December 30, 2023
How to make tea in Japanese teapot?
Making tea in a Japanese teapot, known as a kyusu, is an art form that requires precision and attention to detail. The process is both simple and elegant, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of fine tea. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the technique:
1. Warming the Teapot: Start by pouring hot water into the kyusu to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature of the tea and prevents the porcelain from cracking due to sudden temperature changes. Discard the water after a few seconds.
2. Measuring the Tea: Use a chashaku, a bamboo tea scoop, to measure the tea leaves. The amount will vary depending on the size of your teapot and the strength of tea desired. Generally, a heaping scoop or two is sufficient for a small kyusu.
3. Placing the Tea: Gently place the measured tea leaves into the warmed teapot. Avoid packing or pressing them in as this can affect the infusion process.
4. Pouring the Water: Bring fresh, cold water to a boil in a kettle. Once boiling, allow the water to cool slightly until it reaches the desired temperature for your particular tea. Slowly pour the water over the leaves, ensuring that all of them are evenly wet.
5. Steeping: Cover the teapot with its lid and let the tea steep for the appropriate amount of time, which depends on the type of tea being used. Green teas usually steep for about 1 to 2 minutes, while oolong and black teas may require 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Pouring the Tea: After steeping, slowly pour the tea into each cup, making sure to maintain an even distance between the pot and the cup. This allows for a consistent flavor throughout the serving.
7. Enjoying: Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and color of the tea before taking a sip. The flavor should be rich and balanced, with no bitter or astringent notes.
Remember, the key to making great tea in a Japanese teapot is attention to detail and practice. With time, you'll develop your own unique technique and fully embrace the serenity and simplicity of Japanese tea ceremony in your daily life.
1. Warming the Teapot: Start by pouring hot water into the kyusu to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature of the tea and prevents the porcelain from cracking due to sudden temperature changes. Discard the water after a few seconds.
2. Measuring the Tea: Use a chashaku, a bamboo tea scoop, to measure the tea leaves. The amount will vary depending on the size of your teapot and the strength of tea desired. Generally, a heaping scoop or two is sufficient for a small kyusu.
3. Placing the Tea: Gently place the measured tea leaves into the warmed teapot. Avoid packing or pressing them in as this can affect the infusion process.
4. Pouring the Water: Bring fresh, cold water to a boil in a kettle. Once boiling, allow the water to cool slightly until it reaches the desired temperature for your particular tea. Slowly pour the water over the leaves, ensuring that all of them are evenly wet.
5. Steeping: Cover the teapot with its lid and let the tea steep for the appropriate amount of time, which depends on the type of tea being used. Green teas usually steep for about 1 to 2 minutes, while oolong and black teas may require 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Pouring the Tea: After steeping, slowly pour the tea into each cup, making sure to maintain an even distance between the pot and the cup. This allows for a consistent flavor throughout the serving.
7. Enjoying: Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and color of the tea before taking a sip. The flavor should be rich and balanced, with no bitter or astringent notes.
Remember, the key to making great tea in a Japanese teapot is attention to detail and practice. With time, you'll develop your own unique technique and fully embrace the serenity and simplicity of Japanese tea ceremony in your daily life.