Having one or two purple clay Teapots on your Tea table at home signifies a refined taste. However, the care and maintenance of a purple clay teapot are slightly more complicated than other tea utensils. To help more people use and enjoy the process of nurturing their purple clay teapots, here are some care tips. After carefully reading through these, if you follow them, you will cherish the teapot you have nurtured for a lifetime.
Where is the best place to put a Purple Clay Teapot?
Do not store a purple clay teapot in a cabinet for long periods, nor should it be placed together with other objects. This is because purple clay is susceptible to “contamination” and can easily absorb odors from other items, which can affect the taste when brewing tea. If stored in overly humid or dry areas, it can also impact the teapot's aroma and luster. Additionally, as a fragile item, if you have children at home, make sure to keep your precious teapot in a safe spot. Once broken, while it can be repaired, there will always be a scar. Do you agree?
One Teapot for One Type of Tea
Some people, for convenience, might rinse out the tea leaves after brewing Tie Guan Yin, clean the teapot, and then Brew Pu-erh. However, this is not correct! The pores of the purple clay teapot will retain the flavor of Tie Guan Yin, and even though Tie Guan Yin likes cleanliness, it has a particular affinity for Pu-erh. When they meet, they mix flavors! For this reason, we generally recommend “one teapot for one use,” meaning one purple clay teapot should only be used for one type of tea. Using a teapot for multiple types of tea can lead to mixed flavors, affecting the taste experience and the teapot's luster.
Appropriate Use Frequency
For seasoned tea drinkers, Drinking Tea all day is common; however, those who have been drinking tea for a shorter time may not have developed a regular habit. If using a purple clay teapot, it's recommended to maintain a consistent tea-brewing frequency. If the teapot is rarely used, it can become too dry, whereas frequent use can keep it constantly damp, potentially causing an unpleasant odor if not properly managed. Therefore, if you're looking to nurture your teapot, aim for a “once-a-day” use frequency.
Nurturing a Lustrous Teapot Internally
Some people try to achieve a more attractive patina on their purple clay teapot by pouring tea over it. However, industry professionals note that this method can result in uneven coloring and does not produce the truly “pearl-like and jade-like” finish. The most appropriate way to nurture a teapot is by brewing tea, allowing the interior to absorb the tea, while simply rinsing the exterior with hot water.
In summary, the process of nurturing a teapot isn't difficult. By mastering the basic methods and being consistent, you can develop a beautiful purple clay teapot while enjoying tea. After getting into the habit of using a purple clay teapot, all the usage methods and precautions will become second nature, enhancing both the teapot's appearance and the tea's flavor, achieving a harmonious balance of “teapot luster and tea fragrance.”