Tea Strainer

A tea strainer is a small, perforated accessory or sieve placed directly under the spout of the teapot or over a teacup when tea is being poured to catch loose tealeaves and prevent them from falling into the teacups. Because the strainer will continue to drip after the tea has been poured, the strainer is usually designed as a two-piece set with a small saucer on which the strainer rests after use. Again we can credit the Victorians for creating many fancifully designed tea strainers, often with decorative botanical patterns on the outside. Some teahouses provide each guest with a personal tea strainer while others place the tea strainer near the teapot. Tea strainers are usually made of metal to withstand the hot water.