A single utensil gains fame only for Tea, bringing joy to a room full of guests with its fragrance. The relationship between good tea and good utensils is one of perfect synergy, complementing each other beautifully. A high-quality Teapot, a set of exquisite cups, and a serene environment. Tea lovers can best appreciate the taste.

People say that when it comes to nurturing and collecting Teapots, purple clay is most favored. So, do you have any purple clay pots? Have you been able to nourish your purple clay pot to your liking? Many tea enthusiasts find that when they first start to care for their purple clay pots, the patina develops slowly, and they are unsure where they might be going wrong. Here are some possible reasons.

Non-Original Mine Purple Clay

The tea utensil market is full of various options, but it also has its share of imposters, and fake purple clay teapots are not uncommon. Generally speaking, poor-quality clay machine-made teapots, chemical teapots, slip-cast teapots, and hand-pulled teapots are particularly difficult to nurture properly.

If you have purchased a teapot that is not genuine purple clay, no matter how carefully you care for it, you will not be able to develop a beautiful patina. The first thing to consider if you cannot achieve the desired result is whether there is an issue with the clay itself. When playing with teapots, enthusiasts should pay special attention to the quality of the clay and seek out original mine purple clay.

Long-Term Disuse

Purple clay teapots require use and care; this is common knowledge among tea lovers. If you purchase a teapot and then leave it unused, solely for display, the teapot loses its true meaning.

A Purple Clay Teapot that is seldom used is most likely to develop mold and unpleasant odors. Even if you think you have cleaned and dried it thoroughly, this may not be the case. When a purple clay teapot is covered with its lid without being completely dried, the temperature and humidity inside will gradually rise. When the temperature and humidity reach a critical point, unpleasant odors or even mold can form. Do not hesitate to use your purple clay teapot for brewing tea; a teapot nurtured with tea will develop a natural patina, becoming more beautiful over time.

Failure to Clean Regularly

Many people assume that washing the teapot after use will remove the patina, but this is incorrect.

The first key to nurturing a teapot is to keep it clean. Long-term buildup of tea stains and residue can easily lead to hygiene issues. Over time, this can produce nitrosamines, and the accumulation of tea residue can affect the breathability of the purple clay teapot. Additionally, due to the strong absorbency of purple clay, it can absorb some of the odors, which can affect future tea brewing. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness and washing the teapot immediately after use is essential for proper nurturing.

In addition to these points, we must also:

Warm Up the Teapot and Utensils

Before brewing tea, warm up the teapot with hot water. Boiling water serves two purposes: it cleans the teapot and removes any lingering odors, while also warming it up and awakening its flavor. Additionally, it is another step in cleaning the teapot. A teapot warmed with water can better retain the flavor and color of the tea.

Rinse and Wipe the Teapot

When brewing tea, the water temperature is high, causing the teapot's pores to open like those on human skin, allowing moisture to gradually seep out onto the surface. After pouring tea over the teapot, gently wipe it with a fine, soft cloth or tea towel. This helps the teapot better absorb the color of the tea, making it more lustrous.

Rotate Teapots for Rest and Nourishment

Teapots need rest too. Rotate the use of your teapots and avoid using one continuously. Only through rest and drying can teapots fully absorb the nutrients from the tea, nourishing them.

Dedicate Each Teapot to a Specific Tea

If possible, dedicate each teapot to a specific type of tea, as teapots can absorb the aroma and flavor of the tea. Using a single teapot for different types of tea can result in mixed flavors. Strictly separating teapots by tea type ensures the best flavor experience.

Nurturing a teapot is akin to cultivating one's character. We should nurture the teapot while enjoying tea, rather than enjoying tea while nurturing the teapot. A well-nourished teapot should exhibit a “dull” color, with a luster that is “subdued,” much like a gentleman, dignified and steady.

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