While Western cast iron teapots are also made using cast iron, they typically also feature an enamel coating inside the pot, which helps to prevent rust. Because of this coating, these cast iron pots are not suitable for heating on the stove.
Designed as much for their visual appeal as for their practicality, cast iron teapots are a graceful ornament to your décor. In Japan, cast iron teapot designs have evolved to be quite intricate with different shades and colors and various decorative elements, as well as a variety of shapes, including some that are rectangular. Some design elements include cherry blossoms, dragonflies, elephants, bamboo, koi, and dragons. There is also what I call the “bump” design where the exterior is covered with uniform little bumps (that’s the kind I have).
If you’ve ever had one of those “Oops!” moments, no explanation is needed here. We all probably have at least one ceramic, bone china, terracotta, stoneware, glass, or zisha clay teapot that is chipped or missing a spout, handle, or lid. A cast iron teapot could survive just about anything you do to it except throwing it in a smelting furnace — or an erupting volcano.
Japanese cast iron teapots (also known as “tetsubin”) bring to mind centuries past. Cast iron teapots have been used in Japan as early as the 1600s. They became popular with the rise in steeping tea leaves instead of matcha tea powder. When you use one of these teapots, you are in essence carrying on a tradition of tea steeping that focuses on a full appreciation of every aspect of enjoying tea.
© Online Stores, LLC, and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, LLC., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
© Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or the blog’s owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Online Stores, Inc., and The English Tea Store Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
As Vedic Teas, we take great pride in the fact that we import only leaves that are 100 percent pure and that have been carefully handpicked for their remarkable flavour and distinctive tea profile. Our staff of experienced tea tasters carefully chooses each lot throughout each growing season. This is a skill that has been perfected over the course of the past two decades through unrelenting dedication and expertise.
Cast Iron Teapots – How to Use and Take Care of Them
FAQ
Can I boil water in a cast iron teapot?
Can you use a cast iron kettle on a gas stove?
What are the disadvantages of cast iron teapots?
What are cast iron teapots good for?
Can a cast iron teapot be set on a stove?
Unlike most teapots, cast iron teapots can be set directly on your stove or even an open flame. Some guidelines to follow: It’s best to have some liquid in the teapot before setting it on the heat source. When using a gas stove or setting on an open flame, keep the flames low so they do not hit the sides of the teapot.
Can you put hot water in a cast iron teapot?
If you pour hot water in the pot when the pot’s body is cold or pour cool water in the pot when the pot’s body is warm, the pot may face the danger of fissure. It is better if you have two cast iron teapots ready for use. But if you only have one pot, you can add hot water to replenish the pot. 2. Keep the cast iron teapot dry.
Can you use a cast iron teapot without an infuser?
Other teapots that do not come with an infuser, however, is best used with tea that comes in bags, as this will avoid the tea leaves from escaping the pot and landing in your teacup. All you need to do in order to utilize the cast iron teapot is to place a tea bag into the pot, followed by some hot water.
Is cast iron a good teapot?
The metal is more brittle and malleable than pure iron and steel, making it ideal for creating intricate shapes such as these teapots. Cast iron teapots are not too heavy and wash up easily with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. You should be sure to dry them thoroughly after washing.