Teapot

Gathering around a teapot, having heartfelt conversations, and listening to the sound of boiling water can be an extremely cozy experience. However, many people still have misconceptions about cooking tea. Let's take a look at some things to avoid so that your tea drinking doesn't turn into an embarrassing situation. 01 Cooking Tea Directly in an Iron Teapot Generally, iron teapots have pores and are "breathable." When cooking tea leaves, iron reacts with tannic acid in the tea, forming ferric tannate, which is also a component of blue-black ink. As a result, the tea broth turns bluish-black. While not toxic, it can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Suggestion: Iron teapots are suitable for boiling water, but for cooking tea leaves, clay or glass teapots are recommended for better taste. 02 Any Type of Tea Can Be Cooked There are generally two types of tea suitable for cooking. The first is heavily fermented teas like ripe Pu'er, Liu Bao tea, old tea heads, old tea leaves, aged white tea, and aged Tieguanyin. The second type is aged teas, such as aged white tea, aged Pu'er, aged Wuyi rock tea, and aged Tieguanyin. On the other hand,…

1. After drinking tea, remember to dispose of the tea leaves and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot. Note that when using a new teapot, remove any wax, oil, dirt, and tea scale from its surface. 2. If you find there is tea scale on your teaware, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the teaware, then spread it evenly over the surface with your hand or a cotton swab. After about one minute, rinse the teaware with water. 3. Chop up some potato and put it in the cup, pour boiling water into the cup and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The tea scale will then be easy to wash off. Potatoes contain starch which has strong absorption properties, making it easy to remove the scale from the cup. 4. Place a small spoonful of orange powder or orange juice inside the teacup or teapot, fill it with water, and leave it for 2-3 hours. This makes the tea scale detach from the teaware, making it easier to remove. Different cleaning tools are used for different types of teaware materials 1. To remove tea scale from metal tea strainers, if the metal tea…

The purple clay teapot is made from clay derived from minerals. In theory, it can be used indefinitely as long as it doesn't break. However, in reality, this isn't always the case. If a teapot is well maintained, it will remain fresh over time. But if during use, its inherent nature as a purple clay teapot is lost, even if the body of the pot remains intact, it loses its significance as a purple clay teapot. To ensure longevity for your purple clay teapot, the key lies in doing these things correctly.1Initiating the TeapotUse the right method to initiate the teapot and preserve the sandy properties of the purple clay. Popular online methods such as the "apple initiation method" or the "sugarcane initiation method" can have the opposite effect and damage the teapot's breathability. 2Knocking and BumpingWhen using a purple clay teapot, handle it gently. Sometimes, a slight knock may not be immediately visible but could cause cracks during later use. Since purple clay teapots are fragile, if you have children or pets at home, make sure they are out of reach.3AdsorptionPurple clay teapots enhance the aroma of tea due to their porous structure. This porosity also makes them prone…

People often like to add other ingredients when drinking tea to adjust its flavor. Some foods can stimulate the tea, making its aroma more intense, while others can enhance the tea's health benefits. What is the best thing to pair with Pu'er tea? It depends on your goal. If you want to cleanse your digestive system, you can pair it with honey. If you're looking for beauty benefits, rose flowers are a good choice. The Chinese approach to tea consumption has never been limited to plain drinking. On the contrary, there are many ingredients that complement tea well and can be excellent for adjusting flavors and promoting health, even for Pu'er tea, which is often associated with plain drinking. The people of Yunnan have their own unique additions to this tea. Combinations for Drinking Pu'er Tea 1. Pu'er Ripened Tea with Honey Ripened Pu'er tea can be enjoyed with honey, making the brewed tea sweet but not cloying, with an improved taste and higher nutritional value. To prepare, place ripened Pu'er tea in a clean teaware, pour boiling water over it, and steep. Once steeped, transfer the tea to a cup, let it cool slightly, then stir in an appropriate…

