How to Season Your Yixing Zisha Teapot & Important Precautions

Seasoning a new Yixing Zisha teapot removes residual dust and manufacturing odour, opens the clay pores, and lays the foundation for developing a beautiful natural patina.

Step-by-step Seasoning Method

1. Rinse the whole teapot including lid and spout thoroughly with warm clean water. Gently scrub the interior and exterior with a soft brush to wash away clay dust.
2. Place the cleaned teapot in a pot of room-temperature water. Slowly heat the water to a gentle simmer. Keep simmering for 30 minutes. Do not use boiling heat to avoid cracking the teapot.
3. Turn off the heat and let the water cool naturally. You may add a small amount of the tea leaves you plan to brew in this teapot during soaking.
4. Take out the teapot and rinse it once more. Leave it to air dry in a cool shaded place. The teapot is now ready for use.

Important Precautions

• Never use detergent, soap or any chemical cleaner. The clay will absorb chemical residues and ruin the tea flavour permanently.
• Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes. Do not pour boiling water into a cold teapot, as thermal shock can crack Zisha ware.
• Do not rush the seasoning process. Slow heating and natural cooling protect the clay body.
• After the first use, rinse the teapot with clean water and air dry after each brew. Do not wipe with oily cloth.