Why choose a cast iron teapot?
The traditional cast iron teapot is of Japanese origin, it is also called Tetsubin which means steel pot. It is used for the tea ceremony because of its ability to modify and enhance the flavours of the tea. The metal that makes it up brings a softness to the infusion through the contact with the iron.
In the past, they were made exclusively of metal, but today they are covered with an enamel coating on the inside to prevent rust from setting in. Japanese teapots are recognisable firstly by their sober look and then, for the European market, by their brighter colours and then by their weight due to the material used. The Japanese teapot is made of cast iron unlike its cousin the Kyusu teapot which is made of clay.
The advantages of the Japanese teapot
The advantages of a cast iron teapot are its design, it is timeless, its robustness, you can keep it for years. Its ability to retain heat allows you to enjoy your drink for several hours. If you like to prepare your tea and enjoy it all morning, the cast iron teapot is ideal.
It is advisable to adapt the capacity of the teapot to your needs, the heat will be retained longer if you pre-heat with hot water. During the infusion, the contact against the walls of the teapot will give the tea a softness and a particular taste.
How to use a cast iron teapot?
If you have just bought a cast iron teapot, it is important to prepare it before the first infusion.
- 1. To do this, it is important to rinse it several times with hot (not boiling) water and tilt your teapot to moisten the inside.
- 2. Then dry the whole teapot (inside/outside) with a soft cloth. On "modern" cast iron teapots an internal enamel coating is not made over the whole height of the teapot. Therefore, when using it, it is important not to fill the teapot to the top. Otherwise rust will settle in your teapot.
- 3. It is imperative to dry your teapot after each use and not to leave it to dry with the lid closed.
- 4. Before each brewing, it is advisable to preheat the teapot to avoid thermal shock. Otherwise, the high temperature can damage the enamel and it will eventually crack.
How do I clean the inside of a cast iron teapot?
After each use, it is important to clean your teapot. Be aware that even though the teapot is made of cast iron and looks solid, the coating can be damaged if it is not cleaned properly. The first thing to know is that the cast iron teapot is not dishwasher safe. You can't use detergent either, it removes the protective coating that keeps your teapot from rusting.
Rinsing with clean water is sufficient, there is no need to scrub the teapot, as this could cause further damage. Once finished, you only have to let your Tetsubin dry without its cover to avoid condensation.
If you follow these steps, you can keep your teapot for many years.
