I have a friend who is rather careless and impetuous. His family suggested that he drink tea to cultivate calmness. This friend doesn't mind Tea, especially Pu'er, and two years ago he bought an old purple clay Shi Piao Teapot. He has grown more fond of it over time, to the point where if he doesn't use it to brew tea one day, he feels uneasy. He described the feeling as if a heavy smoker hadn't smoked in a day. He calls this a “tea addiction.”
Not long ago, my friend's “tea addiction” kicked in, but due to his careless nature, he had run out of Pu'er tea without replenishing his supply. He told me he felt restless, so he resorted to pouring hot water into his old purple clay Shi Piao pot and sipped it as he usually would. At first, he thought he was hallucinating because the taste of plain boiled water resembled the familiar flavor of Pu'er. However, after a few more sips, the taste remained the same. He exclaimed that the pot had become “enchanted,” while I explained that the pot had simply been “seasoned.”
The Benefits of Using One Pot for One Type of Tea
Teapot enthusiasts often adhere to the “one pot for one type of tea” practice, which means they always use their beloved Teapots exclusively for brewing a single type of tea. This is actually a good habit, closely related to the properties of purple clay teapots. These teapots are excellent for brewing tea due to their unique double-pore structure, which absorbs the essence of the tea. A well-used purple clay teapot can produce a faint tea flavor even when filled only with boiling water. Therefore, a teapot dedicated to a single type of tea ensures that the tea retains its original freshness and purity. If you were to brew different teas in the same pot, the flavors would mix, losing their distinctiveness.
What to Do If You Want to Use the Same Pot for Different Teas?
What should you do if you really like a particular teapot and want to switch to a different type of tea? In this case, you need to clean the purple clay teapot. First, fill it with boiling water, shake it gently a few times, then pour out the water and immerse the pot in cold water. This process will remove any residual flavors. Repeat several times. Alternatively, you can also boil the teapot in a pot of water, adding enough water to cover the pot and the new type of tea you wish to use. Afterward, steep the new tea in the pot for a few hours before discarding the liquid and cleaning the teapot thoroughly.
Your Mindset Determines Your Choice
Given the method to clean your teapot, is it still necessary to adhere to the “one pot for one type of tea” practice? I believe that in the world of teapot enthusiasts, we can do with fewer rigid terms like “necessary” or “should.” These words represent logic and rules, whereas drinking and appreciating tea is more about mindset and enjoyment. Some people drink tea to cultivate composure and inner peace, while others seek happiness and relaxation.
When you stick to using one pot for one type of tea, you experience the subtle nuances of the tea's true character, a pure and elegant flavor without any mixed aromas. This approach conveys a sense of individuality and the joy of staying true to oneself. On the other hand, when you don't strictly adhere to using one pot for one type of tea, you may discover another realm of experience: freedom, inclusivity, ease, and a natural charm. The appeal of purple clay teapots, which have endured for thousands of years and continue to thrive in modern times, lies in their integration of China's profound traditional culture. Playing with these teapots allows us to experience a sense of breadth and depth, and to find tranquility. By now, every teapot enthusiast likely has their own perspective on the matter of using one pot for one type of tea.
Reminder:
Regarding the double-pore structure of purple clay teapots, it's important to note that some people leave tea leaves in the pot to form a “tea mountain,” believing it makes the pot look more antique. Others intentionally leave the last infusion in the pot until the next use, thinking it helps with both internal and external seasoning. However, the double-pore structure of the teapot not only absorbs tea but can also absorb mold. A teapot maintained in this way may develop off-flavors and could be detrimental to health, making it a counterproductive approach.
Source: Purple Clay Teapot Encyclopedia