The journey of nurturing a pot starts from the very first use, which can be considered the initial stage of ‘pot nurturing'. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, it is essential to have not only a good quality pot but also to adopt the correct maintenance methods.
Remember these three points in your daily tea brewing process:
1. Before Brewing Tea
Rinse both inside and outside of the teapot with warm water to heat the pot, remove any musty odors, and sterilize it (pay attention to the temperature difference and use lukewarm water to avoid thermal shock).
2. During Brewing
During each brewing interval, wipe off the tea water with a clean damp cloth (one with good absorbency) and then polish the pot body with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out a warm and lustrous texture.
3. After Brewing Tea
After using the Yixing teapot to brew tea, clear out the tea leaves and tea water, then rinse the inside and outside of the pot with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; otherwise, you may confuse the natural aroma retained by the pot and affect its luster and texture.
In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your pot:
01
The exterior nurturing of a Yixing pot requires frequent brewing and rinsing of the outer surface to quickly develop a patina. After each brewing, make sure to wipe the outer surface of the Yixing pot clean, or else it might lead to uneven coloration, especially on the bottom, where the color may become noticeably darker than other areas.
02
Moderate wiping and brushing. After using the pot, wash it and let it dry to maintain its “normal breathing”. In the process of cleaning and wiping, it's best to use fine cotton or other soft cloths to avoid scratching the surface with rough materials.
03
Maintain cleanliness to develop a patina. Daily use will leave tea stains on the surface of the pot. Use a teapot brush to gently clean these stains to keep the pot clean. With consistent cleaning and polishing, the surface of the pot will develop a subtle luster known as a “patina”.
04
In winter, you can hold the Yixing pot in your hands and caress it. After prolonged handling, the surface of the Yixing pot will form a patina. In cold winters, caressing the Yixing pot not only nurtures it but also warms your hands, achieving two goals at once. However, make sure to wash your hands before handling the pot.
05
Give the pot time to rest. Yixing pots need periods of rest and recovery. Continuous and uninterrupted brewing will keep the pot in a moist state, preventing it from thoroughly Drying and potentially causing bacterial growth. Generally, after using the pot continuously for a period, clean it thoroughly, let it dry, and rest for a few days before using it again.
06
Handle decorative pots with extra care. In the process of nurturing a pot, it is common to rinse and wipe it with tea water. Some decorative Yixing pots have protruding or floating elements that are part of the design. These parts tend to retain tea stains, making them difficult to clean, and they can be easily damaged during the wiping process, leading to unwanted imperfections in your beloved teapot. Therefore, special care should be taken when nurturing decorative pots.
07
One pot, one type of tea – consistency is key. Regardless of the price, every Yixing pot should be meticulously cared for to maintain its beautiful color. It's important not to switch between different types of tea, such as oolong one day and Black Tea the next, as this could affect the pot's condition.
08
Details matter. Pay close attention to parts that are often overlooked. A clean pot not only benefits health but also brings joy to the eye.
1) Inside the pot: Wipe the inner walls, including the bottom, rim, and spout, with a clean and soft cloth.
2) Outside the pot: Focus on the bottom, lid, and spout.
3) Special Note: Carefully wipe around the rim of the lid along the seam. This area is prone to tea stains during the nurturing process.
09
Safety first. After cleaning, place your cherished pot in a safe spot to prevent bumps and knocks. Yixing pots can be quite valuable, and any damage significantly reduces their value. Beyond the financial loss, seeing a damaged Yixing pot, even if repaired, can still be disappointing.
10
Persistence pays off. Nurturing a Yixing pot is not an overnight achievement; rushing the process will not yield the desired results. The Beauty and charm of a well-nurtured pot is a byproduct of enjoying tea as a leisure activity or a way to cultivate the mind and spirit. Drinking tea and nurturing the pot naturally is the true embodiment of the tea and pot way for tea lovers and enthusiasts alike.
Nurturing and caring for a Yixing pot does not require overly complicated steps. With just a little extra care during daily use, you can properly maintain your beloved Yixing pot. By following the right methods, you can develop a unique character and charm that is all your own.