Northeast Tea House Si Ting Yixing Teapot

Yes, new Yixing teapots should be 'seasoned' before use. This process, often called boiling, involves gently boiling the pot in water with tea leaves to remove any residual clay dust and to begin the seasoning process that allows the pot to absorb tea oils.

It is generally recommended to dedicate one Yixing teapot to a single type of tea, such as Oolong, Pu-erh, or Black tea. Because the clay is porous and absorbs the flavor of the tea brewed in it, switching between tea varieties can lead to 'muddy' or conflicting flavor profiles.

This teapot is designed primarily for solo sessions or Gongfu-style brewing, where small, concentrated servings are poured into multiple cups. It is not intended for brewing large pots of tea for a group.

Simply rinse the pot with hot water and discard the used tea leaves immediately. Avoid using soap or detergents, as the porous clay will absorb the chemicals and permanently ruin the flavor of your future brews.

The gooseneck spout provides a slow, steady, and precise stream of water. This level of control is essential for delicate tea ceremonies, allowing you to pour without splashing and ensuring you can easily manage the water flow into small tasting cups.