The Perfect Tea Pot is the Beginning of a Beautiful Habit
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios


Defined Tag: Tea Pot.

So you have decide to become a tea drinker. You got hooked on some green tea or perhaps black tea; and now you cannot stop. It is virtually a staple of your diet. Every afternoon or evening, you drink your tea. Until now, you have been buying your tea at Starbucks or a similar coffee shop. But now you want to start brewing your own in the comfort of your home, so you will have to pick out a kettle (and prefereably one that suits your home). But where should you start? There are literally hundreds of varieties of kettles at different kitchen stores and online. Which variety should you select? Clay, glass, cast iron, porcelain?

Now, you could select one based on how well it will heat the water and retain that heat. You could select one based on what flavor it will add to the water (i.e. cast iron may change the flavor slightly); or you could select one entirely based on how it will improve the look of your kitchen. This decision is up to you. And while there are sometimes right and wrong answers, there is no right or wrong answer here.

The original pots for brewing tea were developed in China. They were made of purple colored clay which can still be found in tea pots today. Originally these pots were used for both brewing and drinking the tea. This type of clay is a popular material because after continuous use it begins to absorb the flavors and aromas of the teas that are brewed in it. Clay pots can be found in many shapes and sizes including novelty designs that attract many collectors. By some, the clay pot is considered superior to the other types on the market.

Other pots that are popular with tea drinkers include those made of cast iron. Cast iron is referred to as "tetsubin" in Japan and is considered a good material for tea pots because it retains heat and evenly distributes heat to its contents. Cast iron is also attractive and known for being a strong and high quality material. Porcelain pots are an invention of Europe and come in a number of designs to match nearly any decor. These pots are beautiful, practical and more affordable than clay and cast iron types. Another good value is glass which provides a modern and elegant look. Whatever type of tea pot you select be sure it is a good fit for your personality and reflects your sense of style.