Tea enthusiasts will tell you: the choice of teapot is important in tea preparation. It has become a true ritual in certain countries, as is the case in Japan. The cast iron teapot is the symbol of this tea ceremony, also known as Cha No Yu. Why choose a cast iron teapot? Let's take a closer look.
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The history of the cast iron teapot
The cast iron teapot, contrary to appearances, originated in China in the 4th century AD and was not initially used for tea preparation. It was the Japanese who developed its production and use. Cast iron teapots have become true objects of value for the ritual of tea preparation.
The cast iron teapot: originally a kettle
The cast iron teapot is, at its creation, not enamelled on the inside and is only used as a kettle. Also known as a 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 made in small quantities by craftspeople, and the Japanese Iwachu cast iron teapot is the most well-known.
A product that has adapted to the European and Western market
The cast iron teapot has spread throughout the world. Their design has changed and the colour is no longer limited to simple black, as you can now find a red cast iron teapot, or a blue Japanese cast iron teapot, for example. Today, the cast iron teapot enamelled on the inside for tea infusion is more common.
The different types of cast iron teapots
The black Iwachu cast iron teapot traditionally features motifs characteristic to it. The Arare pattern is the most common — these are raised dots of varying sizes covering the entire teapot. You can also find lines or details representing the fauna and flora of Japan. The capacity of the Japanese cast iron teapot also varies. You can choose a small cast iron teapot for a single cup of tea or a model with a larger capacity for several cups of tea.
You can choose the unenamelled kettle to heat the water for tea preparation directly in your cup. You will not get a metallic taste, but the iron from the teapot seeps into the boiling water, which changes its taste and gives teas softer and less bitter flavours. The enamelled cast iron teapot can contain a filter or a removable infuser, generally made of stainless steel. Any type of tea such as Japanese green tea, white tea, red tea, sakura, etc. can be prepared in these teapots.
The advantages of the Japanese cast iron teapot
Making the choice of a Japanese cast iron teapot means taking the time to prepare your tea as you like it. After steeping and enjoying the tea, you will need to hand-wash it, leaving the lid open to dry, and avoid the dishwasher. Preparing tea with a cast iron teapot has its advantages!
A durable decorative object
Choosing a cast iron teapot also means choosing a durable decorative object that stands the test of time. Cast iron teapots are resistant to wear, however the material is porous and the teapot can crack. For tea lovers, it is the ideal gift.
A heat-resistant product
Cast iron has the characteristic of retaining and distributing heat even better than a glass or ceramic teapot.