? about straining tea..

[McKelly]

Okay, I may sound really foolish, but rather now, anonymous, then later..... LOL! I have decided to spend the $ and take my DD7 to the Princess Tea Party at the GF. I have read that the tea is "loose" and you need to strain it. What does that mean, exactly? Can someone please inform me of the proper way to drink tea, so I don't embaress myself and my DD. Thanks!!

 

[bavaria]

The tea is loose - it is in a strainer which fits over your tea cup, and hot water is poured on top. Then when it has steeped, one simply removes the strainer.

Does that help?

Sometimes loose tea comes in a 'tea ball' which is a strainer inside the pot. Don't worry too much - they will help you out if you need it!

 

[Forever42]

The way I do it at home, I have a mesh cup that sits in the mouth of the tea pot, tea is placed in the cup, and hot water pored over it. This way, the cup does the straining for you.

I've seen some pots that have a strainer in the spout of the pot, so the tea has more room to move around. I've also seen silver utensils that you place over your tea cup that catch the spent tea...and come to think of it, that might be the way they do it at the Afternoon Tea, now that I've thought about it.

Edit: aha, bavaria, now I'm following you around.

 

[bavaria]

ooooooooh scary I think that Forever42 and I share the same brainlengths as well as the same birthday..........

 

[Forever42]

ooooooooh scary I think that Forever42 and I share the same brainlengths as well as the same birthday..........

Hehehe

At least, I think you're older than me, so we can't be separated at birth

Edit: McKelly, back on subject, it's the best way to make tea. Loose tea is more flavorful because the leaves (or herbs/fruit) have more of a chance to spread out and release oils and flavors than in a tea bag.

 

[graygables]

The way we always did it, the tea is put directly into the pot, then the hot water poured over. After it steeps, the strainer is set on the cup, then the tea poured from the pot and the strainer catches the leaves. They sell some beautiful tea strainers at the UK pavilion in Epcot!

 

[MiknMinMouse]

1st of all you'll have a BLAST. My DD and I did that last year and LOVED it. The children's tea is apple juice and requires no straining . With the adult tea I think I chose the type and they brought it in the pot. The strainer is provided. It's a lovely tea and not at all intimidating. Have a WONDERFUL time

 

[McKelly]

Okay, thanks for the tips, I think I can handle it, but.......I choose the TYPE of tea, I get a choice (don't get out much, can you tell?)? Any suggestions for a non-tea drinker first have at it?

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Okay, thanks for the tips, I think I can handle it, but.......I choose the TYPE of tea, I get a choice (don't get out much, can you tell?)? Any suggestions for a non-tea drinker first have at it?

If you aren't used to drinking tea, I would stick to the flavored teas - like mint or cinnamon. Definitely ask your server - they should have good recommendations. I went to the Afternoon Tea and the server was very helpful (I drink tea all the time but my mom and sister didn't)

Above all - have fun! I wish I had a little girl to take to the tea...until that time I guess it is off to the "big girls" tea

ttfn,
TT

 

[MiknMinMouse]

Okay, thanks for the tips, I think I can handle it, but.......I choose the TYPE of tea, I get a choice (don't get out much, can you tell?)? Any suggestions for a non-tea drinker first have at it?

The Grand Floridian has a custom blend which is lovely. It's not too strong. If you like iced tea, then you might like this one. I always request it. I'm sure if you get a tea that you're not crazy about, they'll change it.

 

[Forever42]

Okay, thanks for the tips, I think I can handle it, but.......I choose the TYPE of tea, I get a choice (don't get out much, can you tell?)? Any suggestions for a non-tea drinker first have at it?

If they're the same tea choices as at the Afternoon Tea, go for the raspberry herbal - my non-tea-drinking fiance raved about it, and it's always been one of my favorites (it's from Harney + Sons, so I've been drinking it for years), though I am a tea drinker It's absolutely gorgeous to look at, and the flavor is fantastic as well.

 

[McKelly]

Thanks everybody for the great advice! I feel more prepared now to have "tea", I have always been more of a coffee person. I can't wait to take my DD!