Seasoning of Zisha Clay Teapots
The water-boiling method is applied to the Zisha Clay Teapots with a strong earthy taste. The steps of the water-boiling method are relatively complicated. But the effect is very good. Generally, high quality Zisha Clay Teapots will be seasoned in this way.
1. Baptize
First, wash the newly bought Zisha Clay Teapots with boiling water inside out to remove the dust on the surface, then put the teapot & lid seperately into a clean pot without oil stains, add room temperature water three times the height of the pot and let it simmer for 30 mins
( Important: don’t let it boil as the teapot may get damaged as it moves too much inside the pan.)
After this, the earthy smell and dust inside the teapot will be removed.
(No chemical detergent should be used !!)
2. Hell Bath
Put the tea which you are dedicating the teapot to and let it simmer for 30 mins.
Low quality / retired tea is already good enough
Leaf to water ratio : 5g / 100 ml
*Please do not use heavy roasted tea / ripe puerh to season light color Zisha Clay Teapots
( For Example : Duan Ni : light brown / yellow), as this may stain the teapot.
3. Reborn
Allow the Teapot cool down to the room temperature with the tea soup we have just simmered for 30 mins. You can take out the zisha clay pot and lid. Rinse it clean with warm water then dry it properly with a clean towel. Rub the inside and outside of the pot and lid with the towel. Remember once again to handle with care as the pot is wet & slippery. Allow the pot to dry and rest by leaving it uncovered on a dry flat surface for 2-3 days.
Then, the Yixing teapot is ready to use!
At this point, the teapot is no longer a "lifeless" dead object. After being reborn, it absorbs the essence of the tea leaves. You might not notice the added value of the Yixing clay teapot directly, but after about 3-5 sessions, you will discover how amazing such steeping equipment truly is!
Happy Brewing!
