How do you heat a Japanese teapot?

1. Preheat

Boil water in a pan on the stove. Rinse the cast iron kettle once or twice using the boiling water. This helps to clean the teapot while also warming it up.

2. Add tea leaves

Portion out the appropriate amount of tea leaves for every 8 ounces of water. The amount will vary depending on the size of your tea kettle and tea infuser. Avoid over-stuffing the infuser as the leaves won't fully expand and infuse flavor.

3. Heat the water and steep

For traditional Japanese tea, you can brew tea by placing the kettle over a charcoal fire.

For simpler brewing, use the stove in your kitchen. You can heat water in another vessel and pour the boiling water into the cast iron kettle. You can also simply heat the water in the kettle on the stovetop if it is not lined with enamel.

Make sure to heat the water to the appropriate temperature for the type of tea you are brewing. Green tea should be brewed with hot water from 150 to 180 F while black tea should be brewed between 200° and 212°F. 

4. Enjoy!