Kickstarter is a forum in which creative entrepreneurs can introduce their products to the public while opening themselves to funding. It is also a great way for consumers to get an early introduction to innovative products that have not yet hit retail shelves, and give retailers access to unique products they may want to stock to set themselves apart. The devices below make brewing different types of tea easy, convenient and portable for people who travel or live active lifestyles.
Pebble Bottle: “On-The-GoCold Brew and Loose Leaf Tea Maker”
The Pebble Bottle was designed with cold brew tea and coffee lovers in mind. The Pebble Bottle, which was invented by Hugh, Inc., a Korean appliance manufacturer based in Seoul and Los Angeles, combines an insulated vacuum flask and a cold brewer. A double micron filter enhances the extraction process by preventing sediment from slipping through. To brew tea, one just puts tea leaves into the filter, pours water on top, seals the lid and lets it brew. The lid prevents the mixture from having contact with the outside air, so the beverage inside retains its flavor for a long time. It is actually a double lid which can hold tea leaves, coffee grounds, vitamins and whatever else will fit inside. The brewer has received $41,000 from donors in a successful Kickstarter campaign that ends Nov. 7.
The Tea Shaker: “An easy way to make frothy delicious Matcha”
Miki Takamori, who is the president of the Kyoto, Japan-based Theanine Co., Ltd., invented the Tea Shaker (also knows as the Frutcha, which means “shake tea” in Japanese) so people could prepare matcha without the matcha whisk. “Many people think [the whisk] is a part of formal tea ceremony and difficult to use,” said Takamori. “They believe that they should have learned Tea Ceremony to enjoy that type of tea. So I developed this shaker to allow for a more casual and easy way to enjoy Matcha.” Takamori was born in Uji, a city known for its matcha. To prepare frothy matcha in the Tea Shaker, simply put one-half teaspoon of matcha into the strainer at the top of the container. Then filter the matcha powder through the strainer; add water, place and seal the lid on top and shake. The unique lid allows the matcha to aerate, which creates the frothy finish. The tea shaker is made of shatter resistant BPA-free Tritan and is currently in the midst of its Kickstarter campaign.
Mosi Tea: “Brew and drink loose-leaf tea anywhere”
The Mosi Tea portable brewer from Durham, North Carolina eliminates the need for the traditional array of tea brewing paraphernalia by combining all of the essentials into one practical device. To brew, tea goes into the sieve, which gets secured to the lid; next, hot water is added to the container, the lid is attached and the whole device gets flipped upside down for the desired steeping time. To drink, flip it right-side up, remove the lid and enjoy. The siv is made of food-grade silicone, and the lid flips open so the consumer does not have to remove it to take a sip. The container is made of double-walled shatter-resistant Tritan, which keeps drinks inside hot or cold without affecting the outside surface temperature. The drinking spout was inspired by ancient Chinese tea cups and Mosi’s loop handle can be clipped to a backpack. Mosi Tea’s Kickstarter campaign concluded, but the device can be purchased on Indiegogo.