Pu'er tea is a fermented tea, a representative type in Chinese tea culture. It offers various benefits, such as lowering blood lipids and pressure, aiding weight loss, and providing antioxidants. However, there are certain techniques and tips to consider when brewing and drinking Pu'er tea. Here are some recommended methods. Cleaning Tea Ware: Pu'er tea often has surface oils and dust, so it's important to clean the tea ware before brewing. Rinse the teapot or cup with boiling water once, then discard the water, rinse again with hot water, and finally, empty the pot or cup. Brewing Time: As a fermented tea, Pu'er generally requires longer brewing times. For the first infusion, aim for about 10 seconds, and increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion. The tea is usually richest in flavor around the 5th to 6th infusions. Amount of Tea: The amount of tea used for brewing Pu'er differs from other teas. Typically, use 3 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water. For a stronger flavor, you can adjust the amount accordingly. Water Temperature: Controlling the water temperature is crucial for Pu'er tea. A temperature of around 100°C is recommended for most Pu'ers, but for aged Pu'er,…

North America Canada Canada is the northernmost country in North America, with a land area of 9.98 million square kilometers, ranking second in the world. Canada is known as the "Land of Maple Leaves," and its capital is Ottawa. Benefiting from abundant natural resources and highly advanced technology, Canada has become one of the countries in the world with the highest quality of life, most prosperous society, and most developed economy, and is also one of the largest and most important diamond-producing countries in the world. Canadian Tea Culture Tea Drinking in Canada (image for reference) The first country in the Americas to drink tea was the United States, which also has a high consumption volume; Canada follows closely behind, being a well-known tea-drinking country in the Western Hemisphere. In Canada, the primary type of tea consumed is traditional high-quality British-style hot black tea. However, as awareness of the health benefits of green tea has increased, the habit of drinking black tea is gradually being replaced by green tea, jasmine tea, oolong tea, and other specialty teas. With the development of society, a tea culture that reflects Canada's multicultural identity has also evolved. Maple Syrup Maple Syrup Tea Maple syrup,…

Many people don’t understand: a purple clay teapot—it’s just a teapot, right? Why do some sell for tens of thousands of yuan? They find this hard to comprehend. An ordinary teapot might cost a few hundred yuan, but an expensive one can go for tens of thousands—what’s the difference? Is it because of the clay? Is the clay for a teapot that costs tens of thousands of yuan particularly expensive? In fact, the amount of clay used in making a teapot isn’t much; it only makes up a small proportion of the teapot. The price doesn’t reflect the cost of the clay; rather, the price determines the quality of the clay used. There is certainly a difference in the clay between cheaper and more expensive teapots, but the reason they are expensive is not simply due to the cost of the clay. Is it because the maker is famous and has a high title? In people’s preconceived notions, before even seeing the teapot, if they hear it’s the work of a certain master, they assume the price will be shockingly high. As these preconceptions become entrenched, they equate fame and high titles directly with the price of the teapot. High…

Icing tea, a type of Pu'er tea from Yunnan, China, is beloved for its unique flavor and rich mouthfeel. However, to brew a perfect cup of Icing tea, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. This article will detail the steps and tips for brewing Icing tea, allowing you to enjoy this precious beverage at home with ease. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Icing Tea Leaves To brew good tea, start by selecting high-quality Icing tea leaves. High-quality Icing tea leaves are typically lustrous in color, have a strong aroma, and are whole leaves. Additionally, choose reputable tea shops or brands to ensure the quality and safety of the tea. Preparing the Brewing Utensils Brewing Icing tea requires the following utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, tea towel, tea tray, and thermometer, etc. Choose ceramic or purple clay teapots, which can better maintain the temperature and flavor of the tea infusion. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Controlling Water Temperature and Tea Quantity Water temperature and tea quantity are key when brewing Icing tea. Icing tea is best brewed with water at 90-95 degrees Celsius; water that is too hot or too cold can affect the taste of…

Summer is a good time to expel the cold and dampness from your body. As temperatures rise, so does the humidity in the air. For those with high levels of dampness, this can be even more harmful. Do you know how to get rid of dampness? Here are some recommended teas for summer to help. Tea is not medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea is not medicine, different people with different constitutions should make different choices. For those with high levels of dampness, there should also be different considerations when choosing tea... What are the harms of having high levels of dampness? 1. When dampness meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it causes obesity; 2. If dampness remains in the body and isn't eliminated, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces. The tongue may appear yellowish and greasy; 3. Those with high levels of dampness feel lethargic throughout the day, affecting digestive functions. They may feel heavy-headed, with limbs and waist feeling weighed down by something, making them reluctant to move; 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

