4 steps to season a new yixing zisha teapot

🔹 Step 1: Initial Cleaning (Removing Kiln Residue)

1.          Rinse with water: Use purified or boiled water to flush out residual sand and kiln dust.

2.          Gentle brushing: Clean with a soft-bristle toothbrush or tea cloth, paying attention to the spout, lid interior, and crevices.
❌ Never use dish soap or chemicals (porous clay absorbs odors and toxins).

🔹 Step 2: Hydrating the Teapot

1.          Soak separately: Submerge the teapot and lid in 40-50°C (104-122°F) water for 1-2 hours to allow clay pores to expand and release impurities.

2.          Repeat if needed: Change water if it turns cloudy until clear.

🔹 Step 3: Boiling Process (Deep Cleaning + Seasoning)

Method A: Basic Water Boiling

1.          Cold start: Fully submerge the teapot in a pot of pure water.

2.          Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat for 15-20 minutes. Let cool naturally.

Method B: Tea Infusion Boiling (Recommended)

1.          Add loose tea leaves (matching your intended tea type, e.g., pu-erh for pu-erh dedicated use).

2.          Simmer for 10 minutes to neutralize earthy odors and pre-season the clay.

3.          Soak in the tea broth for 2 additional hours to enhance tea oil absorption.

🔹 Step 4: Drying & First Use

1.          Air-dry: Pat dry with an odor-free cloth and place upside-down in shade with airflow (no direct sun).

2.          Odor check: Repeat boiling if any unnatural smells persist.

3.          Initial brewing: Discard the first 3 infusions to further condition the teapot.

⚠️ Critical Notes

1.          Thermal shock warning: Always cool naturally post-boiling—sudden temperature changes cause cracks.

2.          Dedicated use: Yixing clay retains flavors; assign one teapot per tea category (e.g., black/oolong).

3.          Maintenance: Rinse immediately after each use to prevent tea scale buildup.

🌿 The Science Behind "Opening the Pot"

Yixing's dual-pore structure benefits from this process by:
✅ Removing industrial residues and "fire qi" (kiln energy).
✅ Expanding pores to improve breathability and flavor retention.
✅ Building a tea oil patina over time for richer brews.

Properly prepared, your teapot will mature like fine wine—each brew better than the last! 🍵