A freshly made purple clay pot is not recommended for direct use in brewing Tea. After being fired in the kiln, a new pot carries dust and residue and requires some cleaning and preparation before it can be used. This process is known as “initiating the pot” or “opening the pot.”

The practice of initiating a new pot has been around for a long time. Nowadays, there are many methods discussed online, such as using Tofu lees, sugarcane, or boiling the pot in water. So, how do locals from Yixing initiate their pots?

Regarding the initiation of a new pot, I have some professional insights to share with fellow enthusiasts:

Step 1: Upon acquiring a new pot, you should first inspect it thoroughly. Assuming there are no issues, clean both the inside and outside of the pot with a tea cloth (mainly to remove dust and white quartz sand).

Step 2: Pour boiling water over the cleaned pot, allowing it to absorb moisture fully. For pots made of Zhu Ni or Dahongpao clay, use warm water instead. In the colder months, be mindful of temperature changes to prevent thermal shock that could cause cracking.

Step 3: After rinsing two to three times with boiling water, you can choose a suitable tea to Brew. If you prefer, you can discard the first one or two infusions to better eliminate any earthy or kiln-baked flavors.

This method of initiating a new pot is simple and efficient. It not only removes the clay smell and kiln dust effectively but also makes the pot easier to maintain and develop a patina quickly.

While drinking and brewing tea is an enjoyable and casual activity, initiating a new pot is an essential step and a subject that requires some knowledge and attention to detail.