The saying goes: once you enter the world of Teapots, it's like diving into an ocean of knowledge. For some newcomers to the Teapot enthusiast community, staring at a brand new teapot can be quite bewildering. Today, let's explore the “three-step process” for new teapots.

Step One: Seasoning the Teapot

Why season the teapot?

Purple clay teapots undergo high-temperature firing, which causes physical changes and expansion of pores. After cooling down post-firing, these pores may become blocked by dust or other particles.

The artisan's finishing touches might leave behind some clay residue inside the teapot.

In addition, some teapots may still contain white aluminum powder.

Moreover, after passing through various hands before reaching you, the teapot will inevitably accumulate dust and impurities on both its inner and outer surfaces.

Therefore, before using the teapot to Brew Tea, a simple treatment should be performed. This not only cleans the teapot but also removes any odors absorbed during firing, storage, and transportation.

How to season the teapot?

A simpler method involves repeatedly rinsing the teapot with boiling water before use.

A slightly more complex approach would involve steeping the teapot in hot water with a small amount of tea leaves, then rinsing it with boiling water before use.

If you buy your teapot from a tea market, it may have already been seasoned or even well-maintained by the seller. In this case, a simple rinse and cleaning are sufficient before use.

Step Two: Body Care

1. Rinsing Method

Before brewing tea, rinse the teapot inside and out with boiling water to remove any dust and earthy odor, and warm up the teapot body.

After placing tea leaves inside the teapot, pour boiling water over them, cover the lid, and then rinse the teapot again with boiling water. This will clean off any tea foam and residue. It is common practice to rinse the teapot body with boiling water to maintain its cleanliness and neatness.

2. Brushing Method

When the temperature inside the teapot rises during brewing, the pores in the teapot body expand. At this point, use a teapot brush dipped in water to continuously brush the teapot body. The tea oils will seep through the pores of the purple clay and form a glossy and smooth patina on the surface of the teapot.

3. Wiping Method

After brewing tea, clean the teapot thoroughly and rinse it with boiling water. While the teapot is still warm, use a half-damp towel to polish the entire teapot using a buffing technique. This method helps distribute the patina evenly across the teapot's surface.

4. Maintenance Method

After each use, clean the teapot thoroughly and wipe it dry, ensuring that the interior remains dry and fresh.

Do not use chemical detergents to clean the teapot. Use specialized, clean towels for wiping; they should not be too rough.

Step Three: Handling the Teapot

Tea tasting emphasizes “stillness,” and nurturing a teapot also requires “purity.”

During breaks between sips, gently caress and play with the purple clay teapot, leaving unique marks on its surface.

Your hands must be thoroughly cleaned, free of oil and sweat, and no hand creams should be applied, as these would result in a teapot that looks oily but lacks “luster,” appearing dull and lifeless.

Touching the teapot allows for a barrier-free connection, creating a bond between the person and the teapot, making your teapot distinct from millions of others in the world.

If there are any copyright issues, please contact us for removal.