How to Prepare and Use a New Yixing Teapot

Preface

I have often heard some tea masters say that a new Yixing teapot does not require any special preparation—that simply washing it with hot water or rinsing it with tea is sufficient.

However, I hold a different view. If we consider why we choose to purchase a Yixing teapot—often an expensive one—instead of a cheaper porcelain or glass gaiwan, the reason is certainly not just to spend more money, nor simply because a clay teapot makes us feel happier or makes tea seem more “special.” If that were the case, any type of clay would do—even the clay used to make the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang or ancient Greek pottery.

The real reason lies in the unique internal structure of Yixing clay after firing. It contains countless microscopic pores that subtly improve the taste and texture of tea, which can be perceived by the tongue. Ordinary clays cannot achieve this effect.

Precisely because Yixing clay has these micro-pores, it is also capable of absorbing odors and impurities—from the firing process, storage by producers or vendors, and even storage by users. From my experience, most original Yixing teapot boxes are glued with chemical adhesives, and the boxes themselves often carry odors. These smells can easily be absorbed by the teapot.

Therefore, is it really appropriate to use a new Yixing teapot directly without preparation? Even if you cannot detect any odor after a quick rinse, that does not mean there is none remaining inside the clay—our noses are far less sensitive than many animals’. In conclusion, a Yixing teapot should always be properly prepared before use, regardless of what the vendor or tea master says.

Preparing a New Yixing Teapot

1. Initial Inspection and Rinsing

Carefully inspect your teapot for cracks or defects, and remove any labels or packaging. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Avoid detergents or soap, as the porous clay can absorb odors and chemicals.

2. Gentle Boiling (Optional but Recommended)

Submerge the teapot and lid in a clean pot of room-temperature water, ensuring it does not touch the bottom directly (a cloth or mesh can help). Slowly bring the water to a gentle boil and simmer for 20–30 minutes. This removes clay dust and residual kiln odors. Allow the teapot to cool naturally before removing it.

3. Tea Conditioning

Select the type of tea you intend to dedicate to this teapot ①(e.g., puerh, oolong, black tea). Place some tea leaves in the teapot with water, and simmer again for 20–30 minutes. Let it cool completely in the tea-infused water. This begins the seasoning process, allowing the clay to absorb the aroma of the tea.

4. Drying and Resting

Let the teapot air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Once dry, it is ready for use.

5. Ongoing Care

• Use only one type of tea for each Yixing teapot whenever possible①.

• Rinse with hot water after each use; never use soap.

• Occasionally rinse the exterior with tea to encourage a natural patina over time.

①　Tea-Specific Teapots: Is It Necessary?

Some may argue that purchasing a separate Yixing teapot for every type of tea—sheng puerh, shou puerh, Wuyi rock oolong, Tieguanyin, Taiwanese oolong, Dancong oolong, black tea, and white tea—is unnecessary, and that such advice is merely a marketing tactic to encourage spending. Indeed, if one were to follow this strictly, the cost would be significant.

Historically, some Yixing enthusiasts used a single teapot for multiple types of tea. While this may seem contradictory, people in the past had access to far fewer varieties of tea. I have personally tried this method and found that one teapot can brew different teas without obvious negative impact. In fact, the flavor sometimes becomes slightly more complex, though this is subjective.

My recommendation is simple: if your budget allows, using a dedicated teapot for each type of tea is ideal. However, if you wish to save money or space, it is perfectly fine to use a single teapot for different teas, as long as it is cleaned carefully between uses. There is no need to feel guilty about this choice.

Conclusion

Proper preparation of a Yixing teapot is essential to ensure that its unique clay can enhance the flavor of your tea. While dedicated teapots for each type of tea are ideal, careful cleaning and seasoning allow flexibility for those with limited space or budget. The most important thing is to enjoy the process—your Yixing teapot will reward patience with richer flavors and a growing patina over time.

(Note: While I don't always follow my own best practices perfectly in my daily use due to time/energy constraints, I always recommend prioritizing proper initial preparation for the best results!)