Thés & Traditions
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Tea enthusiasts will tell you: selecting the teapot is important in tea preparation. It has become a true ritual in some countries, as is the case in Japan. The cast iron teapot is the symbol of this tea ceremony, also called Cha No Yu. Why choose a cast iron teapot? Let's explore.
Discover our cast iron teapots
Contrary to appearances, the cast iron teapot originated in China in the 4th century AD and was not initially used for tea preparation. It was the Japanese who developed its manufacture and use. Cast iron teapots became valuable objects for the tea preparation ritual.
Originally, the cast iron teapot was not enameled on the inside and was only used as a kettle. Also called Tetsubin, the cast iron kettle does not allow for tea infusion. The Tetsubin is only used to boil water for the Japanese tea preparation ceremony. Originally, the black cast iron teapot was produced in small quantities by artisans, and the Iwachu Japanese cast iron teapot is the most well-known.
Cast iron teapots have become popular worldwide. Their design has changed and the color is no longer limited to simple black, as you can find a red cast iron teapot, or a blue Japanese cast iron teapot, for example. Nowadays, cast iron teapots with enamel interiors for brewing tea are more common.
The black Iwachu cast iron teapot traditionally has characteristic patterns. The Arare point is the most common, consisting of raised dots of varying sizes all over the teapot. You can also find lines or details representing Japanese fauna and flora. The capacity of the Japanese cast iron teapot also varies. You can choose a small cast iron teapot for one cup of tea or a model with a larger capacity for several cups of tea.
You can choose a non-enameled kettle to heat water for tea preparation directly in your cup. You won't get a metallic taste, but the iron from the teapot infuses into the boiling water, which changes its taste and gives teas softer and less bitter flavors. The enameled cast iron teapot can contain a removable filter or infuser, usually made of stainless steel. Any teas such as Japanese green tea, white tea, red tea, sakura, etc. can be prepared in these teapots.
Choosing a Japanese cast iron teapot means taking the time to prepare your tea according to your preferences. After brewing and enjoying the tea, you should hand wash it, leaving the lid open to dry, and avoid using the dishwasher. Preparing tea with a cast iron teapot has its advantages!
Choosing a cast iron teapot is also choosing a durable decorative object that will last over time. Cast iron teapots are wear-resistant, however, the material is porous and the teapot can crack. For tea lovers, it's the ideal gift.
Cast iron has the characteristic of retaining and distributing heat even better than a glass or ceramic teapot.
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