If you're a Tea lover, you may have heard about the benefits of brewing tea with a purple clay Teapot. Especially when brewing green tea, a purple clay teapot not only enhances the aroma but also allows the tea leaves to fully develop their flavor. Today, let's talk about purple clay Teapots and brewing green tea.

(Image source: network, delete upon request)

Why Choose a Purple Clay Teapot for Brewing Green Tea

The purple clay teapot, also known as the Yixing purple clay teapot, is produced in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China, and is renowned for its unique clay and craftsmanship. The clay used in these teapots primarily consists of purple clay, red clay, and green clay, which, after high-temperature firing, form a pot body with tiny pores that help retain the aroma and Taste of the tea.

Compared to other types of teaware, the purple clay teapot has several unique advantages. Firstly, it has good breathability, allowing the tea leaves to “breathe” within the pot and release their aroma more effectively. Secondly, it has excellent heat retention properties, ensuring that the tea steeps at an appropriate temperature without overheating and damaging the nutritional components of the leaves.

How to Select a Purple Clay Teapot Suitable for Brewing Green Tea

When purchasing a purple clay teapot, there are several key points to consider. Firstly, the type of clay. Purple clay or red clay is typically chosen for brewing green tea due to their better breathability and heat retention. Secondly, the size of the pot; generally, a pot that is not too large is preferred, with a capacity of around 200-300 ml being ideal.

(Image source: network, delete upon request)

In addition to the clay and size, the shape of the pot is also important. For brewing green tea, choose a teapot with a shallow body and a wide mouth, which allows the tea leaves sufficient space to unfurl, making it easier for the aroma to be released.

Steps and Techniques for Brewing Green Tea

The steps for brewing green tea with a purple clay teapot are not complicated, but to brew a good pot of tea, some techniques need to be mastered.

Preparations

First, prepare the purple clay teapot, tea leaves, and an adequate amount of hot water. Before using the teapot, rinse it with hot water to warm it up and clean any residue inside.

(Image source: network, delete upon request)

Adding Tea Leaves and Pouring Water

The amount of green tea added is usually 1/5 to 1/4 of the teapot's capacity. After adding the tea, rinse it with water around 80°C and quickly pour it out. This step, known as “washing the tea,” removes dust and impurities on the surface of the leaves.

Next, pour an appropriate amount of hot water, keeping the temperature between 80°C and 85°C. Higher temperatures can damage the nutrients and freshness of green tea. When pouring water, use the “high pour, low steep” method, where you pour from a height and steep at a lower level, allowing the tea leaves to fully unfurl in the water.

Steeping and Pouring Out the Tea

The steeping time for green tea should not be too long, usually about 1 to 2 minutes. Longer steeping times can result in a bitter taste. Adjust the steeping time according to personal preference.

(Image source: network, delete upon request)

When pouring out the tea, do so all at once to avoid the remaining tea continuing to steep and affecting the taste of subsequent infusions. After pouring out the first infusion, you can continue to add water for second and third infusions, slightly extending the steeping time each time.

Care and Cleaning of Purple Clay Teapots

The care and cleaning of purple clay teapots are also very important. After use, rinse them with hot water, avoiding the use of detergent or other chemical cleaning agents, as these can damage the clay and tea aroma.

After cleaning, place the pot upside down to dry, preventing water from remaining inside and causing bacteria to grow. If the teapot is not going to be used for a long time, wrap it in cotton cloth and store it in a dry and well-ventilated area.

Summary

Brewing green tea with a purple clay teapot not only enhances the taste and aroma of the tea but also makes the tea-drinking process more enjoyable. Choosing a suitable purple clay teapot and mastering the correct brewing methods will enable you to brew a great pot of tea. Hopefully, this article provides you with useful knowledge, and I wish you enjoyment in every cup of tea.