Is it necessary to inaugurate a new Purple Clay Teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended.
For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of Tea drinking.
Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online.
In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process.
Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using Tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion.
How to properly inaugurate a teapot?
The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the teapot.
The issue of earthy taste varies from teapot to teapot. For a high-quality purple clay teapot made with pure clay and fired at a sufficiently high temperature, the earthy flavor is almost negligible.
Therefore, after acquiring a new teapot, simply scrubbing it inside and out a few times and rinsing it with boiling water is enough to eliminate the earthy taste and kiln dust.
Step 1
Upon receiving the new teapot, clean it thoroughly inside and out with water.
Step 2
Awaken the teapot by pouring boiling water over it, allowing the pores of the purple clay to expand due to the heat. Use warm water for teapots made of red clay or large red robe clay, especially during autumn and winter, to avoid thermal shock and potential cracking.
Step 3
After rinsing the teapot with boiling water two to three times and emptying it, you can choose an appropriate tea to begin brewing. It is recommended to adhere to the principle of “one teapot for one type of tea.”
Step 4
For those who wish to be more meticulous, you may brew one or two pots of tea and discard the infusions before officially using the teapot.
This inauguration method is both simple and efficient, effectively removing the earthy taste and kiln dust from the purple clay teapot while making it easier to nurture and develop a beautiful patina quickly.
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