There are a lot of choices when it comes to tea ware. How to pick the perfect tea ware. There are a lot of choices out there. While some of it depends on personal choice there are other factors that need to be considered.
Materials used to create the perfect tea ware have to be considered. As well as the factories used to create them. There are many factors to be considered. Let’s unmask the truth about the perfect teaware.
Pick your tea
The first step in deciding what teaware you want/need is figuring out what type of tea you desire.
Most people start enjoying tea via a teabag. The process is simple. Your tea ware would include a tea cup, tea spoon and possibly a small tray to place your used tea bag.
As most people grow into tea they advance from tea bagged tea to loose leaf. From that point on the tea ware needs grow and grow. Maybe you enjoy your bagged tea. Simply a tea cup is your need. But again it can be as simple as choice or material.
Once you cross the loose leaf path there is no turning back. I joke, because I use both loose leaf and bagged tea. I do have to say I enjoy my loose leaf a bit more. There is nothing like tasting the true taste of a tea without being held inside a bag. Tea flowing freely in my tea cup, unadulterated.
Then you try your tastes at different styles of brewing as well as different teas, herbs and powdered tea called matcha.
Pick your teaware
What tea ware do you really need? If you look at many of our tea collections many would become overwhelmed. My collection keeps growing even though the need no longer needs filled.
We cannot forget the fact that once your family and friends know you are a tea drinker the tea cups will fill every holiday imaginable. Some you will love and keep. Others you will enjoy and pass along. Some will be so special they bring back a memory when each time you use them.
Then we can talk about taste. Different materials give teas a different taste.
If your preference is a white or green tea you want to look for a more delicate tea cup that allows heat to leave faster.
Whereas a black or oolong tea will need a tea cup that holds the heat in for a longer period of time.
And the teapot is important because it is the center element of any tea service. Some say to start with the teapot. Generally it’s the tea cup that first enters your home. No matter what comes first the teapot or the tea cup the decision you make is important. Your decision will make or break the taste of your tea in your cup. So let’s find the perfect teaware for you.
TEAPOT
Tea Cups
My favorite teacups are made of pottery. They were gifts and special. They are also larger than most cups and hold more tea (yay). I also have a metal cup that I do not drink from. Below we discuss the different materials used to create tea cups and kettles.
TEA CUP
Tea Infuser or strainer
It’s all about allowing the tea leaves to grow. Those tea balls, spheres, cute silicone animations and other smaller infusers do not allow your leaves to grow. Avoid them and consider ones that allow the tea room to infuse it’s full flavor. The best strainer should be stainless steel.
A good infuser
Teapot with infuser included
All in one teapot and infuser. Add your tea to the infuser inside the tea pot, add your water, breath, relax and wait. Pour. These infuser teapots are very handy to keep next to your work area to enjoy several cups of tea from one teapot.
Sets
Gong Fu
These sets are for advanced tea drinking,tasting and testing. The names are different and each one has their own unique style. Each gives honor and respect to tea.
There is a learning curve with these sets. But again these sets all bring out the best of the teas that are poured into them.
Each set considers a higher water to tea ratio. The tea is tasted in smaller infusions, shared and steeped several times.
The tea cups are much smaller than what you are used it. Generally about 1 ounce. The brewing vessel again is smaller. Holding 2-4 ounces at a time.
There are also several utensils to aid in each tea service. These include a tea tray in which to capture spilled water and tea.
TEA SET
Clay unglazed teapots
Fragile, brown clay pots made by hand and at the top of the advanced tea drinkers tea ware. They come from a city called hiding. These teapots come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
These teapots embrace the teas that are brewed in them keeping a little bit of each. While a glazed teapot seems to protect itself from the infusion.
So while embracing the teas, they become a part of the teapot and the teapot becomes a part of the tea. There is a chemistry or interaction between the two that brings about an incredible tasting tea. It’s important to keep to a single variety of tea per clay teapot so it does not combine tastes. That would not be a good taste. This process takes a long time to develop.
Unglazed Teapot
Importance of teaware
The simplest method would be a teapot, infuser and cup. What are those simple products made of? The simplicity ends at the choice, now the work begins as we look at what the teaware is made of.
Materials common to teaware
Porcelain – Strong but delicate. Hold up to the light and it’s transparent. Porcelain is suitable for any tea and keeps water consistent.
Glass – Fragile but fun to watch your tea bloom if you get clear glass. Thin walls that cools the water fast.
Stainless steel – safe, strong and secure. One of the top choices for tea pots and kettles but not a top choice for tea cups.
Plastic – A big concern with toxins being drawn out once exposed to hot water
Ceramic – handmade allows for personal creativity. Ceramic has a more stable brewing temperature.
Cast Iron – holds heat for longer periods. Needs much care not to rust. Used for more western style brewing.
Materials decide how your tea will brew. Some materials will hold a water temperature longer than others.
Depending on more than personal choice. Depending on tea choice and taste preference. Choose a material that gives your tea the best taste value.
Toxins and Concerns
With anything you have to be concerned about toxins. Unfortunately, we live in a toxic environment and it’s not getting better. We need to be aware of the products we consume as well as consume with.
Plastics and BPA’s – are always a concern when it comes to hot water. Most do not trust the fact an item being BPA free is safe. Once the plastic is heated chemicals made to create the plastic item seep into the water. Avoid plastics and heat!
Lead based paints and glazes – Be aware of the products that are used to create your teaware and avoid anything made with lead-based paints or glazes.
Heavy metals – Heavy metals are not good for the environment or for brewing your teas in. Identify the metals in your teaware and know what you are drinking from.
Cast Iron – Cast Iron can rust and add a funny taste to your teas if it is not properly cared for.
Conclusion
While there can be rules, rhymes and reasons for the perfect teaware the thing that really matters is you. What does the tea taste like to you and if you are satisfied. The only thing that matters more than that is toxicity is making sure that the items you choose are free from harmful and toxic chemicals.
There are many ways to brew tea and you can add one more to the list. That way is your way. Brew and enjoy!
Looking for more Teaware Choices
Adagio Teas IngenuiTEA 2 Bottom Dispensing Teapot
Kutani Yaki(ware) Japanese Yunomi Tea Cup Rabbit
Mino Ware Traditional Japanese Yunomi Tea Cups
Immaculife Tea Cup with Infuser and Lid, Porcelain Tea Mug with Lid
