All lovers of aromatic tea are well aware that the taste of the finished drink largely depends on the quality of the dishes in which it was brewed. Modern manufacturers produce a wide range of similar products that differ from each other not only in shape and color, but also in the material used in the manufacturing process. The most popular of all the options presented is a cast-iron teapot, which stands out among the rest of the mass in an unconventional design.
A small historical retreat
It is believed that the birthplace of this dishes is China. At first, special bowls were used to make tea. After that, a pre-ground tea leaves was placed in them, which was mixed with water using a special brush. But a cast-iron teapot for brewing tea was widely used not in its homeland, but in Japan. The masters of this country have long been famous for their reverent approach to everything, whatever they do.
It was here that the first schools once appeared for those wishing to master the intricacies of the art of making such dishes. Each of them had their own secrets, thanks to which the products acquired unique design features. So, cast-iron teapots for brewing, made by masters of the Maroni-Momiji school, can be recognized by the images in the form of small maple leaves.
The main advantages and disadvantages of such dishes
These products are not only beautiful, but also very functional. One of the most important advantages that a cast-iron kettle has is its long service life. The water poured into it stays hot longer. Due to the uniform distribution of heat inside the dishes, the brewed drink in it is not only very tasty, but also incredibly rich and healthy.
The only significant drawback of such products can be considered the probability of oxidation. But before this happens, a lot of time will pass.
How to use a cast-iron kettle for making tea?
To extend the life of such products, you need to follow a few simple recommendations. First of all, it should be remembered that they are not intended for heating water. The cast-iron teapot is covered with enamel, which prevents the formation of rust. As a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, destruction of the protective layer can occur, as a result of which the tea brewed in such a vessel will acquire an unpleasant metallic taste.
Before the first use, the product must be rinsed with hot water. Cast iron cookware must not be washed with abrasive cleaners. At the end of the tea party, it should be washed and thoroughly wiped. Otherwise, rust may appear on the surface of the product.
What kind of drinks is this dish suitable for?
As mentioned above, a cast-iron teapot first appeared in China and gained popularity in Japan. For the most part, green tea is cultivated in the territories of these countries, the preparation of which requires colder water than for brewing other varieties. However, it should still be boiled. And in order not to wait until the liquid cools down to the desired temperature, they began to brew tea in cast-iron dishes. The fact is that this material is characterized by high thermal conductivity, so the liquid poured into a container made of it instantly cools to the required temperature.
How to brew tea in a cast-iron teapot?
To get a tasty, aromatic and most healthy drink, you must adhere to a certain algorithm. First of all, you need to fill the cast-iron kettle with boiling water. Thanks to this, it heats up faster, and therefore will not take heat from the brewed beverage in it. After a few minutes, you need to pour water from the kettle and pour tea leaves or chopped tea leaves into it. After this, the container must be filled with boiling water, the amount of which depends on how strong the drink you want to get, and cover. After a few minutes, the tea is completely ready for consumption. The exact brewing time of a particular variety can be found on the packaging.
What to look for when choosing such utensils?
The first and main criterion by which the product is evaluated is the quality of the material used for its production. Do not buy damaged, uneven, rough teapots that exude an unpleasant odor.
Before buying a product you like, you should ask the seller to pour cool boiling water into it. A poor-quality cast-iron teapot for tea will begin to make a barely audible crackle, and small cracks may appear on its surface. If the consultant refuses to fulfill your request, then with a high degree of probability it can be argued that you are offered low-quality goods. Therefore, it is better to refuse such a purchase.
After that, the product should be checked for leaks. To do this, cover the teapot half-filled with water and cover it to make sure that no liquid leaks out during draining. It is recommended to pay special attention to the stream pouring from the spout of the product. Ideally, it should be flat and resembling a glass smooth tube. Intermittent spills may indicate poor nozzle or drainage quality.
After removing the lid, you need to turn the kettle over and place it on a flat surface. This will make sure that the spout is flush with the filler hole. In the end, you need to completely fill it with water, lift it and hold it a little on weight. In this case, you should not experience discomfort, and the alignment of the product should not be disturbed.
In addition, you should pay attention to the design of tea leaves, but here you should already be guided solely by personal preferences.
Cast iron kettle: reviews
People who have managed to appreciate the benefits of such products, speak about him only in a positive way. According to the hostesses, a drink brewed in such a dish acquires an indescribable delicious taste and aroma. The only thing they advise is to pay special attention to the quality of the material the kettle is made of.
In addition, some people mention a slight extraneous odor inherent in almost all new products. To eliminate it, it is enough to do a few simple manipulations and only then you can proceed directly to making tea. Dishes filled with boiling water should be doused with hot water on top. After waiting for the product to cool completely, pour the tea leaves into it, pour boiling water over it and leave it for the whole night. In the morning you need to drain the brewed drink, remove the tea leaves and rinse the kettle with hot water. After all these steps, the product is ready for further use.