Okay, you have a new cast iron teapot, but now what? Cast iron teapots are really easy to use. But often, manufacturers don’t include clear instructions on how to use their teapots. So, if your teapot didn’t come with clear instructions, you’re not alone. My teapot didn’t come with instructions. Do manufacturers assume we all know how to use a cast iron teapot?
In this article, you can learn how to use your cast-iron teapot. With this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.
Teapot vs. Tea Kettle
Before learning how to use your teapot, I want to ensure you have a teapot, not tetsubin (wiki) or a cast-iron kettle. Your teapot should have shiny black enamel on the inside… the enamel that will protect your teapot from rust. If it doesn’t have enamel lining inside the pot, then it’s likely a kettle.
A kettle is for boiling water rather than steeping tea. Click the link to learn the differences between a cast iron teapot and a kettle. And if you have a cast-iron kettle. Then, I have another article that covers the basics to get you started. Here’s the link to the kettle guide.
How To Use A Cast-Iron Teapot For The First Time?
If you are using your cast iron teapot for the first time, “Congratulations.” I’m sure you’ll love it. Especially if your budget is stretched enough to buy an authentic Japanese Nambu Tekki teapot from Iwate. If you’re not too sure what Nanbu or Nambu Tekki is. Then, click the link to learn more. They are a lot of fun and look great. And the tea tastes pretty good, too.
Before You Start Using Your Cast Iron Teapot, Make Sure You Do This.
Rinse out your new cast iron teapot a couple of times with warm water. Then, I would fill it with boiling water. And let it sit for a while before tipping out the water.
There might be a slight odor the first couple of times you use your teapot. It’s just new, and I’d say it’s normal.
How To Use A Cast Iron Teapot In 7 Easy Steps
1. Choose Your Tea
The first step in brewing tea in a cast iron teapot is to select your favorite loose-leaf tea. Although many people prefer to use a cast iron teapot to make green tea, there’s no reason you can’t use your teapot for English and Chinese teas.
But using just one kind of tea in your teapot is probably best. Since tannins and flavors can affect the taste of the brewed tea. So, if you go from making black tea to green tea a few months later, your green tea might taste a bit bitter.
2. Preheat The Teapot
The second step is to preheat your cast iron teapot. Do not place your teapot directly on the stove or another heat source — this could cause it to crack (craze). Instead, boil water in a kettle. Fill your teapot with the hot water and then tip out the water. This will help warm up and rinse out your teapot.
3. Measure Your Tea
After you have rinsed and preheated your teapot:
- Measure out your favorite loose-leaf tea.
- Use approximately one teaspoon per 8 ounces of water.
- Scoop the required amount into the tea infuser. You can add more or less depending on how you like your tea.
4. Add The Water
Next, heat your water. Many prefer to use a cast iron tea kettle or tetsubin to heat the water over the stove. Using one of these vessels offers a variety of benefits over regular tea kettles. Check out this blog post for more on tetsubins.
5. Steep The Tea
Next, steep your tea directly in the cast-iron teapot. Most cast-iron teapots come with a built-in strainer or infuser for tea. This infuser usually sits around the rim of the teapot and can be removed for easy cleaning.
How Do You Brew Tea?
After you have put the tea into the teapot, pour the hot water over the tea. Steep the tea for two to six minutes. The amount of time to steep tea depends on the type of tea you choose. Generally, green or white tea can be steeped for about two minutes. Black tea takes about three to five minutes, and herbal tea can take up to six minutes. Check the package of your specific tea for more information on infusion time.
6. Serve
After steeping your tea, you are ready to serve. Pour the tea from the teapot all at once so the tea does not over-extract. If the teapot does not have a built-in infuser. Then, you will need to strain the liquid through a tea strainer.
I usually remove the infuser from my teapot: this stops the tea from becoming too bitter but keeps the tea hot.
7. Clean And Store Your Teapot
After serving your tea, you need to clean your teapot. Rinse your teapot with warm water. Never use cold water if your cast iron teapot is still hot. This could crack the enamel.
You can wipe off the outside of the teapot if it’s needed. Then, thoroughly dry the entire pot with a cloth. Ensure you thoroughly dry all the teapot parts, including the infuser and the lid.
I’ll be honest; sometimes, I’m a bit hasty and put away my teapot before the inside of my teapot is completely dry. I should turn the teapot upside down to make it easier to dry.
Enjoy your teapot
I’ve tried to keep the step-by-step guide easy to follow. Don’t worry too much; use your cast iron teapot like any other one. I hope you have fun and enjoy using your teapot. I’m sure you’ll make yourself many cups of flavorsome tea.
