The method of initiating a new Teapot, known since ancient times, has generated many different approaches. Suggestions range from boiling the pot with tofu, sugarcane, or Tea, to simply using water, and even adding banana peels—everything but adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soy sauce! Various enthusiasts have imitated these methods, enjoying the process of initiating their teapots. The initiation is an indispensable procedure. So, how should one correctly initiate a new purple clay teapot? This article will reveal the answer.
A freshly made purple clay teapot, having gone through the kiln's fiery test,
is covered in dust, looking coarse and dull,
but after prolonged use, it reveals a warm and lustrous appearance.
Upon receiving a new teapot, one should not immediately start brewing tea,
as some Cleaning and preparation are usually required before first use,
this process is known as “initiating” the teapot.
Initiation Steps
Cleaning
Clean both the inside and outside of the teapot,
wipe away any dust and impurities with a soft tea cloth.
Warming the Pot
Rinse the teapot with warm water,
then fill it with boiling water and pour more boiling water over the exterior of the pot.
This step both warms and awakens the teapot.
Long Steeping
After pouring out the water, add tea leaves into the pot,
place an appropriate amount of tea leaves inside,
pour hot water over them, and let them steep for a long time.
One Pot, One Tea
The type of tea used should be the same as what you plan to brew in the future,
one pot for one type of tea,
the unique double-pore structure of purple clay can absorb the tea flavor,
allowing the pot and tea leaves to become acquainted.
Cleaning
Once the tea has cooled down, clean the teapot again,
and the initiation process is complete, ready for brewing tea.
Life requires a sense of ceremony,
during the initiation process, one can calm down.
Free from distractions, focusing on this single teapot, it is also a form of meditation.
Incorrect Initiation Methods
The above initiation method is the simplest approach, but many enthusiasts adopt incorrect methods:
01. Tofu Initiation
Boiling the teapot with tofu does not remove the “fire energy,” and the idea of adsorption and decomposition is baseless. Purple clay cannot come into contact with oil, so if the pot isn't clean, the teapot will be ruined. Additionally, after boiling, there may be a layer of white powder on the teapot; this is due to calcium and magnesium ions from tap water precipitating onto the surface of the teapot.
02. Sugarcane Initiation
Boiling the teapot with sugarcane is said to make it smoother, but this smoothness comes from being soaked in sugary water, which is not the result of normal use. Instead, it affects the natural patina and seasoning of the teapot.
For initiating a new teapot, it is recommended to follow the method described earlier. Drinking tea is a casual and pleasant activity, boiling a teapot in a pot is somewhat inappropriate.
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