As we all know, purple clay teapots are very suitable for brewing Dahongpao, Pu'er, and Tieguanyin, but few people try to brew green tea with them. Many people use glass cups to brew green tea, and over time, it has become a common belief that green tea cannot be brewed in a purple clay teapot. Is this claim correct?

One viewpoint argues against using purple clay teapots for green tea. The reasons are:

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1. You cannot observe the graceful dance of green tea leaves in water;

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2. The purple clay teapot may overcook the delicate green tea, causing it to lose its freshness.

However, this is not entirely true. Glassware is a later invention, and its popularity stems from the visual appeal of green tea leaves unfurling and the convenience it offers. But this does not negate the advantages of purple clay teapots.

Overcooking tea leaves usually happens due to a lack of brewing knowledge. Kung fu tea emphasizes precise control over factors like heat, water temperature, and steeping time. Scientifically, the double-pore structure of purple clay ensures its breathability without leaking water—a feature unmatched by glass, iron, or porcelain teapots. This structure helps maintain the freshness of green tea longer. If brewed at 80°C with proper timing, green tea will not be overcooked.

Additionally, due to its breathability and absorbency, a purple clay teapot not only prevents tea from turning stale but also enhances the aroma of green tea. Su Dongpo famously wrote, "Fine tea is like a beautiful woman." This line was composed during his tenure as a governor in Hangzhou, where West Lake Longjing tea (a type of green tea) is produced. Su Dongpo also emphasized the importance of brewing utensils, preferring stoneware over metal for its purity. While in Yixing, he even designed a teapot called the "Dongpo Ti Liang," showcasing the long-standing tradition of using purple clay teapots for green tea.

To brew green tea properly in a purple clay teapot: First, choose a suitable teapot shape and clay type—wide-mouthed and fast-pouring, with duanni clay being ideal. Second, control the water temperature carefully, generally not exceeding 90°C (80°C for premium tea). Finally, master the steeping time, and remove the lid immediately after pouring to prevent overcooking.