Teatube Test Tube Tea Infuser for tea in the lab or at home
The Teatube Test Tube Tea Infuser is a handy way to steep a cup of tea.
There are some pieces of equipment and gadgetry that one would only expect to see in a certain environment. Forks, knives, and spoons belong in the kitchen (or in front of the television on game day), and centrifuges and test tubes belong in the lab. But, as recent times have shown, there is a blurring of lines occurring between scientific equipment and kitchen gear. But this is not about immersion circulators or molecular gastronomy; this is about tea.
Tea, not unlike its caffeinated counterpart, coffee, can go anywhere at any time. And just like coffee, tea is better when you make it yourself. Loose-leaf tea and freshly ground beans make all the difference. But you don't have to be a mad scientist to brew a satisfying cup.
The Teatube Test Tube Tea Infuser ($11.99) is exactly what it sounds like: a tea infuser shaped like a test tube. Instead of whatever one puts in test tubes (such as spices), this kitchen helper is made to hold loose-leaf tea. Considering that the Teatube has openings to allow water to flow through to the tea, it probably isn't a good idea to switch one out for the real thing.