Brewing tea is an art, especially when it comes to Yunnan ancient tree Pu'er tea. This type of tea is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique flavor and rich cultural heritage. So, how can you brew a cup of ancient tree Pu'er tea that is excellent in color, aroma, and taste? This article will detail the correct methods and some tips for brewing Yunnan ancient tree Pu'er tea, allowing you to easily enjoy this unique beverage at home. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) What is Yunnan Ancient Tree Pu'er Tea? Yunnan ancient tree Pu'er tea refers to Pu'er tea made from the leaves of large-leaf tea trees grown in Yunnan. These tea trees are typically found in high-altitude regions of Yunnan, with some being hundreds of years old, resulting in superior-quality tea leaves. Due to the pure growth environment and unique picking process, ancient tree Pu'er tea has a distinctive aroma and flavor. Preparations for Brewing Ancient Tree Pu'er Tea The preparations before brewing are crucial and directly affect the quality of the final tea infusion. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware Firstly, choose suitable tea ware. It is recommended to use clay teapots, covered bowls, or glass tea ware.…

As a beginner who loves Pu'er tea, how can you brew Pu'er tea in a way that appears professional and tastes great? Here, we discuss the three key elements of brewing Pu'er tea and the brewing process.   The three key elements of brewing Pu'er tea are: amount of tea used, brewing time, and water temperature. Teaware: You can use a purple clay teapot or a gaiwan to brew Pu'er tea. For purple clay teapots, choose one with thick walls, coarse sand, and a smooth pour. For gaiwans, you can use ceramic or glass. Amount of tea: Generally, for compressed teas, use about 10 grams, adjusting according to your personal taste preferences. For loose-leaf Pu'er, the situation is more complex. Use less for tightly twisted leaves and more for large, robust leaves. The amount of tea used should be determined by the quality and character of the tea leaves. Water for brewing: Use mineral water or spring water, heated to around 95°C. Allow the boiling water to cool slightly before using it to ensure the tea has vitality. Brewing Process: 1. Placing the tea: If using compressed tea, break off a piece according to your taste preference. 2. Pre-infusion: After…

The Purple Clay through the Eyes of the Dingshan People What is purple clay? Purple clay is a type of stoneware, a ceramic product that lies between pottery and porcelain. It is a cultural heritage passed down from our ancestors and a shining diamond in the five-thousand-year history of Chinese culture. To the people of Dingshan, purple clay is not only a means of livelihood but also a form of culture. In their daily lives, the presence of purple clay is always evident. Flower pots for gardening, stone stools in courtyards, building materials for walls, jars for storing rice, discarded teapot lids repurposed as pen holders by artisans, chipped teapots used to hold vinegar at small wonton stalls under the big wooden bridge—whether flawed, discolored, or marred with blemishes, any defective teapots that cannot be sold find practical uses in everyday life. The love the people of Dingshan have for purple clay runs deep within their bones; it is unchangeable. Their confidence in purple clay has been passed down from generation to generation, never shaken! A person, a handful of earth, a clay teapot, and a city.

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

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.”…

If the Yixing teapot is purely for daily use, it's generally appropriate to choose one priced between 500 to 1,000 yuan. If you seek both practicality and artistry in your teapot, you may opt for one costing between 1,000 to 10,000 yuan. If you also desire collectibility, you might consider teapots priced between 100,000 to 10 million yuan. The appropriate price for a personal-use Yixing teapot depends on your purpose for purchasing it. If it's just for everyday use and you don't care whether it was made by a renowned craftsman, a teapot priced between 600 to 1,000 yuan would be suitable. If you want a teapot that not only serves practical purposes but also meets artistic standards and exceeds basic models, you might choose one priced between 4,000 to 10,000 yuan. These teapots are typically made from precious clay and are mostly handcrafted. If you wish to use your teapot daily and also for collecting, you could consider teapots priced between 10,000 to 100,000 yuan. Such teapots are often crafted by renowned artisans and embody craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural value. A Yixing teapot is an essential piece of tea ware on any tea table and an important component of…

