For novice enthusiasts, this question is quite common. For example, “I've been using my Teapot for Tieguanyin, but recently I've developed a liking for Tung Ting Oolong. Can I brew it in the same pot? Will it harm the pot?”

In principle, this practice is not recommended, as everyone knows the rule of “one pot for one tea.” However, we don't have to be limited by this. There are methods, though they may be a bit troublesome. First, let's discuss what the rule of “one pot for one tea” means.

Purple clay is a mixture of various minerals such as quartz, hematite, mica, and clay. The pores in purple clay Teapots are formed at the interfaces between these minerals and within small clay aggregates. This is known as a dual-pore structure. The dual-pore structure is due to both the inherent structure of the purple clay and the pores left behind during firing when different minerals contract at varying rates.

The interfacial pores between the various minerals are typically chain-like, some being interconnected while others are closed. The pores within the small clay aggregates are closed if they are internal and open if they are on the surface of the aggregate. Closed pores are primarily responsible for the heat retention properties of purple clay teapots.

Due to the surface tension of tea, it cannot penetrate through these pores to reach the surface of the pot. However, steam can pass through. This is what is meant by “breathable but not watertight.” When steam from the tea passes through the pores, it leaves a residue on the pore walls due to the tortuous path of the pores. Once the water vapor evaporates, tea substances remain inside the pores. This is the primary reason why purple clay teapots retain the aroma of tea. If too many different types of tea are brewed, the tea aromas in the pores become mixed up.

Therefore, the finished product has excellent gas adsorption and breathability, making it ideal for brewing tea, which retains its color, aroma, and flavor well. Other practical functions include the benefits of not becoming too hot to handle and being resistant to cracking. Since purple clay teapots conduct heat slowly, even boiling water doesn't make them too hot to handle. They can also be placed over a gentle flame without cracking.

In summary, purple clay teapots not only preserve the color, aroma, and taste of tea but also prevent the tea from turning sour and have good resistance to thermal shock. These features are unmatched by other ceramic teapots.

So, here comes the question:

What should you do if you want to change the type of tea?

Regarding this question: “My teapot has always been used for Tieguanyin, but recently I've started to like Tung Ting Oolong. Can I brew it in the same pot? Will it harm the pot?”

You can brew Tung Ting Oolong in your teapot. It won't harm the pot. First, Rinse the pot several times with boiling water, then place it in clean water and boil it (starting from cold water and gradually increasing the heat), allowing it to cool naturally before removing the pot. Next, put about one-third of the Tung Ting Oolong into the pot and boil it in clean water (again starting from cold water and adding more Tung Ting Oolong to the water if desired). Allow it to cool naturally before removing the pot. Then, the pot can be used again. However, if possible, I still recommend using “one pot for one tea.”

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