A cast iron tea pot is sometimes generically termed a ‘tetsubin’ teapot after the classical ironware of Japan. The basic shape of the cast iron teapot can be thought of as a two-part structure consisting of two bowls permanently welded together along their rims. The bowl on top is, of course, inverted. The hole for pouring the water in and dropping the tea ingredients is found at the top bowl and a lid is used to close it. The spout of the cast iron teapot is also found on the top bowl. The handle is typically a stiff arched structure also found on the upper bowl. Given this basic shape of the cast iron tea pot, you encounter many variations designed by the different manufacturers of these teapots.
The upper and lower portions of the vessel may be flattened
Some models of the cast iron tea pot have flattened bowls. Some are so flat as to make the cast iron vessel resemble a flying saucer with somewhat sharp outer edges. The position of the spout and the handle is still on the upper bowl but the designer has the option of shaping the spout with an upward stem and an outward curve instead of merely pointing straight outward as in the more spherical type of teapot. The spout itself may have a wide or narrow base and can have a funnel which is circular or squarish in contour, depending on the preference of the designer.
The saucer-shaped cast iron tea pot is designed for brewing tea quickly. The more flat the vessel is, the quicker it is to brew the tea. Residue from the tea will accumulate in greater quantity in the insides of the outer ridge of the vessel and therefore the tea brewed with this type of teapot will acquire more flavor from the previous blends of the tea that were prepared in it. Because of that it is advisable to prepare tea blends whose flavors are compatible in this type of teapot. Otherwise, the flavor of the tea may be spoiled by the flavor of the residues in the vessel.
The globular cast iron tea pot
This type of cast iron tea pot is cast in a spherical mold with an opening on top for the lid. In other words, it does not have the appearance of being made up of two bowls, one inverted on top of the other. The basic construction of this type of cast iron teapot follows that of an iron kettle with the join of the base with the sides somewhat tapered instead of angular and straight. This type of cast iron tea pot is ideal if you intend to include larger tea components in the brew because the mouth of the pot is typically wider in approximation of the mouth of a cooking kettle. People who like to mix bark and roots to make medicinal tea will find the spherical cast iron tea pot more convenient for putting in, as well as for occasionally mixing the somewhat bulky ingredients.
Look for a cast iron tea pot with a strainer
People who use leaves to prepare their tea should avail of a cast iron tea pot that is equipped with a strainer. This make it easy to remove the leaves after the tea is prepared. You won’t have to serve the leaves to your guests along with their tea or strain the mixture after it has been cooked. You can also partially boil the tea leaves in the strainer if you prefer your tea weak. Just set the leaves aside in a covered container for future use. Of course you can’t wait too long to re-use them as they may become molded by them.
You will find that besides pure functionality, you can have hundreds of designs and tens of colors on your cast iron tea pot. There are teapots made to resemble pumpkins. There are even kettle-type pots which are not spherical but have flattened bases, the sides tapering upwards to resemble Mount Fujiyama. These are wares that also make excellent dining room décor.
Doc. No.:110-CF-ULT5-jn17xz
Add Asian style to your team time with a cast iron teapot , yixing teapot , and glass teapot that’s both functional and decorative.
