Which teapot to choose? The choice of material!
How to choose from the multitude of teapot models existing, from the most basic to the most aesthetic? While each material has its advantages and affects the infusion, should it be chosen based on cast iron, in ceramic or in glass ? Follow the guide established by Kusmi!
The cast iron teapot
This is the traditional japanese teapot, called “Tetsubin Kyusu”. Its strong points? The thermal advantage of cast iron which perfectly retains heat. The cast iron teapot can be placed directly on the fire to heat the water, before infusing all kinds of tea. For easy maintenance, choose an enamel coating that protects the cast iron from rust.
The ceramic or porcelain teapot
Not always easy to distinguish them. Porcelain is ceramic, but ceramic is not necessarily porcelain. Explanation: ceramics is the manufacture of terracotta objects. Except that there are several cooking temperatures, giving life to different materials: earthenware, porcelain or stoneware. If they remain porous after the first firing (not ideal for containing water!), they are often enameled to gain strength. (Enameling consists of depositing a thin layer of powder which becomes molten glass). Once enameled, ceramic or porcelain teapots are “memory-free”, “neutral”, meaning that different types of tea can be brewed one after the other without risking mixing the flavors.
The clay teapot
Also in terracotta, the clay teapot porous has the particularity of being a “memory” teapot: it remembers the teas that have been infused in it. As it is not glazed, the tannin from the tea is lightly deposited on the walls, subsequently restoring the taste. It is therefore recommended to always use the same variety of tea (green tea, white tea, black tea, flavored teas, smoked teas, etc.) to avoid hazardous mixtures. Conversely, teapots “weathered” for years by tea masters can be bought at a high price!
The glass teapot
We love the contemporary and refined design of this teapot, Scandinavian inspired. It plays on transparency, gradually letting the color of the tea appear. Ideal for monitoring the infusion. The advantages of glass teapot : it cleans easily, does not retain flavors. Its weak points: greater fragility (compared to cast iron!), and less heat preservation.
The automatic teapot
If tradition is good, innovation can also appeal to tea lovers. Pour the water into it, then automatic teapot takes care of everything! Equipped with different programs, which can sometimes be personalized, it heats, infuses all varieties of tea, signals when the tea is ready, before keeping it warm. Some are even programmable, so you can have tea ready when you wake up in the morning. However, the advanced tea machines are logically displayed at higher prices than the classic teapots.
Looking for the perfect teapot? To each according to their needs!
To find the most suitable teapot, you will need to review your consumption (What type of tea do you drink? Loose leaf tea or bagged tea ? How many cups do you need to fill? For how many people?) before purchasing. And to guide you as best as possible, we explain below what is the ideal teapot, according to your tastes and preferences.
Which teapot for loose tea?
For ease, the lover of loose tea will opt for a teapot with a built-in filter. Often made of metal, the filter can be located under the lid or directly inside the pouring spout. This second option allows for better infusion, because the tea leaves bathe freely in hot water. This is only filtered at the last moment, before tasting. Of tea infusers and tea balls can also be added to teapots that do not include one.
Which teapot for bagged tea?
You only have bagged teas on hand? The teapot will then be useful for heating water and placing your bag in it to infuse. A second tea bag may be necessary in the case of a large model of teapot. All the teapots can do the trick. Just remember to remove the filter, if possible, to save space.
Which teapot for a tea ceremony?
It will depend on the country and the ritual. In China, the tea ceremony (Gong Fu Cha) involves the use of an earthenware teapot (memory). While at Japan, the Cha No Yu ceremony is centered around the tasting of tea matcha. If the water is heated in the cast iron teapot traditional, you then need to froth the tea matcha in a bowl, using a bamboo whisk. In Russia (country of birth of Kusmi), the samovar rite consists of always having hot water available to enjoy tea at any time of the day. The samovar is a metal utensil, keeping water hot, on which is placed a metal teapot or in porcelain. This contains a black tea very concentrated, which the guests then dilute in the hot water of the samovar.
Which teapot for mint tea?
Moroccan teapots are traditionally made of stainless steel or silver. They have a long pouring spout, a large handle and come with a matching tray. We infuse it with natural green tea, as well as a bouquet of mint, before sweetening well before tasting. In the absence of fresh mint, Kusmi offers a organic mint green tea, made from dried leaves, just as tasty.
How to properly maintain your teapot?
Whatever the material chosen, avoid dishwashing liquid, scraping sponges and the dishwasher, which are considered too abrasive. Simply rinse your teapot with boiling water. Once dry, leave it open so that it can air well. In the event of stains or deposits, natural products (white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda) can be used to remove tannin stains or traces of rust on a cast iron teapot.
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