Cleaning

Old Wang is a well-known master at nourishing purple clay pots in the Suzhou pot circle. The pots that have passed through his hands are all dark and elegant, ancient and simple, as warm and smooth as jade, extremely graceful. Many people have asked Old Wang for advice on how to nourish their pots so well. Old Wang mentioned the importance of frequent washing and use, but the crowd requested more detailed methods. Old Wang sighed deeply; everyone now only saw how well he could nourish his pots, but they didn't know how many beloved pots he had ruined in the process, and in various ways... Over-nourished to Death When Old Wang first started playing with purple clay pots, he heard that pouring tea over the pot daily could make the purple clay pot absorb the tea faster and form a patina. So he poured tea over the pot every day. After pouring tea over the pot, he didn’t wipe it off. His pot-nourishing cloth was used as a tablecloth. After a few months, he found that his pot had uneven dark patches. It had been over-nourished to death. Old Wang beat his chest and stomped his feet. His first…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a teapot and believe that simply placing it in a clean spot after purchase is sufficient. Thus, they often place the teapot in a display cabinet or pack it into a box, considering their task complete. Such a method of storing teapots is highly inadvisable. Newly purchased teapots should be carefully nurtured during tea brewing sessions before being stored. Using a teapot skillfully is actually the best form of maintenance, although this may not apply to rare purple clay artifacts. Tang Yun, a prominent contemporary collector of purple clay, liked to use his "Man Sheng" teapots in rotation for brewing tea just like ordinary teapots. He once said, “I don’t want to use antiques as mere decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it.” Some guests would feel awkward when he served them tea brewed in such precious teapots. Mr. Tang would laugh and say, “These are merely external possessions; they should be used frequently. Only through frequent use can they become part of one’s inner self, achieving a state where both the object and oneself are forgotten. Most people do not understand this.”…

I believe there are many tea enthusiasts who love their purple clay teapots, but not all of them know how to protect them. The maintenance of a purple clay teapot is particularly important. This is not only because of its collectible value but also because it has practical uses, so you should take good care of your purple clay teapot. Fear of Dropping Purple clay teapots are especially afraid of being dropped. Once ceramic products are broken, they cannot be restored to their original state – even if repaired with techniques like porcelain joining or kintsugi, the result will only be a kind of imperfect beauty. How can you prevent dropping your teapot? When pouring tea, keep another finger on the lid or knob, and avoid large movements. Keep the teapot in hand during the pouring process, as many lids fall off while pouring tea. Avoid imitating the tricks that teapot sellers use, such as lids that don’t fall off or upside-down spout and lid demonstrations. These are just gimmicks that could easily ruin your beloved teapot, making it a waste of effort. Place the teapot in high or cabinet locations where children can’t reach, and don’t let clumsy people…

For tender and newly made loose Pu'er raw or ripe teas, you can choose not to rinse them. These types of teas have a strong flavor and, being in a loose state, are easier to brew and have unique flavors. However, for compressed teas and aged teas, rinsing is recommended. This is because these teas undergo special compression processes or long-term aging, which puts their taste and aroma into a "dormant" state. Rinsing the tea can fully awaken its aroma and flavor. What is the purpose of rinsing tea? In fact, the most important role of "rinsing" today is to "awaken" the tea, with cleaning dust being secondary. Why is this so? Because things are different now compared to ancient times. In ancient times, tea was purely naturally hand-picked and processed outdoors, so it was inevitable that there would be dust and insect eggs. However, in modern tea production, there is a step called "removal of ash content," which removes dust and impurities. Most commercially available teas are clean, with only a few low-grade teas having issues with dust and insect eggs. The claim about residual pesticides doesn't hold up, as modern pesticides are lipid-soluble and dissolve only in oils,…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a pot. They think that once they buy a pot, placing it in a clean spot is enough, so they often just put it in a display cabinet or box and consider their task done.Such a method of storing pots is the least desirable. A newly purchased pot should be carefully used for tea brewing to nurture it before storage. Clever use is actually the best way to maintain it, although rare purple clay artifacts are exceptions. Contemporary purple clay collector Tang Yun liked to use his "Man Sheng" pots for tea brewing in rotation like ordinary teapots during his lifetime.He once said: "I don't want to use antiques as decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it." Some guests were at a loss when he served them tea brewed in such a precious pot.Mr. Tang laughed and said: "These are external possessions that should be used regularly; only by using them regularly can they become part of oneself, achieving a state where both object and self are forgotten. Most people do not know this." Preserving purple clay is indeed important, but maintenance is…

