Types of Tea Pots
The variety of tea pots is vast, with each having a unique shape and being made from different materials.
In real-life scenarios, common tea utensils include those made from pure silver, purple clay (Zisha), porcelain, glass, plastic, and other materials. The differences in material are distinct, and their shapes are visibly unique as well.
So, when using tea pots made from various materials to brew tea, what differences would there be in the resulting tea, and how would the taste vary?
Silver Tea Pots
When water is boiled in a silver pot, it softens and becomes thinner, which the ancients described as “silk-like water,” meaning it becomes soft, thin, and smooth like silk. Additionally, silver pots themselves are clean and odorless, and they have stable thermal chemical properties that prevent rusting and do not impart any off-flavors to the tea. Silver has the best heat conductivity among all metals, which allows it to quickly dissipate the heat in blood vessels, effectively preventing various cardiovascular diseases.During the boiling process, silver ions and sodium ions released by the silver pot can serve as disinfectants for the body. A tiny amount of silver dissolves in the water as silver ions. Just two parts per billion of silver ions in a liter of water are sufficient to kill most bacteria.
Purple Clay (Zisha) Tea Ware
Purple clay tea ware is dense but has microscopic pores that are invisible to the naked eye, which absorb tea juice and retain its flavor. They also conduct heat slowly, preventing scalding, and are resistant to cracking even under sudden temperature changes. When using a purple clay Teapot to brew tea, the aroma is harmonious, and the tea retains its true essence without taking on a cooked flavor. It is generally believed that this type of teapot is best for brewing semi-fermented teas like Oolong and Tie Guan Yin, enhancing the unique characteristics of these teas.
Ceramic Tea Ware
Ceramic tea ware does not absorb water and produces a clear and resonant sound. White ceramic is highly valued as it reflects the color of the tea infusion. Its moderate heat conduction and insulation properties ensure that the tea does not undergo chemical reactions with the material, allowing for an excellent display of the tea's color, aroma, and taste. Ceramic teaware is particularly suitable for brewing lightly fermented teas that emphasize fragrance.
Glass Tea Ware
Glass tea ware is transparent, conducts heat quickly, and is impermeable. Using a glass cup to brew tea, one can observe the movement of the tea leaves throughout the brewing process, their gradual unfurling, and the changing color of the tea liquor. The downside is that glassware is prone to breaking and can become hot to the touch, but it is inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing.
Other Tea Ware
Tea ware made from other materials, such as plastic, often carries an unpleasant odor that affects the taste of the tea when hot water is used. Paper cups have similar issues and are not recommended for brewing tea except in emergencies. Using an insulated cup to brew tea results in a low, dull aroma and a cooked flavor. Moreover, when we use boiling water to brew tea, the result often has a plastic taste. Drinking too much water contaminated with such toxins over time can be harmful to our health.