There has long been a saying in the Tea community that “purple clay Teapots are not suitable for brewing green tea,” which leaves many new tea enthusiasts puzzled: isn't Drinking Tea supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience? Why should it be constrained by conventional rules? Actually, this belief is not entirely without reason. Some seasoned tea drinkers argue that purple clay teapots are not ideal for brewing green tea, mainly due to the following two considerations:

Firstly, green tea, especially high-grade varieties made from single buds, features tender and fresh buds. Brewing these delicate teas in a purple clay Teapot, which has a relatively small internal space and good heat retention, can easily overcook the tender leaves, wasting good tea.

Secondly, unlike glass cups, the opacity of purple clay teapots means you cannot observe the beautiful sight of green tea leaves unfurling and dancing up and down as they steep.

Purple clay teapots are widely recognized as the premier choice among tea ware. They are suitable for various types of tea, including green tea. Many tea lovers use purple clay teapots for brewing green tea in their daily lives. The key lies in selecting the right teapot and employing appropriate brewing techniques.

I. Choosing a Purple Clay Teapot

Most green teas are made primarily from young buds and do not tolerate being oversteeped. When choosing a purple clay teapot, opt for one with a shorter, wider body and a larger lid opening.

A taller teapot retains more heat, which is not conducive to brewing green tea. Shorter, wider teapots provide a buffer for the water flow, and the smaller interior space ensures that the tea leaves are gently immersed in the water. A large lid opening facilitates heat dissipation, preventing the green tea from becoming overcooked, and also allows for an appreciation of the tea buds as they dance.

II. Brewing Green Tea with a Purple Clay Teapot

Green tea does not require high water temperatures; around 85 degrees Celsius is sufficient. Boiling water should never be used. Higher temperatures can scorch the tea, producing a cooked flavor. The fresher and more delicate the green tea leaves, the lower the water temperature should be. For stir-fried and oven-dried green teas, the water temperature should be slightly lower than for steamed or sun-dried varieties.

When brewing with a purple clay teapot, avoid covering the pot for the first few infusions to give the tea leaves some breathing time. Each infusion should last about 8-10 seconds, resulting in a more balanced aroma and taste.

When properly matched, green tea and a purple clay teapot can bring out the true flavors and essence of the tea. However, using an unsuitable teapot shape or improper brewing technique can have the opposite effect. Overall, while using a purple clay teapot for brewing green tea may not yield the best results in terms of taste or visual enjoyment compared to a glass cup, if visual appreciation of the tea leaves is a priority, transparent vessels like glass would be a better choice.

If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.