Purple clay pots are jewels among Tea wares, cherished for their unique breathability and ability to absorb tea aromas. However, not all teas are ideal for brewing in these pots. So, which teas are best suited for purple clay pots? Let's find out together.
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Varieties and Characteristics of Purple Clay Pots
Purple clay pots come in many varieties, each with its own unique characteristics suitable for different types of tea. Commonly found purple clay pots include Zini (purple clay), Hongni (red clay), and Duan Ni (segmented clay).
Zini (Purple Clay) Pots
Zini pots are the most common type of purple clay pot, with a deep color and excellent breathability that can retain the aroma of tea well. They are suitable for brewing Oolong Tea, Pu-erh tea, and black tea, which are heavily fermented.
Hongni (Red Clay) Pots
Hongni pots have a brighter color and high iron content, making them ideal for brewing teas with rich aromas, such as oolong tea and Pu-erh tea. Although they have slightly less breathability than zini pots, they can enhance the aroma of the tea even better.
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Duan Ni (Segmented Clay) Pots
Duan ni pots have a lighter color, often yellow or light green, with good breathability suitable for brewing lightly fermented teas such as green tea, white tea, and Yellow Tea. These teas are sensitive to water temperature, and duan ni pots can effectively prevent over-steeping.
Types of Tea Suitable for Purple Clay Pots
When selecting tea suitable for purple clay pots, consider factors such as fermentation degree, aroma, and taste. Here are some types of tea that are ideal for brewing in purple clay pots:
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is between green tea and black tea, with rich aroma and complex flavor. Both zini and hongni pots are suitable for brewing oolong tea, enhancing its aroma and taste. Oolong teas like rock tea and Tie Guan Yin are excellent choices.
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Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea comes in raw and ripe varieties, both of which are suitable for brewing in zini and hongni pots. Raw Pu-erh tea has a strong stimulating quality and is best balanced by a zini pot, while ripe Pu-erh tea is better suited for a hongni pot, enhancing its richness.
Black Tea
Black tea has a rich aroma and is suitable for brewing in zini or hongni pots. Purple clay pots can enhance the aroma of black tea, making it fuller and richer. We recommend trying Lapsang Souchong and Darjeeling black tea.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Purple Clay Pots
When using purple clay pots to brew tea, keep the following points in mind to ensure the best possible infusion:
Select the Appropriate Water Temperature
Different teas require different water temperatures for brewing. Generally, green tea and white tea are best brewed at around 80°C, while oolong tea and black tea require water above 90°C. When using a purple clay pot, pay attention to controlling the water temperature, avoiding temperatures that are too high or too low.
Regular Cleaning
Purple clay pots have the characteristic of absorbing tea aromas, so they need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use to avoid residue affecting the taste of the next infusion. When cleaning, simply rinse with water; do not use detergents.
Use Each Pot for One Type of Tea
Since purple clay pots absorb the aroma of tea, it is recommended to dedicate each pot to one type of tea to avoid mixing different tea aromas. For example, use one pot specifically for oolong tea and another for Pu-erh tea.
Summary
A purple clay pot is a unique and beautiful tea ware suitable for brewing various types of tea. Choosing the right tea and purple clay pot can enhance the aroma and taste of the tea, making every tea session an enjoyable experience. Hopefully, this guide will help you find the perfect tea for your purple clay pot, allowing you to enjoy a more delightful tea-drinking experience.