The basic configuration of tea infusers are perforated metal containers, although other tea infusers take the form of covered spoons for holding the tea leaves.

These tea infusers come in various sizes that could accommodate single brews or multiple servings.

There are also different styles of these infusers such as the split sphere. The split sphere designs come with tong-like handles in opening the mesh containers. In addition the tea infusers come with various shapes including conical, cylindrical, and spherical.

The tea infusers are really very helpful devices in the preparation of tea, because these keep the loose tea leaves from spilling into the pot or cup.

However, infusers with large holes may require the addition of tea strainers in keeping the loose leaves in place and for convenience in removing these tea leaves from the cup or pot.

Some of the most popular tea infusers include the Bamboo Infuser, which is made of bamboo used in the traditional way of tea preparation. Another type of tea infusers is the Bodium Tea Egg Infuser, which is capable of scooping and steeping loose tea leaves in a convenient manner. Moreover, this infuser is made from heat resistant, dishwasher safe stainless steel.

Tea infusers can also come with porcelain mugs. The Bodium White Café Mug with Infuser is a two-in-one mug and infuser at the same time. The mug is made of porcelain, and the infuser is made from stainless steel. Furthermore, this comes with a handy lid that serves as a trivet for the infuser.

The sole component of the green tea is the leaves of Camellia sinensis. The leaves undergo minimal oxidation that is required during the processing of the tea. Since the green tea is known for the many health benefits that it offers, more and more people drink the tea because of this. Some of the most important benefits include prevention of certain cancers, weight loss, and lowered chances of heart diseases. Although these claims are not supported scientifically, these have not stopped the widespread use of green tea.

In Japan, green tea is simply referred to as “tea”, or Japanese tea. The tea in Japan is also graded according to the different parts of the plant used in making the tea, and the growing and processing methods, as well. The Yame region and the Uji region in Japan are said to produce the best Japanese tea.

Like coffee, unless decaffeinated, green tea also contains caffeine and in fact may even contain more caffeine than coffee. However, the length of time in which the tea is infused with water and the amount of tea leaves can change the caffeine content.

The type of tea set that you choose to use for your tea drinking pleasure very much depends upon which type of tea that you like to dring, where you are drinking your tea, who you are drinking your tea with, and how you are drinking your tea.

The following are various types of tea sets for different tea drinking ocassions.

English Afternoon Tea

If you enjoy taking a break in the afternoon to spend time with friends sitting in the lounge enjoying a nice cup of afternoon tea and a sweet treat such as a piece of almond slice, then you might think about using a classic afternoon tea set like the Royal Albert Old Country Roses 3-Piece Tea Set.

This classic tea set, with a country roses design, comprises of a teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl. It is Crafted from fine bone china and embellished with 22-carat gold and matches Royal Albert Old Country Roses dinnerware, serveware, and accessories.

Royal Albert Old Country Roses 3-Piece Tea Set can be bought from Amazon.com.

Chinese Tea Set

If you are considering taking chinese tea, then a chinese tea set would be a suitable to accompany this.

The Chinese Symbol Character Longevity Teaset w/ Tray pictured here would be a perfect accessory for you when drinking chinese tea.

This chinese tea set includes a Chinese High Temperature Porcelain Teapot with 4 cups.

When using a chinese tea set you will notice that everything is miniture. This chinese tea set measures in at 5″ Tall Teapot and 2.5″ Diameter Teacups – perfect for holding in your fingers and sipping your chinese tea.

The tea pot and tea cups are also decorated with the Longevity Caligraphy Symbol.

Japanese Tea Set

If you were thinking of taking part in a Japanese Tea Ceremony then it would be suitable to use a Japanese Tea Set.

The Japanese Tea Pot Set pictured here is the comes in an attractive presentation case and includes a packet of Green Tea so that all you need to do is boil the water and get comfortable.

As well as the Green Tea, It includes 1 Japanese Teapot, that measures 6.25″ diameter 4″ high, and 4 Japanese Teacups, that measure 3.25″ diameter 2.25″ high.

This is an authentic Japanese Tea Set and is made in Japan.

Tea Set for One

If you are enjoying a simple cup of tea by yourself and want the minimum of fuss, then something like this Gourmet Green Tea Set would be ideal.

A quiet cup of tea by yourself is often a special time and this stylish tea set provides everything that you need to create this.

It is possibly the most convenient teapot you will find anywhere. When tea is ready, simply place it on top of your cup. This will cause a valve at the bottom to release. The crystal-clear tea flows down, while the mesh filter retains all the leaves.

It is super easy to clean and also dishwasher and microwave safe – perfect for the office or the road.

This particular set comes with 4 green tea sample and is a bargain at only $24 from Amazon.com.

The website contains information on tea and health guidelines, tea antioxidants, heart health research, tea and body protection, tea and performance, and appearance.

At the Lipton website you can read their overview of healthy drinking guidelines to choose different beverages as part of a healthy diet.

The guide is produced by nutritional experts and serves to advise consumers on making choices between drinking high calorie beverages with little nutritional benefit and low calorie drinks with high nutritional benefit.

Click here to visit the Lipton Tea and Health website.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of at least 100 different species worldwide and is part of a group of compounds known as methylxanthines. The most commonly known sources of caffeine are coffee, cocoa beans, cola nuts and tea leaves.

Tea also contains other dimethylxanthines; theophylline which has similar properties to caffeine and theobromine whose pharmacological actions is far less potent than caffeine and theophylline.

However, the amount of caffeine present in your cup of tea depends on the serving size and the preparation method.

Caffeine levels of tea as consumed in the UK have been determined in a recent survey conducted for the FSA Food Surveillance Unit.i In this survey caffeine in a serving of tea, as brewed by adults in the UK, was found to be typically 33mg in a 190ml cup. This compares to an earlier estimate of 50mg per cup, which was based on laboratory-prepared beverages.

Despite recent publicity about caffeine, the fact remains that the consumption of caffeine at intakes of 300mg/ day has no adverse effects in the vast majority of the adult population. For this reason an average intake of three cups of teai a day is well within the level considered safe.

[tags]tea, caffeine[/tags]