Tea Sets & Tradition

Without a doubt, clay pots brew the best tea ever. Quite probably the oldest known method of brewing tea, but definitely one of the most lovely and practical ways to this day. Clay tea sets are valued all over the world for their special place in tea culture; one of beauty, design and taste.

Yixing sets are unique in that they the clay used to make them is very porous, unlike bone china or porcelain sets. The tiny holes in the clay material allow the tea to actually penetrate the material, or in other words, the clay soaks up the tea. So, after using a clay tea pot for years, it eventually is no longer necessary to add tea to the water, because the clay will have retained the flavor, naturally brewing with tea with just hot water. Clay sets are special because of this quality.

Aside from the main benefit of tea clay sets, there are still a few more. If you have a new clay tea set, you don’t have to worry if it isn’t “seasoned” yet. Because even if it isn’t old yet, it will still add to the color, flavor and aroma of any tea you brew because the set is made of clay.

Yixing clay sets are the pefect example of craftsmanship and quality. They are usually ornate; decorated with beautiful depictions of ancient Chinese culture and tradition. These days there are numerous modern versions of clay tea sets, including ones that are painted or dyed different colors. If you don’t think you would ever drink from a clay tea set, they still make beautiful decor and awesome conversation pieces.

Taking care of clay tea sets is pretty easy. But remember to never use soap or cleanser when cleaning your set! This is vital! Just remember that anything you put into the tea set, could potential be soaked into the clay; you don’t want your tea to taste of soap. Aside from this, they aren’t very much trouble. When your finished using your tea set, simply pour hot water over the clay and then rinse it again with water. No scrubbing is necessary. It is nice to dry the set with a tea towel if you have one, but if not, you can just let it air dry.

Another thing to note, is that you shouldn’t brew more than one type of tea in your clay tea set. Most experts agree that using different flavors will cause the tea to eventually become unpredictable. This is because every tea you brew is soaked into the clay, so eventually, no matter what type of tea you brew, it will end up being some sort of a blend. Once you have mixed teas in your clay sets, it will be difficult to ever again get consistent flavor.

The internet has made it much easier to learn about and purchase Yixing clay tea sets. You no longer need to make the long trek to China. If you love tea, then you really can’t go wrong with a clay tea set, after all, you can’t get any more traditional.

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Second to China, the United Kingdom is the second largest consumer of tea in the world. And while both countries take their tea drinking very seriously, there are drastic differences between Chinese tea culture, and that of the United Kingdom.

Generally speaking, the Brits drink black tea, and rarely do they drink it without sugar. In fact, it is a custom to add milk to the tea, not to be confused with cream, and many times people will sweeten it with regular white sugar.

All that is needed to prepare tea in the United Kingdom is a tea kettle and a cup or mug, though for the more formal occasions, a cup and saucer is employed. The British seem to prefer white, bone china tea sets, and variations thereof, as opposed to the Yixing clay tea sets used in the Far East.

In such formal occasions when one drinks with a tea cup and saucer, it is important to follow some general rules. One must never hold the teacup in the air between sips, simply take a sip, then place the teacup back upon the saucer when not in use. Also, if you happen to be standing up with your teacup and saucer, remember to keep the saucer in your left hand and pick the tea cup up with your right. When in between sips, keep your saucer at about waist level. Also, it is considered very rude to drink tea from your saucer.

Scones and jams are commonly associated with tea drinking in the UK. It’s a very social thing, and in the case that you are offered some proper tea, accept the offer graciously, because it is a gesture of care and trust.

Bone China is what most people think of when they think of English proper tea, and it is generally the most expensive type of tea set. Bone China originated in England when people used real ash from the bones of cattle to make this particular kind of china. It is common to see china tea sets painted with unique enamel, usually in floral patterns or designs.

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Yerba Mate is a special tea from Argentina which, ironically, is never really referred to as “tea”. Anywhere you go in Argentina or Uruguay, you will find yerba mate. Teachers, students, professionals, businessman, bus drivers, etc. everyone always has mate. What’s more is that mate is not just for drinking, but much more…

You’ve probably heard of Yerba Mate by now, maybe from your favourite drive-by coffee place. It is now becoming popular in the states, but the only form I’ve seen it in here is in a tea bag, which is a very far cry from the original.

If you want to make original mate, get some loose “yerba” tea, a metal straw or “bombilla”, and a ceramic cup, gourd, or wooden mate.

Yerba, as mentioned earlier, is very similar to loose leaf tea. It comes from the Yerba plant which grows in Argentina. Initially, the taste of mate can be very strong, or “amargo” as they say in Spanish. It often has a smokey flavor. Some bags of yerba include pieces of the stem of the plant along with the leaf; this is usually preferred.

First you take your mate, and fill it about 2/3 full of yerba. Then, take your hand and place it over the top of the mate, and flip it over and shake it a few times so that the powder sifts through onto your hand. Flip the mate back over and brush your hand off. Now, pour some tepid or cool water into the mate until the yerba just absorbs it and swells up. Now, take your bombilla and put your finger over the end that you drink out of, so that when you place it in the yerba, it doesn’t get plugged. Anyway, now insert the bombilla into the wet yerba at an angle so that it rests on the edge of the mate.

Then, fill the mate with hot water (not boiling) by pouring the water directly over the bombilla. Some frothy bubbles should form, which is very good. Now it’s time to drink. But know that mate isn’t really for quenching thirst; it’s a social thing. It is for bonding with our friends and family.

In a group of mate drinkers, the custom is as follows: There is a server. The server prepares the mate and then begins to pass it counter clockwise in a group. When the mate is handed to you, you take it and drink the entire contents before handing it back to the server, so that he may fill it up and hand it to the next person. You can drink it all in one long sip, or within a few minutes. An important thing to remember though, is not to say “thank you” when you hand it back, unless you mean to say that you do not want anymore.

After a while, you will notice that some of the yerba will be floating on top of the water. When this happens, the yerba is said to be “lavada” or “washed”, and the yerba needs to be replaced.

Mate is a social thing more than it is a beverage. It’s for us to communicate with our loved ones and to create a comfortable space in which we can talk and bond. If you do get offered mate, don’t refuse! Accept the offer, even if you don’t like tea, and you’ll will for sure have made a new friend by the time you’re done drinking.

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visit www.coolteasets.com to find the best advice on traditional tea
sets for you.