When discussing the wonders of purple clay pots, there is a legend that cannot be overlooked: A mason forgot a half-drunk purple clay pot on the roof while working on a house. Years later, when the house was being renovated again, the pot was discovered. Remarkably, not only had the Tea inside not gone bad, but its color, aroma, and taste remained unchanged.

The story, of course, exaggerates the truth. If it were truly that magical, household refrigerators would likely become obsolete. While purple clay pots do not prevent tea from going bad, they do slow down the process, keeping the tea fresher for longer.

So, what's the secret behind the purple clay pot's ability to extend the freshness of tea?

This is thanks to the unique dual-pore structure of purple clay. There are two types of pores in purple clay: one forms during firing when carbonate decomposes, releasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, creating intermittent pores known as “chain-like pore clusters.”

The other type of pore is formed within aggregates, where the different shrinkages during firing create numerous tiny pores. These two types of pores constitute the unique dual-layered pore structure of purple clay.

Dual-pore structure of red clay pot bodies (with relatively tight structure)

Thanks to this dual-layered pore structure, purple clay pots have a high porosity and water absorption rate. They can effectively absorb tea residue, increasing the acidity of the tea, which helps preserve freshness by acting as a preservative and antibacterial agent, delaying spoilage.

Moreover, the design of purple clay pots is precise, with the lid fitting so tightly that “not even a piece of paper could fit between them.” Only the spout and the small holes on the knob are exposed to the outside, greatly reducing the surface area in contact with air. This minimizes the chances of microbial contamination and slows down oxidation. Additionally, the boiling water poured into the pot kills any microorganisms, further reducing the risk of fermentation.

This is the principle behind the purple clay pot's reputation for keeping tea fresh “even overnight in the heat of summer.”

However, all these characteristics—such as preserving flavor, color, and preventing spoilage—are relative to other materials. A purple clay pot is not a magic box; while it may keep tea fresh overnight in winter, it might not fare as well during the sweltering heat of summer or in the high humidity of the plum rain season.

Leaving tea, residue, and stains in the pot for extended periods will likely result in spoilage.

Therefore, the correct approach is to empty the pot after drinking, rinse it with boiling water to remove any remaining tea, and then allow it to dry naturally in a dry, ventilated, odor-free place for future use. This method advocates regular cleaning, ensuring both the inside and outside remain clean and hygienic, and eliminating the risk of souring and spoilage that could harm the pot.

While the discussion above delves into scientific principles, it risks losing the fun aspect. However, without some scientific scrutiny, one might end up drinking “confused tea.”

To avoid confusion in the world of Teapots, one must explore and understand the properties of the material to truly appreciate the beauty of the vessel and enjoy a fine Cup of tea.

If there are any copyright issues, please contact us to remove the content.