When you’re browsing for a new tea set, do you only consider the colour, shape and the price? Or do you delve deeper? Tea sets don’t just have to be pretty but they are also a functional component in the tea-making process since they affect the taste and aroma of your homemade brews, especially if you’re using artisanal brews.
Porcelain and Bone China are non-porous and have a smooth surface, making them ideal for most types of tea. They don't absorb flavors or odors, ensuring the tea's taste remains pure. Porcelain and bone china also retain heat well, which is beneficial for maintaining the optimal temperature during brewing.
Glass tea sets, which are the mot popular variants are neutral and don't impart any flavor to the tea. They are particularly useful for appreciating the color of the tea, which can be an essential part of the experience. Glass also lets you adjust certain ingredients to perfect the colour, during the brewing process.
Yixing clay teapots are prized in the tea community, especially for brewing oolong, black, and puerh teas. The porous nature of the clay absorbs the tea's flavors and develops a unique patina over time, enhancing future brews. However, this also means that a Yixing teapot should be dedicated to one type of tea to avoid cross-flavoring.
Metal tea sets, such as those made from stainless steel or silver, are less common for brewing but can be used for serving. They are durable and can keep tea hot for longer periods. However, they may impart a slight metallic taste to the tea, which might not be desirable. Cast iron teapots, often lined with enamel, are excellent for keeping tea warm. They are commonly used in Japanese tea culture. The enamel lining prevents the tea from coming into direct contact with the iron, preserving the tea's natural flavor.
Does the shape matter?
The shape and size of the teapot impact the tea's brewing process. A teapot with a wide base and short spout is ideal for allowing tea leaves to expand fully, which is crucial for proper flavor extraction. Smaller teapots, like those used in Gongfu tea ceremonies, enable multiple short infusions, each revealing different layers of flavor.
Infusers, whether built-in or separate, are crucial for loose-leaf teas. A well-designed infuser allows ample space for the leaves to unfurl and release their flavors. Fine mesh infusers are suitable for smaller leaves, while larger perforated ones are better for larger leaves.
Lid fit and pouring spout pots affects heat retention, while the design of the pouring spout influences the control one has over pouring. This can affect the tea's final taste, especially in the case of delicate teas like green tea.