Nurturing a teapot is a pleasure that requires a certain understanding of purple clay. Over time, a specific set of methods for nurturing Teapots has been developed. Various supporting tools have emerged in the process. However, what is considered the correct and optimal method for nurturing a teapot?
Dedicate Each Pot to a Specific Tea Type
Due to its unique double-pore structure and the arrangement of molecules like scales, purple clay can absorb tea infusion (with an absorption rate of 1.6% – 7.05% for purple clay teaware), causing changes in the pot's body and allowing it to retain the aroma of the tea it contains. Teapots made of materials such as glass, Porcelain, and stainless steel cannot keep tea at high quality for extended periods due to their dense and impermeable nature. After the initial “opening” process to remove the earthy smell from the new pot, experienced tea lovers try various types of tea with the pot. Based on personal preference, they decide which type of tea the pot will be used for and stick to this choice, ensuring “dedication of each pot to a specific tea type.” When brewing tea, always match the tea with the appropriate pot, strictly adhering to the principle of “one pot for one type of tea.”
Clean Out the Tea Residue Timely and Keep the Pot Clean Inside
Purple clay pots, due to their unique double-pore structure and tight construction, can delay the spoilage of tea, retaining oxygen in the tea much longer than other teapots. To allow the pot to absorb more tea juice, some people do not clean or delay cleaning the tea residue, believing this can “build up a layer of tea residue,” accelerating the nurturing process. However, tea residue should be regularly cleaned out of frequently used purple clay teapots. Tea residue can contain harmful substances like cadmium, lead, and mercury, which can affect health when consumed over time. After drinking the tea, clean out the tea residue promptly. Use a cotton cloth to scrub off any tea residue inside the pot periodically but avoid using detergents. After cleaning, leave the lid open and place the pot in a well-ventilated area to dry. Do not store the pot with the lid on, as this can lead to mold growth. If an old pot is unused for a long time and develops mold or bacteria due to improper storage, clean it thoroughly with detergent or treat it as you would during the initial opening process. It can also be re-fired, but this carries risks and should be done with caution.
Wipe the Pot Body with a Cotton Cloth
During the tea brewing process, wiping the pot body with a cotton cloth dampened with the tea being brewed can effectively keep the pot clean and tidy. The small amount of tea juice nourishes the pot, causing changes in its texture. When wiping with a cloth, be careful not to rub too hard. For pots with design flaws that cause dripping, wipe the lower part of the spout promptly to prevent staining. Pay attention to the areas where the spout and handle join the body, as well as the inner rim of the lid and the knob, as these are easy to overlook and can accumulate grime over time, affecting the overall nurturing effect of the pot.
Avoid Contact with Oily Substances and Regularly Fondle the Pot
If a purple clay pot comes into contact with oil, it may develop a dull sheen and uneven patina. Both the inside and outside of the pot must be kept free from oil. Before handling the pot, always wash your hands to ensure the tea remains untainted by foreign odors and the pot is well cared for. During Tea drinking, gently fondling the pot with clean hands is essential. Human sweat has a beneficial effect on purple clay, as well as on bamboo, wood, ivory, horn, jade, and other materials, although this cannot currently be scientifically verified through laboratory analysis. Generally, within the first year of use, the appearance of a new pot will change significantly, with the clay color becoming richer and the lid fitting more tightly. From the second to the fifth year, the accumulation of tea residue will make the color of the pot consistent inside and out, and the pot will lose its roughness, developing a refined luster and better brewing properties. After five years, the sensory changes become very slow, and significant improvements may take decades. However, the luster of the pot becomes increasingly refined and resembles that of jade, giving it a warm glow. As a decorative item, its quiet beauty becomes even more pronounced.
Allow the Pot Time to Rest
When using a teapot for brewing tea over a long period, give it a few days to rest and dry out every three to five days. This allows the pot to absorb tea juice, improving the texture of the clay. Some pots can improve over time, making them better suited for brewing tea. Even small defects in the pot may disappear with prolonged exposure to tea. When hot water is poured into a dry pot, especially those with a looser clay texture, the unique double-pore structure allows you to hear the sound of the water penetrating the clay. The tea infusion helps to improve the pot's texture.
Select Pots Based on the Type of Tea
The characteristics of different types of tea vary greatly, so the methods for brewing them, the water temperature, brewing time, choice of teaware, and drinking methods differ accordingly. In the Ming Dynasty, Xu Chishe wrote in “Tea Manual”: “The quality of tea depends on the water, which is enhanced by the vessel, and the tea is brewed by fire. All four elements are necessary, and without any one of them, the tea would not be complete.” This emphasizes the importance of good water, sufficient heat, and beautiful teaware in brewing a perfect cup of tea. In modern tea art, there is an emphasis on the harmony of “tea, water, vessel, fire, environment, and technique.” Brewing a great cup of tea with spring water and a purple clay pot is seen as the epitome of “water as the mother of tea and the pot as the father of tea.”
Nurture the Pot Naturally Without Forcing It
A well-nurtured pot reveals its beauty, but if you are too eager for quick results and focus solely on achieving a patina, neglecting the enjoyment of tea, then you miss the true meaning of nurturing a pot. Enjoying tea and nurturing a pot naturally is the right way for tea enthusiasts to live actively and engage with the world, embodying the principles of tea and pot.
Nurturing a fine pot can bring a sense of achievement, deepen your appreciation of purple clay, and elevate your character. A purple clay pot is not just a collectible or daily item, but also an art form. By savoring purple clay, you can discover even more!