How to Choose a Teapot and Tea Cup
Choosing the right teaware is as important as selecting the right water and tea leaves for enjoying delicious tea. Just as the flavor of tea varies depending on the soil it's grown in, the taste of tea changes significantly based on the material of the teapot used.
Many people are vaguely aware that teaware affects the taste of tea.
However, most people do not understand the extent of this impact.
Ten Types of Teaware for Ten Different Tastes and Flavors
Changing the teaware can dramatically alter the taste and flavor of tea, to the point where it feels like a different tea.
When the flavor is weak or the aftertaste is light, most people tend to think it's the tea's fault, but it can often be due to the teaware or water used.
However, most people are unaware that teaware can influence taste and flavor to such a degree.
There is a lack of opportunities to compare different teaware in everyday life. However, even non-professionals can easily notice the differences when making such comparisons.
If you have multiple teapots at home, try brewing the same tea in different teapots and compare the flavors.
Alternatively, pour tea brewed in one teapot into several cups made of different materials to understand the relationship between the material and the taste.
You will notice the difference in taste when you try various cups such as glass, porcelain, and ceramic.
Good Materials Enhance the Aftertaste of Tea
As the quality of tea increases, so does the aftertaste (body, depth, and lingering flavor). High-quality teas from China and Taiwan have a rich aftertaste and strong flavor.
In simple terms, low-quality tea has a two-dimensional taste and flavor, while high-quality tea has a three-dimensional depth in taste and flavor.
Similarly, when selecting teaware, it is important to focus on its impact on the aftertaste (depth of taste).
Ideally, the material should enhance the aftertaste, and materials that lighten the aftertaste should be avoided. Lightening the aftertaste lowers the tea's quality, making it a "disappointing teaware."
Another important aspect to consider is fullness (expansion of flavor). Fullness, known as "body" in English, refers to the horizontal spread of flavor and taste.
The strength of fullness is a matter of personal preference, and it does not necessarily indicate high tea quality.
However, since fullness changes the impression and structure of the tea's taste, it is important to consider how the material of the teaware affects fullness.
Teapots made of materials containing alkaline metals like calcium, sodium and potassium increase fullness.
Generally, it is believed that clay teapots (stoneware and ceramics) improve taste, but this is not entirely true. When actually evaluated, very few ceramics improve taste, and many negatively impact the taste of tea.
The idea that ceramics improve taste and that porcelain or glass provides a neutral taste is a complete misconception.
In reality, when many teawares from Japan, China, and Taiwan are examined, over 80% negatively impact taste in some way. Teawares that improve taste are very limited, and for tea enthusiasts, finding teaware that does not harm the taste is as important as finding high-quality tea leaves.
Most teaware focuses on design, color, and texture rather than the relationship between the material and taste.
For example, materials containing high amounts of minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc, and silver negatively impact taste.
The negative impact of inappropriate materials on taste can result in not only poor aftertaste and body but also unpleasant bitterness, often described as astringency that forms a coating on the tongue.
Glass and Porcelain Are Not Neutral in Taste
As previously mentioned, glass and porcelain are not neutral in taste. Some glasses and porcelains enhance taste, while others detract from it.
Like ceramics, most materials negatively impact taste, so careful selection is necessary.
It has been found through leaching tests that glass releases minerals into water, which, though minimal, significantly affects taste.
For more details, see the article "Dramatic Changes in Tea Taste with Colored Glass."
The Impact of Firing Methods on Taste
Even with the same clay, the taste changes depending on the firing method. Oxidized firing enhances fullness and makes the flavor more floral, but the aftertaste is lighter.
In contrast, reduction firing or carbon reduction firing strengthens the aftertaste while reducing fullness and flavor.
Consider the Impact on Taste When Choosing Teaware
There are no clear indicators for choosing teaware that enhances taste based on appearance or name. For example, even with the same red clay, some enhance taste while others do not.
Therefore, it is essential to purchase teaware from stores that understand the relationship between clay and taste.
Some craftsmen are particular about using natural clay, but natural clay does not always improve taste.
HOJO's Teaware Selection Based on Taste and Flavor
At HOJO, we select materials from the perspective of enjoying delicious tea. We conduct numerous tests on water and tea, evaluating firing methods and temperatures from a taste perspective.
Our priority is to enhance the tea's flavor, which is the premise of selling our teaware.