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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to teapots

Cast iron teapot also known as tetsubin or cast iron tea kettle was used originally in Japan as kettle for boiling water which is done on an open fire. Japanese people then hang their tea kettle above their fireplace in order to provide enough heat, humidity and heat during cold weather. Cast iron teapot has the ability to absorb seasoning, "taking the taste" of your particular type of tea. Using the same teapot for different types of tea changes the taste or season of your tea kettle.

Making tea with a teapot

Your teapot is a beautiful and efficient way to brew a tasty cup of tea. Brewing in a ceramic, glass, or cast iron teapot has the advantage of eliminating the "pot" flavor that can result from brewing in a stainless or aluminum container.

Porcelain, ceramic and glass teapots are preferred by the English and others, while cast iron teapots are popular in Japan because of their heat retaining properties. The tiny tea pots and cups found in Asian markets are used for brewing and enjoying Oolong Tea.

Teapot as a gift

A teapot makes an attractive gift selection that adds character to a kitchen and is practical for daily purpose. A vast amount of history and culture is attached to the teapot. Its invention dates back to the sixteenth century. The aim behind creating this kitchen staple was to provide a vessel to brew and serve tea.

History of the teapot

Teapots were first introduced in China during the Ming Dynasty. They were made of purple clay called "zisha". Teapots were also known as teakettles and used in Europe only after 1610, when the Dutch importers introduced tea there. In the eighteenth century teapots were made of porcelain and contained artistic paintings on its rounded surfaces. The English added their touch by mixing bone ash with porcelain clay to give it a freshly distinct look. The evolution of the teapot spanned hundreds of years to attain its present form. Today teakettles can be found in large varieties ranging from clay, porcelain, glass to even stoneware.

A good teapot

A good teapot can be hard to find. Along with aesthetics, you’ll want a good pourer and one that keeps the heat in for as long as possible. Depending on what kind of tea drinker you are, there are several other things to take into account; green tea calls for quite a different pot than your everyday cuppa.

CONCLUSION

The ‘fat old brown betty’ pot is found in most homes, and is used many times a day. It’s a functional teapot – the dark colour won’t show staining from the tannin and the rounded shape gives the leaves space to swirl around and release their flavor.