When hot and thirsty a nice cuppa tea seldom goes astray and these days many folk resort to using handy teabags
Interestingly, while tea has been enjoyed for centuries, the tea bag wasn’t invented until 1908-ish when a New York-based merchant named Thomas Sullivan decided to send tea samples in silk bags to his customers. They incorrectly assumed that the entire bag should be placed in the pot. Thus, the tea bag was born!
However, these days practical tea bags have more than one purpose. Here’s a few tips garnered from the Kapiti Coast Association’s newsletter – Grey Power SUPER PEOPLE.
De-crustify pots and pans:
If all the scrubbing in the world just isn’t cutting it, leave a used tea bag to soak in that stubborn pot or pan. Tea contains tannic acid, which can break down grease. With a little time and patience, it should make cleaning the dish much easier.
Ditch the glass cleaner:
To make windows and mirrors shine, dampen a used tea bag. Use it to rub the glass surface, then follow up with a paper towel. Alternatively, pour leftover brewed tea into an empty spray bottle and use it as a glass cleaner.
Marinate meats:
Easily marinate pork, chicken or turkey with the help of a couple of tea bags.
Simply put a cup of water, two used tea bags and the meat into a zip-close bag. Allow to marinate overnight, then cook and enjoy a flavourful cut of meat.
Composting:
Most tea bags are safe for composting or gardening, but always ensure the bags are a biodegradable material and free from plastic fibres to avoid environmental harm.
GP Ed’s note:
For years I had a large, lush maidenhair no thanks to my particular efforts. Green fingers somehow escaped me but not my husband. He faithfully tended this plant often giving it cold tea which it obviously appreciated as it was a great size and colour when, after many years in one place, we moved house and I passed it to a friend.
– Helen Perry