Before officially using the purple clay pot to steep tea, it is advisable to perform a simple treatment on the pot — one to clean its inside and outside, and two to remove any impurities absorbed during the manufacturing, storage, transportation, etc.A simpler method involves merely rinsing the pot repeatedly with boiling water before use. A more complex method involves placing the pot in a clean, oil-free pot with pure water to boil, or adding a small amount of tea to simmer the pot over low heat, then rinse and use. However, locals from Yixing generally just rinse the new pot clean and steep some tea in it before using it.If you buy a pot at a tea market, some pots may have already been used by the seller or even seasoned, and such pots can be used after a simple rinse and cleaning.Nourishing the PotRegardless of whether the pot is new or old, after steeping tea with boiling water, take advantage of the higher surface temperature of the pot to wipe it with a damp towel or clean damp cloth. Wipe away the water marks immediately, keeping the pot clean.In the process of nurturing the pot, most people do…

A purple clay teapot is an essential utensil for tea drinking. It’s hard but brittle, and it’s easy to accidentally drop the lid while using or handling the teapot. The consequences are naturally unsatisfactory; either the edge will be chipped, there will be cracks, or it may even shatter into several pieces. While the former, though affecting the aesthetics, can still be used with some effort, the latter can only be swept into the trash, causing much displeasure.In the purple clay industry, there’s a saying: “It’s easier to make three teapots than to match one lid.” From this, you can understand how complicated it is to match a lid. So someone came up with a solution: tie a string on the teapot so that the lid doesn’t detach from the body and get damaged. So, should a teapot have a string attached? Some say that tying a string shows lack of expertise.This statement might seem rather blunt, making people feel it’s not very understanding, causing a slight discomfort. But some do say this and present strong evidence: in the famous hometown of purple clay teapots, no one ties a string on their teapot when brewing tea. They focus on the…

1. For a new pot, decide what kind of tea you will use it for. Will it be a tea with a strong aroma or one with a rich flavor? If you're particular about your tea, each type should have its own dedicated pot. However, if you're not too fussy, this isn't necessary. 2. When using a new pot, start by boiling it in a tea broth to remove the earthy taste and prepare it for nurturing. The method is to fill a clean pot with water and heat it gently until just before boiling. Then add the tea leaves and continue heating until the water boils. Remove the tea leaves and let the new teapot cool naturally in a dry place without any odors before using it. 3. After brewing tea with an old pot, remove the tea residue and rinse it with hot water to keep it clean and hygienic. 4. Pay attention to the "tea mountain" inside the pot. Some people leave the tea broth in the pot to accumulate over time, forming a "tea mountain." If not properly maintained, this can develop unpleasant odors. Therefore, it's important to rinse the pot with boiling water before brewing…

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…

In the long-standing tea culture, the concept of "welcoming guests with tea, valuing harmony, and prioritizing purity" has always been central, carrying profound humanistic connotations and etiquette norms. Tea tasting is far from simply placing tea leaves in a cup and pouring hot water over them. The requirement for "purity" is an essential part of the process of tea tasting. To truly achieve the realm of tea tasting, one must have a clean environment, clean utensils, pure tea, and pure water. This word "pure" is the fundamental premise and core element of tea tasting. Before welcoming esteemed guests, meticulous preparatory cleaning is particularly critical. Before the guest steps into the tea room, the entire space should undergo a thorough and detailed cleaning. Every piece of tea ware must be ensured to be free of stains and water marks, presenting an immaculate state inside and out. This not only provides a visually clean and tidy impression but also has strict requirements in terms of olfactory experience. Opening windows in advance to ventilate and introduce fresh, pleasant air creates a pure and comfortable atmosphere. During this process, it is not recommended to spray chemical products like air fresheners, as these may interfere…

Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Ware Maintaining the Original Flavor of Tea Due to its high density and low porosity, porcelain does not absorb the flavors and aromas of tea leaves. This means that every time you brew tea, it retains the original essence of the tea, whether it’s fresh green tea or rich black tea, porcelain can perfectly showcase its natural taste. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Aesthetically Pleasing and Elegant Porcelain tea wares are often crafted into various exquisite shapes and patterns, which are not only functionally practical but also have a high aesthetic value. Whether traditional blue-and-white porcelain or modern designed porcelain tea wares, they can add much to the beauty of a tea table. Easy to Clean Since porcelain has a smooth surface and is less prone to staining, it is very easy to clean. After use, simply rinse with warm water, simple and convenient. Additionally, porcelain is acid and alkali resistant, leaving little tea residue during use, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the tea ware. Good Thermal Insulation Porcelain has good thermal insulation properties, effectively maintaining the temperature of the tea. This is a great advantage for those who enjoy savoring their…

When it comes to materials for brewing tea, many people think of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. However, in recent years, a material called PPSU has started to gain attention. Can PPSU material be used for brewing tea? This article will explore this question in detail and provide you with some practical advice. (Image source from the Internet, delete if infringing) What is PPSU Material? PPSU, which stands for polyphenylsulfone, is a high-performance thermoplastic. It has excellent impact resistance, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. PPSU is commonly used in medical devices, food containers, and aerospace applications because it can withstand high-temperature sterilization without releasing harmful substances. Safety of PPSU Material PPSU material is widely used in the medical field, such as surgical instruments and sterilization trays, indicating its performance under high temperatures and harsh conditions. According to available data, PPSU can withstand temperatures up to 180°C and has good hydrolytic stability and chemical resistance:citation[oaicite:0]{index=0}. These properties ensure that PPSU remains stable in hot water and steam environments, without breaking down or releasing harmful substances. Can PPSU Material Be Used for Brewing Tea? Based on the characteristics of PPSU, the answer is yes. PPSU material can withstand the high temperatures required…

Water Heater The most commonly used water heater is an electric kettle, also known as a portable water heater, made of stainless steel or plastic. Additionally, there are ceramic, glass, and cast iron kettles designed to be used with open flames or induction cookers. Teapot A teapot is used to hold tea leaves and boiling water, making it an essential tool in the process of brewing tea. Common types of teapots include those made of purple clay, ceramic, porcelain, and glass. Purple clay teapots are the dominant choice due to their excellent airtightness and breathability, and they are widely recognized as superior vessels for brewing tea. Ceramic teapots come in various colors and shapes, porcelain teapots are particularly attractive, and glass teapots are perfect for brewing flower teas. Teacup Used for tasting tea. Tasting cups are typically small and handleless. The styles, patterns, and materials of tasting cups vary greatly, with porcelain cups being the most common. Currently, imitation Ru kiln cups in various colors are quite popular. Covered Bowl (Three-Talent Cup) Also known as a three-talent cup, it usually consists of a lid, bowl body, and saucer, symbolizing "Heaven, Earth, and Humanity" in harmony. Covered bowls are most commonly…

"After crude molds are fired, each reveals its remarkable quality. Though seemingly made of clay, they emit a metallic or jade-like sound when struck," this is a five-character verse by the Qing Dynasty scholar Zheng Banqiao, succinctly conveying the charm and spirit of purple clay teapots. A lump of purple clay, after being shaped by skilled craftsmen into a work of art, experiences its first life; later, it becomes a cherished vessel for tea connoisseurs, who through continuous care, give it a second life. Whether a purple clay teapot can flourish with a second life depends on the owner's care. So, how do you know if your nurturing efforts are effective? "Daily handling of a contented teapot, green tea leaves and fragrant blossoms soothe the stomach," nurturing a teapot not only benefits one's health but also brings joy in seeing the pot gradually develop a lustrous appearance. So, how exactly can you nurture it to achieve the desired effect? Here are some key points to keep in mind: Basic Principles for Nurturing a Teapot 1. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the teapot before and after each use. 2. Moderate wiping: dry or wet. Dry wipe: After brewing tea,…

