A Loose tea strainer is a metal or plastic device used to strain loose-leaf tea when brewing. They are typically composed of two parts: the lid, which is perforated with small holes, and the bowl, which rests in the cup or teapot. The lid is placed into the cup and the tea leaves are placed in the bowl before hot water is added. As the hot water passes through the tea leaves, it is filtered out through the small holes in the lid, resulting in a smooth cup of tea.