libre Tea version feels immediately more feminine when you touch the box. Beautifully designed (in package and out!) this version features a glass cup housed within a polycarbonate shell. (There is also a glass’n glass version) This setup makes the tea taste more “clean” and also adds adequate insulation for a few hours, though nowhere near as long as the Zojirushi. The glass is built so you can have your tea two ways, in the glass (filtered as you drink) or in the strainer and holds 9 ounces. This means that you can truly have your tea on-the-go, though using this method you run the risk of over-steeping.

So, the bottom line. The Zojirushi is a rough and tumble and will keep your tea hot for hours. Great for at home or in the office but make sure you have somewhere to put down that strainer before you drink. The Libre is prettier and more mobile-friendly. The clear construction makes it easy to see what’s in the glass at all times and just looks prettier sitting on your desk. Both make a perfect gift, but remember the Zojirushi can be personalized.

Either way you go, this invention is the best thing to happen to tea since, well, tea bags.

And if you are new to loose teas, start with my favorite, Mighty Leaf Tea Chamomile Citrus. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day at work.