Yixing Teapot Information,
How to Prepare Tea in Yixing Teapots
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BRIEF HISTORY |
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HOW TO PREPARE TEA IN YIXING TEAPOTS The specially fired clay of Yixing teapots absorbs the flavor of each particular tea, therefore it is necessary to use a separate teapot for each tea.
1, Pre-rinse the pot with hot water before use. 2. Place loose tea leaves into pot (one teaspoon per 6 oz cup). 3. Fill pot with hot water. 4. Steep tea one to two minutes. 5. For multiple infusions refill pot with hot water two times or more, increasing steeping time by one minute with each infusion.
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CARING FOR YOUR YIXING TEAPOT Using warm water from the faucet or tap, rinse Yixing teapots thoroughly. Never use soap or dishwashing detergents. In China many serious tea drinkers rinse both the inside as well as the outside of their Yixing teapots with some of the leftover green tea, and then let the pot dry in a well-ventilated place. In time, this method of cleaning produces a soft, glowing pearl-like patina. |
ABOUT THE GUYWAN
In Chinese, Guywan means "covered cup" (in Mandarin) or "cha
chung" (in Cantonese). The Guywan has been used in China since 1350, and consists
of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid which are all designed to be used together as a unit.
To make tea in the Guywan the Chinese way, place tea in the bottom of the guywan
bowl and fill with enough freshly boiled water to just below the top. Immediately
drain off the water by holding the cup and saucer together, using the lid as a strainer
to hold back the tea leaves. Lift the lid to experience the delicate aroma of the
"rinsed" tea leaves. This method is recommended when making black tea or
Oolongs. Green tea does not require a cleansing or rinsing. The next step (second
step) is to pour boiled water slowly along the inside of the bowl of rinsed tea leaves.
This method causes the leaves to swirl around in the bowl, releasing more flavor.
Place the lid on the bowl and allow to steep for the required time --- 3-4 minutes
for green tea or Oolongs, and about 2-3 minutes for black tea.
The proper way to drink from a guywan is to hold the saucer in the palm of your right hand, using your thumb to steady the bowl. then with your left hand, tilt the lid by the knob, tilting it slightly away from you in order to hold back the tea leaves while you sip the tea. Add more hot water as needed, pouring the water along the side as before to bring out more flavor.
You can also use the Guywan as a teapot. Make tea as above, using the lid as a strainer. Pour the tea into the saucer, then pouring small individual Chinese cups a little over half full.