A common practice with purple clay teaware (Jianshui zitao or Yixing Zisha) is to “season” it first. We personally have shied away from this more over time and just rinse the piece twice with boiling water, then use it consistently for 2 weeks in order to break it in.

But we understand that you may want to take it a step further. If so, our basic recommendation is:

1. Check for clay deposits and scrape gently with a wooden or bamboo stick.
2. Place the pot in boiled water and allow to sit for 30-60 minutes.
3. Remove the pot and allow it to dry
4. Boil some new or used tea leaves of the type that you plan to use this pot for, add the pot then allow it to sit for another 30-60 mins.
5. Rinse with regular water and allow to dry
6. Your new teapot or gaiwan is ready to be used!

After seasoning, it’s advised to designate the teapot or gaiwan for one type of tea (raw puer, ripe puer, oolong, black tea, etc) as the pot will slowly absorb the flavour and characteristics of the tea you use it for. If for some reason you use it with another type of tea, don’t worry. Your pot is not ruined or tainted. The process of raising it is cumulative and happens over a long period of time – one simple session of brewing tea won’t make a noticeable difference. However, one thing you should definitely not do is use soap or anything other than water to wash or rinse your pot. If it absorbs the properties of tea over time, it will also absorb anything else you put in it, especially anything perfumed or scented.

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