When it comes to Xi Shi, everyone is familiar. As one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China, she was renowned for her graceful and beautiful appearance that could captivate a city. In the world of zisha (purple clay) teapots, there is also one known as “Xi Shi.” As the name suggests, this teapot should be as beautiful as Xi Shi herself, or perhaps its inspiration originates from Xi Shi. Xi Shi was a maiden who lived in the state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. She was naturally beautiful and enchanting, truly capable of captivating a city with just a smile and a country with another. A poem describes her thus: a small mouth like a cherry, a lock of hair like a rainbow; even without makeup, she was adored by heroes of old. The Xi Shi teapot is also an exquisite creation among zisha teapots, and today we will delve into the essence of both Xi Shi and the Xi Shi teapot. The King of Yue, Goujian, endured hardship and plotted to restore his kingdom. He presented Xi Shi to King Fuchai of Wu, intending for her to subvert the state of Wu. Everyone in…

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…

“Mud door” is a term often heard by enthusiasts of purple clay teapots. What does it mean? Simply put, it's a term used to describe the density or tightness of the particle distribution in the clay body of a purple clay teapot after firing. Low density is referred to as loose mud door, while high density is called tight mud door. Specifically, it relates to the preparation of the clay, the use of a slicking tool, and the pot-making technique. When identifying whether a teapot is fully handmade or semi-handmade, checking if the tightness of the mud door is consistent inside and outside the pot is one of the key methods. In brief, a fully handmade teapot is formed by hand using a bamboo paddle, so the characteristic of the mud door on the body is tight on the outside (surface) and loose on the inside (interior). The particles on the outer surface are densely distributed and become even tighter after the application of a slicking tool. However, the inner wall has not been pressed hard by hand but rather lightly shaped, so the particle distribution in a fully handmade teapot is relatively loose, meaning the mud door appears loose.…

  Seals and Markings on Purple Clay Teapots The markings (seal impressions) on purple clay teapots serve as important evidence for identifying their age and the maker's name. These are also the sole basis for valuation in the cultural relic, antiques, and auction industries. As a result, they are the easiest place for forgers to manipulate. Throughout history, skilled purple clay artisans and masters have been meticulous about using seals and marking their works. Their seal impressions not only demonstrate high artistic standards but also exhibit strict attention to detail in terms of seal layout and form, which is a critical factor in authenticating these marks. Generally, the marks of renowned artisans feature the following characteristics: Seal production is highly refined. The seals used by famous artisans are either made by themselves or commissioned from renowned seal engravers, showcasing a certain level of artistry. In contrast, counterfeit seals lack this quality, often appearing lifeless. The use of seals is appropriately stylized. Some artists may use two or more seals with different styles on a single teapot, carefully positioning them to achieve an overall harmonious appearance. The placement of inscriptions and seals is appropriate. The marks on purple clay teapots typically…

Jinguagong tea is named for its resemblance to a golden squash. It has the benefits of lowering blood pressure and promoting fat metabolism, as well as being invigorating and helpful in sobering up from alcohol. It is a very high-quality tea, and many people are unsure how to brew Jinguagong tea. Below are the steps for brewing this tea. Steps to Brew Jinguagong Tea Step 1: First, steep the teacups with boiling water, which is known as warming the cups. This not only serves a high-temperature disinfection purpose but also raises the temperature of the cups, making it easier for the tea juice to seep out during subsequent brewing. Step 2: Place about 5 to 8 grams of Jinguagong tea in the teapot. The amount can be adjusted according to personal taste. Step 3: Pour boiling water into the teapot and, after letting it sit for 2 seconds, pour out the tea water to warm the cups. This step cleanses and awakens the tea leaves. Step 4: Pour boiling water over the rinsed tea in the teapot, cover it, and let it steep for around 5 seconds. This allows the tea juice to better seep out. Step 5: When pouring…

