Periscope not included.
(Credit: Irawoods.com)Few eating or imbibing customs are steeped so deeply in ritual as is the making of tea. From little cucumber sandwiches on one side of the world to medicinal uses on the other, tea has long been held as much more than simply being some leaves soaked in water. As tradition dictates, even a simple modern cup of tea must be attached to at least some sort of process; one that automates the steeping like a submerging submarine seems as good as any.
The Zarafina Tea Maker Suite entertains users while it brews a proper cup of tea. The automated machine features steeping settings for different types of tea. Depending on whether you are making a pot of black, oolong, green, white, or herbal tea, the time and temperature will vary.
The device--which sells online for $60 and up--accomplishes this variety of tea-making by floating an infuser basket full of tea over the heating water. When the temperature is right, the basket is released directly into the tea, sinking much like a submarine would into the ocean.
Featuring a payload of your favorite tea, the maker doesn't stop at simple mechanics when the water is just right--there is the steeping time to consider. Complete with a ceramic teapot, teacups and a serving tray, the do-it-all appliance automatically pours your tea directly into the teapot when it has been steeped for the appropriate amount of time. With or without ceremony, your favorite tea is now ready to enjoy.
As if Chris Pirillo of Lockergnome fame wasn't all over the Web enough, he now wants to be in your kettle. Pirillo has partnered with Might Leaf Tea Company to invent Geekalicious, a signature tea that bears his likeness. It's a genmaicha-like tea, and like most genmaicha, it has rice puffs that combine with the other natural tea flavors to give it a refreshing character.
"I went to college for this."
(Credit: Mighty Leaf Tea Company)How do I know so much about tea? How does Pirillo? Some are saying tea is the new coffee. I used to work in a coffee shop that was popular among the tea-elite. I can't speak for Pirillo, but with the Revision3 guys getting their own brews, it's like this geek tea thing is becoming a trend.
Geekalicious makes me wonder what other kids of things Pirillo will start licensing. If the tea is successful, will we see a breakfast cereal called Pirillo Puffs? Rice Chris Ps?
Where can I get some Cinnamon TechCrunch?*
We haven't tried the tea yet. But if you're into tea, you can try Geekalicious at Mighty Leaf for $9.95. So far there are no reviews, but maybe one of our readers can be the first.
* Editor's note: the editorial staff takes no responsibility for Matt's puns. They are his own, though we're glad he shares.
(Credit:
Chiasso)
Something for the tea lover and gadgeteer in your life that won't break your holiday budget.
The Tea Stick from Chiasso for $20 is a stainless steel spring-loaded stick and sieve. You use the tiny shovel to scoop loose tea and load it in the stick. The stick is completely enclosed when dunking.
Like a mood ring for your water
They say a watched pot never boils, but with the Kenwood Response kettle you won't be able to look away. That's because the sides of the kettle are constantly changing color, from a cool blue to a hot red, as the water inside heats up. Aside from the rainbow lighting effect, the Response kettle also features a switch on the side that lets you heat water to exactly 176 degrees--the perfect temp for brewing green tea. The kettle will then hold the water at that temperature so you can always top off your cup or brew a second serving.
(Credit:
Kenwood)
Unfortunately, Kenwood is based in the UK, so we here in the States can't yet enjoy the company's "21st Century Breakfast Set." It's such a good idea, though, I hope someone will bring it to our shores soon.
Via Chip Chick
(Credit:
Pocket-lint)
Now this is our kind of alarm clock. Forget about those other ones that blow out your eardrums or fly and run away from you.
The "Jeeves" clock from Voco awakens you with one of 49 British quips from the voice of Stephen Fry himself, classically designed with Roman numerals and Ionic columns. An example from Pocket-lint: "Good morning, Sir. The prime minister phoned again. I told him you were not available. We shan't be treated like THAT again!" Indeed.
(Credit:
Cool Hunting)
Leave it to the Brits to make tea stains fashionable.
(Credit:
Cool Hunting)
British designer Laura Bethan Wood has designed a tea cup that patterns over time from tea stains. The bone china cups with saucer are about $69 and can be ordered directly from the designer on her Web site.
(Credit:
Cool Hunting)
Cool Hunting says that the tea cup is meant to challenge the assumption that old is bad, as the pattern reveals itself only over prolonged use as the porous areas absorb tea.
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