Black Tea is fully fermented, and during the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea leaves oxidize continuously. Originally hidden within the leaves, nutrients move to the surface and dissolve easily in water. Therefore, brewing black tea is very skill-dependent.
Key to brewing great black tea, aside from the amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time, is having a good purple Clay pot. So what kind of pot allows even a beginner tea enthusiast to brew delicious black tea?
The rich aroma of black tea and the warmth of a purple clay pot have an inherent connection, blending together to create a Cup of tea that lingers in the memory. When using a purple clay pot to brew black tea, it's important to understand these aspects to bring out the best flavor.
Purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties and retain the tea's fragrance. Purple clay pots have a unique dual-pore structure, with both chain pores and closed pores coexisting.
Chain pores allow the tea's aroma to pass through the pores, but because they are winding and tortuous, some residue remains on the pore walls. This is the primary reason why purple clay pots retain the tea's fragrance.
Black tea doesn't require an intense aroma, and the sweet, smooth taste upon entry is highly valued. The strong adsorption capacity of a purple clay pot makes the tea its own and then releases it, maximizing the sweetness and smoothness.
Using a purple clay pot to brew black tea is an excellent choice.
Why is the Beauty (Xishi) Pot Suitable for Brewing Black Tea?
The Beauty (Xishi) pot is one of the most classic, traditional, and beloved shapes among all purple clay pots. It is also a must-have for enthusiasts of purple clay.
The opening of the Beauty (Xishi) pot is appropriately sized, making it easy to insert any type of tea. The pot's body, or belly, is larger, allowing the tea leaves to unfurl and facilitating the release of their flavors.
Considerations when Brewing Black Tea with a Purple Clay Pot.
For black tea, which is fully fermented, the tea quality has been fully activated during production, so precise control over water temperature is crucial. Even a slight mistake can spoil the taste.
When brewing black tea with a purple clay pot, the water temperature should be controlled around 85°C. Additionally, since the pot's spout is small, the Pouring speed is slower, and the tea stays in the pot longer, leading to a more astringent taste, affecting the drinking experience.
Red clay, vermillion clay, and Dahongpao-made purple clay pots are particularly suitable for pairing with black tea. From a matching perspective, the dark, rich color of the brewed black tea complements the pot's color without appearing jarring.
Vermillion clay has fine particles, a glossy surface, and a smooth feel. Its good color is due to its high iron content, which turns red after firing. Vermillion clay pots are valuable, with a high level of difficulty in forming, and only about 70% of them successfully complete the process. The clay is very delicate and picky.
If it's a vermillion clay Beauty (Xishi) pot, it can be beautifully conditioned when used to brew black tea.
How to Select a Beauty (Xishi) Pot?
The small, cherry-shaped mouth of the Beauty (Xishi) pot represents a characteristic feature of Chinese beauty, serving as both an image and practical spout. In purple clay pots, the unique handle design symbolizes the flowing hair of a beauty.
The body of the Beauty (Xishi) pot resembles a smooth, round cheek, with the cherry-shaped spout slightly open, ready to speak. The noble hair ornament on the lid acts as the pot's knob, adding a touch of maturity and elegance.
The Beauty (Xishi) pot's lid and body form a spherical shape, making it one of the most classic, traditional, and beloved shapes among all purple clay pots. The pot is round and plump, with a short spout, handle, and a cute appearance, making it an excellent choice for tasting and playing with.
Simplicity of form and clean lines are the greatest features of the Beauty (Xishi) pot. The arc extends gently from the center of the lid outward, returning at one-third of the way down the body and finishing with a one-press bottom. The transition is smooth yet sudden, leaving no trace of the joint. The lid is both thin and round.
The capacity should be controlled around 200 milliliters, with approximately 5 grams of dry tea used for each brewing.
The Beauty (Xishi) pot is beautiful, incredibly beautiful, and never tiring to look at, even after a hundred times. After the test of history, what remains is eternal beauty. The beauty of the Beauty (Xishi) pot is a kind of eternal beauty.
Do you now understand why black tea brewed in a Beauty (Xishi) pot tastes better? Get yourself some good tea and a good pot and enjoy the pleasure of brewing tea!
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