Among the many types of purple clay teapots, what shape do experienced tea connoisseurs prefer? Experienced tea drinkers have sampled a wide variety of teas and naturally understand the aroma-enhancing capabilities of purple clay teapots. They collect various types of teapots, and among them, round-shaped teapots are the most frequently chosen. What are the appealing features of round-shaped purple clay teapots? 1. Easy to Handle For a tea connoisseur who enjoys sipping tea, a purple clay teapot is an object that should never be far from their hands. Whenever they have free time, they like to start brewing tea. Why do most people lean towards round-shaped teapots? After brewing tea, round-shaped teapots are easy to hold and play with. When brewing tea, hot tea water can be poured over the teapot, allowing the color of the tea to seep into the teapot. After drinking the tea, you can hold the teapot in your hand and caress it all over, which is enjoyable. Over time, the luster and water color of the teapot will become outstanding. With a square teapot, one can only admire it on the table. Square teapots have sharp edges, making them uncomfortable to hold and caress, unlike…

Drinking Pu'er tea is best with porcelain cups, purple clay cups, glass cups, etc. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Raw tea has a stronger character and ample qi, with noticeable salivation and a sweet aftertaste. Ripe tea is mellow and smooth, with rich inner qualities. Using different types of cups—such as glass or porcelain cups—can authentically reproduce the tea's aroma, while purple clay cups can enhance the depth of the tea's flavor. Suitable Cups for Drinking Pu'er Tea Tasting Cup: As the name suggests, a tasting cup is used for savoring tea. In the eyes of many tea enthusiasts, the tasting cup is an essential piece of teaware that showcases one’s personal taste. Tasting cups come in various shapes and materials. When choosing a tasting cup, always adhere to the principle that it should not be hot to the touch and should be easy to drink from, selecting a cup that matches both the tea leaves and the teapot. Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a type of teaware consisting of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid, also known as a "three-talent bowl" or "three-talent cup." It can be made from…

Zhuni teapots, mostly small in size, are adorable and thus widely loved by teapot enthusiasts. However, due to the relatively low reserves of zhuni, high-quality zhuni is rather rare and precious, making it a common target for clay counterfeiting. Genuine Zhuni West Lake Lady Teapot So how can one buy authentic, genuine zhuni? Please read on. The classification of genuine zhuni generally divides it into three types: Huanglong Mountain Zhuni, Small Coal Mine Zhuni, and Zhaozhuang Zhuni. 1. Huanglong Mountain Zhuni is a thin layer of oily clay found between the top yellow stone and purple clay deposits. After firing, it appears unpolished and lusterless, with an orange-red color. 2. The Small Coal Mine area is abundant in zhuni production, with the largest output. When fired, its color is bright and vivid. 3. Zhaozhuang is famous for producing red clay. Zhaozhuang Zhuni is the fatty clay found between rotten yellow stone and red clay deposits, which is also scarce. After firing, its color is dark red. Genuine vs. Fake Zhuni Genuine zhuni comes in only one form: Zhuni raw stone is weathered and then sieved through a screen of a certain mesh size, water is added, and it is mixed…

Liubao tea is best brewed using a clay pot, a glass pot, or a purple clay teapot. Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark tea and is a specialty product of Wuzhou, Guangxi. Its leaves are rich in content and have a substantial, coarse texture. The flavor is robust and rich, with a unique betel nut aroma. When brewing, a clay pot or a purple clay teapot can be used to enhance the smoothness of the tea soup. A glass pot can also be used to authentically reproduce the taste of the tea. What Kind of Teapot is Best for Brewing Liubao Tea? One: Purple Clay Teapot For regular Liubao factory tea, a purple clay teapot can be chosen for brewing. Purple clay teapots have good breathability and adsorption properties. They can gather the aroma of the tea without overpowering its natural essence or introducing a cooked flavor. Moreover, the aroma easily dissolves into the tea soup, making the taste richer and more pleasant in the mouth. Two: Nixing Clay Teapot When brewed with a Nixing clay teapot, Liubao tea has a pure and mellow aroma. The tea water produced is entirely true to the authentic taste of Liubao…