Many teapot enthusiasts choose to use purple clay teapots when drinking tea, one reason being that over time, with the continuous soaking in tea water, they become smooth and lustrous, which is referred to as “forming a patina.” ▲ A lustrous patina Thus, nurturing the teapot becomes a subject of study for every user and lover of these teapots. However, upon closer examination, we can discern three levels of nurturing a purple clay teapot. Let's delve into them. 1. Seeking But Not Achieving "Seeking but not achieving" is something many novice teapot enthusiasts encounter. Despite trying various methods, the teapot shows no change or fails to develop a beautiful patina. ▲ Tea stains on the bottom of the pot In previous articles, we have analyzed that this can be due to several reasons: Reasons related to the teapot itself: Novice enthusiasts may have purchased slip-cast or hand-pulled teapots or teapots made from inferior clay, all of which can lead to failure in developing a patina. Reasons related to the method of nurturing: For example, failing to clean tea residue regularly or allowing the teapot to come into contact with oil, which can result in uneven coloring on the teapot body.…

Purple clay teapots are considered the best among tea wares, perfect for brewing tea as they neither overpower the aroma nor introduce a cooked taste, which is why many people prefer using them. While enjoying your purple clay teapot, it's important to "nurture" it properly. A well-nurtured teapot will have a warm and dignified appearance, exuding a subtle elegance. Neglect, however, can result in an unsightly sheen or uneven coloring, ruining the beauty of the teapot.Let's discuss some key points to remember when nurturing your teapot.1. After use, the purple clay teapot must be cleaned thoroughly; do not allow tea residue to accumulate. The unique dual-pore structure of purple clay teapots allows them to absorb tea flavors, but you should not leave tea leaves in the pot just to nurture it. Over time, this can lead to the buildup of tea scale, also known as "tea mountain," which is unhygienic.2. When using the teapot, it's best to use a tray or place a mat under the teapot. Many enthusiasts place their teapots directly on a tea tray, and when pouring water or tea, the liquid often spills over the bottom of the teapot. If not cleaned regularly, the bottom of…

Zisha teapots can be works of art, but they are also practical tools. The water flow from a teapot directly affects its quality. Therefore, the type of spout hole becomes one of the considerations for some when selecting a teapot. The types of spout holes in zisha teapots have generally been divided into three categories throughout history. Single Hole The single hole first appeared during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is commonly found in antique shapes and smaller capacity teapots. The single hole provides the largest outlet for water flow, resulting in a powerful pour. Single Hole However, if handled roughly during use, tea leaves can easily enter the spout hole, causing blockages and disrupting the water flow. In earlier years, most teapot-making tools were made of bamboo, and spout holes were difficult to handle, often being created as single holes due to the high difficulty of their production. As a result, older teapots typically feature single holes, which are now relatively rare. Gauze Hole The gauze hole is one of the most common types today, with varying numbers of holes (seven, nine, fourteen, etc.). Because of the multiple holes, it filters out most tea leaves, ensuring a smooth…

A fine pot with fine tea, drinking tea and caring for the pot is truly a leisurely pursuit in life. A pot, if well maintained, will be increasingly enjoyable to use, but if improperly handled during use, it can lose its essence as a purple clay pot, which would be a great pity. When caring for your pot daily, you should avoid some bad habits. Bad Habit #1 Ice and Fire Not Warming the Pot in Winter In winter, when there are large temperature differences, if the room temperature is low, the pot's body temperature will also be low. If you directly pour hot water over it, there is a possibility of cracking. The correct approach is: before brewing tea, preheat the pot with warm water. Even if it’s not winter, after washing the pot with cold water, do not immediately brew tea or fill it with hot water; instead, place it in a warm room temperature environment to let the pot warm up on its own, then preheat it before brewing tea. Bad Habit #2 Leaving Tea in the Pot Proudly Cultivating Tea Mountain For a long time, accumulated tea residue in the teapot and cups was referred to…

Transparent glass cups, leisure cups, and white porcelain bowls with lids are ideal for brewing green tea. For green tea, you can choose a transparent, patternless glass cup or white, light blue, or blue-and-white porcelain cups without lids. A patternless glass cup is best as it allows for better appreciation of the green tea's shape and color. What Kind of Tea Ware Is Best for Green Tea? 1. Porcelain Cups Porcelain cups are suitable for brewing mid-to-high-grade green teas, such as stir-fried green teas (grades one and two), pearl green teas, baked green teas, sun-dried green teas, etc., where the focus is on taste, flavor, or quenching thirst. Typically, observe the tea’s color, aroma, and shape before brewing. The "middle infusion method" can be used, pouring near-boiling water at 95–100°C over the tea, and covering the cup to retain the aroma and maintain the water temperature, which helps the tea leaves to unfurl and sink to the bottom of the cup. After 3–5 minutes, remove the lid, smell the aroma, taste the tea, and judge the strength of the tea soup. Drink up to three infusions. This brewing method is convenient for serving guests or drinking tea during office hours.…

