Tips for choosing a clay teapot

Nobody can tell when the first teapot appeared. Since then, the popularity of this kitchen device has greatly increased. Teapots are different in shape, volume, purpose, and, of course, they are created from different materials. Among the entire range are clay models. From this special material, amazing products are created that can turn any tea drinking into a real tea ceremony.

The first clay teapots were made in China. For the manufacture of used only Isinskaya clay, whose properties allow a longer time to keep the fresh taste of tea. Even now, these kettles are popular all over the world and have no equivalent analogues.

Purple Clay Teapots They are considered the most useful because they do not allow the tea leaves to excrete toxins.

Now Isinskaya clay has become a popular brand that is used everywhere. Therefore, the kettle may not be Chinese, and the material for it is used is different, but it is still called Isinsky. In such cases, the masters take the old technology as a basis and repeat the design of famous teapots.

Why clay teapots are so popular? Let's see what their secrets and advantages are.

• The walls of clay teapots have a porous structure, which allows the tea leaf oils to be absorbed into the material and form a special film with a unique flavor. Over time, the substances accumulated by the kettle begin to affect the tea, making its taste more saturated and refined. Therefore, even if the device is later used to boil water, the taste of tea will still be felt.
• Each kettle of Yinsky clay or any other variety of this natural material is original and unique. Each model employs pottery masters who put a special history and secret meaning into their creations.
• Clay is a natural material. During the preparation of the composition for further work, the addition of artificial components is excluded. The composition of the clay should be checked by the manufacturer and kept under control by government authorities.
• A manufacturer who cares about its reputation does not allow itself to make low-quality kettles. Many masters put special marks on their creations that are difficult to fake. These labels make it easy to distinguish a quality device from a low-end fake.
• The clay teapot is easy to clean. After use, it must be washed without the use of special tools and dried.
• Clay, unlike other materials, interacts with tea, fully reveals its taste and makes the flavor exquisite. There are no analogues to this material.

Choosing a teapot is not an easy task, especially when it comes to clay products. To choose the perfect teapot, you have to spend time, review a lot of options and show the utmost care. The kettle that you like will decorate the kitchen and make every tea drinking a pleasant, relaxing process.

To choose the right kettle of clay, you need to follow a number of important tips.

• The design and shape of the teapot should please you, and its size should comply with the requirements and norms of tea consumption. It makes no sense to buy a small item for a large family. But a large kettle is also not needed for one person. The Chinese believe that the brewed drink should not be more than a day. After that, it is harmful to humans.
• The object of interest must be taken in hand so that its proportions can be evaluated. The handle should not be too thin or thick. The central parts of the handle and nose in the correct device are located in the same vertical plane. The front area of ​​the kettle (where the spout is) is made shorter than the back with a handle.
• In most cases, clay teapots are produced with one handle, more is not needed, because this design is the most convenient. When buying a device, you need to take it in hand, so that the pen was convenient to use.
• The sufficient height of the lid will allow it to stay in place when the kettle is tilted. In most cases, caps with a pattern and thread have a more recessed shape than simple options.
• In the right device for brewing tea, the lid fits snugly to the kettle along the entire length of its circumference. In this case, the tea will be better brewed, the temperature inside will be kept longer and the operation of the kettle will be pleasant. To check the tightness of the cover, you need to shake the device and twist it. In the first case, there should be no sounds, and when scrolling the kettle, the sound should be smooth, without rattling.
• Detailed attention should be paid to the upper rim of the device. There can not be chips, gaps and other shortcomings. The thickness along the entire length of the rim should not change, as well as the color of the material.
• The strainer, which is located inside the device, can be located outside or inside the neck. The first option is more successful, since the tea leaves will not clog the kettle and prevent the fragrant drink from entering the cup. For brewing small tea, you need to choose a device with an appropriate strainer. The size of the holes should be less tea.
• It is impossible to focus on the cost, since the prices of clay teapots are completely biased. An expensive model can be an uncomfortable and completely useless item. The kettle is several times cheaper in all its parameters will be superior to its dear fellow. Therefore, it is necessary to focus only on external characteristics and your own feelings.
• To check the quality of the device it is necessary to pour water into it. When full, no water should flow through the spout and through the cap. When tilted, the water should be poured in a steady stream, without splashing and interruption.
• If you put the device upside down, then it should stand firmly on the table, not to stagger and not roll over.

It is not easy to choose a good kettle, it should be perfect in all respects. Any deviations in shape will ruin the drink.

It is impossible to describe all existing types of clay teapots, because there are a lot of them and the classification is based on a variety of features. For example, in the form of a device for brewing an aromatic beverage can be round, square and ribbed.

Design options are unlimited. Chinese hieroglyphs and ornaments are especially popular. Also as a decor elements of a molding, pastes, even precious metals and stones can be used.

Clay devices for brewing tea are made not only in China. Japanese models are also distinguished by excellent quality, which is why they are highly valued in the world.. Many countries are engaged in the production of clay teapots, but the best are created in China from famous artists.

It is not enough to choose a quality clay teapot. It must be properly used. Only in this case, it will be the maximum benefit. So, you became the proud owner of a new clay teapot. We will tell you what to do next.

• On the "virgin" device may be sand. This is normal. You just need to blow it off or rinse it off. In any case, the new kettle will have to be washed. Here you can use detergents and even allow you to take a soft brush. In the future, to clean the device after use, it is permissible to use only water.

• Some experts suggest boiling the kettle on the slowest fire for 40 minutes.. In the process of boiling, you can add salt or soda. This procedure will remove the taste and smell of clay. Doing it or not is up to you. The kettle should cool down slowly, it should not be doused with cold water, as it may burst or crack.

• The device is again placed in water and brought to a boil over low heat. Any brew is added, even the simplest and cheapest (3-4 tablespoons), and the kettle roasts for about 40 minutes.

• After the second boiling kettle gets and laid out on a towel. He must "rest" for an hour.

Thus, the kettle is brought up and prepared before the first brewing.

See below for how to choose an earthenware kettle.