Having a cup of tea is a relaxing ritual, a moment to share with your loved ones, or enjoy it in peace on your own. And there’s something remarkable when you’re consuming your favourite tea from a carefully designed cup. If you’re into the old-school tea serving, then you’ll definitely enjoy a full set of cups and a teapot. If you’re looking for one, search no further than Kinto ceramics and their unique designs that mix modern aesthetic and strong functionality.
Choose the Right Teapot
Size
When it comes to tea tasting with friends, it’s important to have a teapot that can cater to everyone’s preferences. You’ll want a teapot that is just the right size to pour a small cup for each person, so everyone can enjoy the same brew at the same temperature. The beauty of loose-leaf tea is that you can steep it multiple times, so when you’re ready for another cup, simply add more hot water to the same leaves.
On the other hand, if you prefer to brew tea in the traditional way, you’ll need smaller teapots like Yixing teapots or gaiwans. These are perfect for steeping short infusions of tea with a higher tea-to-water ratio. With just 6 grams of tea, you can easily enjoy 10-15 steeps of tea.
If you’re hosting a large gathering or a tea party, a larger teapot would be more suitable to accommodate the number of guests and ensure there’s enough tea for everyone. However, if you prefer a solitary tea experience, smaller teapots like the ones you can find at IrishShop may be the best choice. They allow for a single serving without any waste.
Heat
Water temperature plays a crucial role in the brewing process, and it varies depending on the type of tea you’re using. For green tea, it’s best to brew it in water that’s around 85 degrees Celsius, while stronger teas like oolong require a temperature of about 93 degrees Celsius. Whichever tea you choose, it’s important to have a teapot that can maintain a consistent heat while the tea steeps. If you enjoy watching the tea leaves unfurl and the colour change, glass teapots are perfect for that. However, they don’t retain heat very well and can become hot to the touch.
On the other hand, ceramic or porcelain teapots retain heat for a longer period and are easier to handle. With a lighter-coloured pot, you can easily observe the colour of the tea and determine when it’s done brewing and ready to be served. If you’re looking for durable, aesthetically pleasing and affordable items check out Kinto ceramics. Kinto is dedicated and serious when it comes to design and functionality, which is why here you’ll find just anything from tea cups, to teapots, water bottles, tumblers, coasters and anything in between
Clay pots are the best at retaining heat, but they tend to be more expensive. It’s recommended to have the inside of clay pots glazed to prevent any impact on the taste of the tea. However, in more advanced tea cultures, unglazed clay pots are preferred as they can enhance the flavour of the tea.
Mind the Type of Infusing
Tea enthusiasts who are passionate about their brew prefer to let tea leaves float freely in the water without worrying about a stray leaf in their cup. However, most tea drinkers opt for an infuser. If you’re unfamiliar with it, an infuser is a small basket that fits into your teapot and holds the tea leaves while they steep. Once you’re done brewing, simply remove the basket and you’ll have a clear batch of tea ready to serve.
Tea leaves require ample space to unfold in the hot water, allowing them to release their vibrant colour, rich flavour, and delightful aroma. Therefore, the most crucial aspect of an infuser is its width, as it should be as wide as possible to provide the tea leaves with enough room to unleash their flavour. While small tea balls may seem convenient, they might not fully brew the leaves. For those who prefer to enjoy their tea alone, there are infusers available that can be placed over a cup.
The Cups
Now that you’ve finished brewing the tea, it’s time to serve it. For the perfect cup of tea or coffee, it’s best to use a ceramic or porcelain cup. Make sure the cup has a wide rim so you can savour the aroma of the tea before taking a sip. While it may be tempting to pour the tea into a larger mug, using a smaller cup with a smaller portion of tea will keep it warmer for a longer time.
When it comes to the appearance of the teaware itself, there are plenty of whimsical styles and patterns to choose from. In some tea traditions, as much attention is given to admiring the teaware as to the tea itself. Opting for sets that are light in colour or made of glass will enhance your enjoyment of the unique flavours and tones of your brew.
Australian Flow 