Tea Knowledge: Is it necessary to use one teapot for one type of tea?

"One teapot for one type of tea" is a principle adhered to by many teapot lovers.

Using only one teapot for brewing one type of tea is a habit that is closely related to the properties of the purple clay teapot's material.

The unique dual-pore structure of a purple clay teapot absorbs the tea's mellow flavor while retaining its true essence.

An old teapot used for years to brew the same type of tea will still emit a subtle tea fragrance even when filled with only boiling water.

Thus, "not using two teas" is key to preserving the tea's true flavor.

Frequently changing tea leaves will blend the flavors, making it difficult to savor the pure individuality of each tea.

Tea has thousands of flavors, and each teapot has its own unique characteristics.

How to maximize the performance of a teapot is the art of tea brewing.

For example, for delicate mountain teas, which emphasize a high aroma, a red clay teapot is ideal. The fine, dense clay material helps to enhance the tea's aroma. Paired with a tall, arched lid, such as a high-pear-shaped red clay teapot, this pot utilizes the "chimney principle" to draw air and enhance the aroma, allowing the refreshing fragrance of high-mountain oolong tea to reach your nose.

For brewing ripe Pu'er tea, especially those with a slight warehouse or pile flavor, a coarse-grained horizontal teapot is ideal.

High air permeability and a high oxygen content soften the water and promote the release of aged flavors. Combined with a high-temperature firing process, it enhances the tea's flavor, allowing the depth of the aged tea to be fully revealed.

But if you prefer a particular teapot shape but want to use it for different teas, is that possible?

Actually, it's not. Simply rinse the teapot thoroughly. Fill it with boiling water, shake it, pour it out, and then immerse it in cold water several times to awaken the tea's body due to thermal expansion and contraction. For a more meticulous approach, place the teapot in a pot, fill it with water to cover it, and simmer over low heat until the tea leaves are ready to be replaced. Once brewed, add the new tea and let it sit for several hours before rinsing.

Now that we have a method for cleaning teapots, is it still necessary to stick to the "one teapot, one tea" principle?

In my opinion, tea tasting is ultimately about state of mind.

Some pursue ultimate purity, savoring the distinct personality presented by the precise match between each teapot and tea – a dedicated pleasure.

Others prefer a casual, relaxed approach, savoring the interplay and harmony of different tea notes within the same teapot – a truly free and unrestrained state of mind.

If conditions permit, using a dedicated teapot or using multiple teapots for brewing allows the tea and the teapot to complement each other and adds a sense of ritual to tea tasting and teapotting.

In reality, however, most people lack sufficient teapots or a pure moment for tea tasting. There's no need to force it. Teas of the same type and style can share a pot: aged shengpu tea from the same tea region, aged ripe tea with similar flavors, or oolong tea from the same tea region and using the same process. Sharing a pot will have minimal impact on the tea, and flavor transfer is almost negligible.

Even if the teapot accidentally transfers flavors, there's no need to worry too much. You can soak the teapot in boiling water multiple times. A thoroughly heated purple clay teapot will gradually release any previously absorbed tea flavors, slowly returning to its pure state.

A teapot is like life: holding onto something is obsession, while letting go is equanimity.

The purple clay teapot has endured for centuries, not only for its practicality and artistic value as a tea vessel, but also because it embodies the wisdom of Chinese life.

You can be meticulous about details and pursue the ultimate tea flavor, or you can be relaxed and casual, enjoying the ease of tea.

Whether adhering to the principle of "one teapot, one tea" or the inclusiveness of "one teapot, many teas," finding joy in the interaction between tea and teapot is the ultimate state of tea. May you enjoy your drink with peace of mind no matter what choice you make.