Nowadays, more and more people enjoy collecting Yixing Teapots, not only for the rich aroma they bring to Tea but also for their unique aesthetic appeal and artistic enjoyment. One aspect that sets Yixing Teapots apart from other tea wares is their ability to become more beautiful with use and care.
For Yixing beginners, most believe that a teapot is merely for drinking tea and appreciation, and does not fall under the category of cultural playthings. This is actually a misconception.
In a broader sense, Yixing teapots do belong in the realm of cultural playthings. Many tea enthusiasts enjoy sipping tea while playing with small Yixing teapots. Here are some tips for nurturing your Yixing teapot.
TIP 1: Keep it clean
We consistently emphasize cleanliness for any tea ware, as dirt is the “biggest enemy” of Yixing teapots. Once a cultural plaything becomes dirty, it is often irreparable. Keeping your teapot clean and hygienic is therefore the first important step in nurturing it properly. A newly purchased Yixing teapot should be thoroughly cleaned. Used teapots should also be kept clean inside, free of any residual tea stains. Develop the habit of cleaning your teapot after each use. When not in use, Yixing teapots should not be stored in sealed places (especially not in the original packaging) but rather in a naturally ventilated environment.
TIP 2: Use it frequently for brewing tea
To maintain its beauty, a Yixing teapot needs the help of tea. If left unused for a long time, it will lack the elegance and charm typical of aged teapots.
Therefore, no matter how precious a Yixing teapot may be, it must be used for brewing tea. Only then can the clay body continuously absorb tea water, resulting in a lustrous finish over time.
TIP 3: Avoid leaving tea residue in the pot
Many people, upon acquiring a Yixing teapot, are so enamored that they leave tea in the pot, believing this helps nurture the teapot. However, this practice is incorrect.
Leaving tea in the teapot for extended periods does not aid in nurturing the teapot. Instead, it can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. When the teapot absorbs these odors, it can affect the taste of tea the next time you use it. Therefore, it's important to clean the teapot after use.
TIP 4: Do not brew two types of tea in one pot
Experienced Yixing enthusiasts know that to achieve an elegant patina, a teapot should be used exclusively for one type of tea. Over time, the teapot will emit a natural and refreshing tea aroma.
This is due to the unique structure of Yixing clay, which has pores that absorb tea flavors. If different teas are mixed, the flavors can clash.
TIP 5: Maintain a good mindset
This is another reason why many people love Yixing teapots: they can temper one's character. Impatience will not help in nurturing a Yixing teapot. Nurturing a teapot well involves drinking tea regularly and allowing the tea water to continually nourish it, slowly revealing changes in the teapot over time.
Impatience simply won't work. Of course, it's essential to start with a genuine Yixing clay teapot, as clay from outside the region will not yield significant results.
Using a Yixing teapot is not just about drinking tea; it's also a process of communicating and connecting with the teapot. You should not nurture a teapot solely for the sake of doing so.
Your careful attention will be rewarded with a better tea-drinking experience and aesthetic pleasure from the teapot.
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