The use, maintenance, and cleaning of purple clay pots come with specific knowledge and methods. These practical tips are the summation of life experiences. Understanding this knowledge and mastering the correct methods can greatly enrich and improve tea and pot arts.Drinking tea in winter is a very healthy practice. Brewing tea with a purple clay pot not only brings out its rich aroma without any cooked taste but also offers an advantage over other teapots due to its excellent heat retention, especially in cold weather. Preparing the Tea This refers to brewing tea. Different teas require different water temperatures for steeping. Tip: Remember to warm up the purple clay pot before brewing tea in winter, especially Zhu Ni pots, to prevent cracking. Purple clay pots come in various heights. Tall pots are suitable for black tea, while short pots are better for green tea. Tall pots have a higher body and a more closed lid, making them ideal for black tea. Since black tea undergoes fermentation during processing, steeping it in a tall pot allows for deep brewing, fully developing the tea's flavor, aroma, and color, resulting in a richer and more fragrant infusion. Shorter pots have a shorter body…

The process of nurturing a teapot starts from the very first use. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, besides having a good quality teapot, the correct care and maintenance methods are also crucial. Remember the following three points in your daily tea brewing routine: 1. Before Brewing Tea Preheat the teapot inside and out with warm water to remove any musty odor and bacteria (be mindful of temperature differences, use lukewarm water rather than boiling). 2. During Brewing During each brewing interval, wipe the teapot clean with a damp cloth (one that is absorbent) and then polish it with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out the teapot's warmth and luster. 3. After Brewing After using the Yixing teapot for brewing tea, clear out the leaves and tea water, then rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they can alter the aroma retained by the teapot and affect its sheen. In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your teapot: 01 To develop an outer patina on a Yixing teapot, frequently brew tea and rinse the exterior. After each brewing session, make sure to wipe the outside…

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…

Tea is one of the most popular beverages among Chinese people, with its presence felt in almost every household. The popularity of tea is evident in teahouses, tea shops, and cups of tea carried around by individuals—highlighting the widespread appreciation for this natural and nutritious drink. You may be aware of the health benefits of tea, but you might not know that drinking tea should also be tailored to individual constitutions. Therefore, it's important to choose the right type of tea based on your personal constitution, as failing to do so could counteract any health benefits. Six Common Misconceptions About Drinking Tea Ignoring Constitution When Choosing Tea There are numerous types of tea, which can generally be categorized into non-fermented, semi-fermented, and fermented teas. Each type has a different suitable population. Drinking tea without considering your constitution could lead to certain adverse effects: Green Tea: Rich in tea polyphenols and caffeine, it can stimulate the stomach. People with weak digestive systems should limit their intake of green tea, especially avoiding drinking it on an empty stomach, as it may cause symptoms of "tea intoxication." For such individuals, warming teas like black tea or adding milk and brown sugar to the…

Technical Guidance on Winter and Spring Tea Garden Management National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, Expert Advisory Group of Tea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs The spring tea is the most crucial part of the annual tea production. The winter and spring seasons are critical for enhancing tea garden management and improving the quality and efficiency of spring tea. To strengthen the management of tea gardens in winter and spring, the Planting Industry Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has collaborated with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group of Tea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to develop the following technical guidance for winter and spring tea garden production management. I. Disaster Prevention 1. Freeze Prevention: Closely monitor weather forecasts. Before cold waves, apply straw mulch between rows and cover the tea canopy with straw mats, plastic films, or shade nets to prevent freezing. After the cold wave, remove the canopy coverings promptly. During a cold wave, irrigation or spray irrigation can be used to mitigate cold and freeze damage. After temperatures return to normal, prune the frost-damaged tea garden. For mild frost damage, perform light pruning to remove…