tobud.com

English Teapot Secrets

Teapots can be tall and slender, or short and stout. There are teapots made of metal, porcelain, clay and even plastic. Around the world, wherever people drink tea, their aromatic blends are brewed to perfection in teapots

Among the most famous of the world's teapots are those found in jolly old England. English teapots have a certain distinction that goes along with the culture and history of tea in Great Britain.

Without question, the people of England love their tea. The brew it with tea bags, and they diffuse tealeaves, all within the cozy confines of the English teapot. When loose tea is brewed, it's placed in a strainer designed to keep the leaves together, while allowing the hot water to flow through. English teapots are designed to accommodate these strainers, or diffusers. The style of teapot that North Americans commonly use has an opening at the top to pour in the water, and a lid to keep the brewed tea nice and hot.

English teapots can be found in a variety of designs, and are made from different types of materials. Many tea drinkers prefer black teas that are steeped in stoneware teapots. Stronger teas, such as Ceylon and Assam, are best when brewed in pewter, silver or iron teapots. English teapots made of porcelain are preferred for the most delicate brews, such as green tea. Your choice of teapot should largely depend on your favorite type of tea.

The care of your English teapot is very important. Tea connoisseurs insist that a teapot should never be cleaned in the dishwater, or even in soapy water. A thorough rinse in warm water is all that's needed, followed by an upside down drying-out. Regular tea drinkers will find that their pots will become discolored by a buildup of tannis, which is a naturally-occurring element in tea leaves that can sooth the central nervous system. To remove tannis stains, pour boiling water into the pot, add a few teaspoons of baking soda, and leave the prepared pot overnight. The stains should rinse away in the morning.

If you love relaxing with a steaming cup of tea, take some advice from the pros. Treat yourself to a proper English teapot and enjoy a wonderful cuppa brewed the British way.