| There are several things to consider when looking | | | | that tannin stains won't show up and the fat |
| for a decent tea pot. You'll want something that is | | | | round belly helps the tea to brew fully. As an all |
| both beautiful and practical - a lovely pot that | | | | rounder, a simple pot like this is indispensable - |
| pours well and keeps your tea hot. Some people | | | | here are the things to check when shopping for |
| also have different pots for different types of | | | | your everyday pot: |
| tea - an everyday pot for black tea will not be | | | | - Is the pot pretty? One of the warming things |
| suitable for making green tea, for example. There | | | | about a cup of tea is the sight of a nice round |
| are many factors to consider when choosing a | | | | pot, with cosy curves and a good color glaze. |
| tea pot. | | | | - How hard is the clay? Tap the pot with a |
| A brief guide to teapots: | | | | fingernail and listen to the sound. The sharper the |
| Teapot history | | | | tap, the harder the clay, the better the pot. |
| Teapots were first invented in China, where tea | | | | - Does the lid fit tight? To avoid dribbles your pot |
| has been grown and drunk for thousands of | | | | should have a lid that fits very snugly and doesn't |
| years. Europeans brought teapots home in the | | | | allow air to escape. |
| 1800s, where they were received with great | | | | - The spout is very important - look to see that |
| curiosity. The name 'china' for delicate pottery | | | | the top is level with the top of the teapot. An |
| comes from the fact that Chinese pottery was | | | | oval shaped spout is preferable to a rounded one |
| far finer than any seen before at the time, and | | | | as it will drip less. |
| was named after the place it came from. In | | | | - Practically speaking, you need to be able to lift |
| those days, Chinese tea pots and cups were | | | | the pot and pour easily, without scalding yourself |
| small, made for individuals rather than for sharing. | | | | or spraining your wrist! Check the pot is not too |
| These days we like to have both - a small pot | | | | heavy - remember you'll be lifting it full of hot tea |
| for our own tea and big, fancy pots for afternoon | | | | - and that the handle is well attached. There |
| visitors. There are china, silver and even aluminium | | | | should be plenty of space between your knuckles |
| pots available, in every conceivable shape and | | | | and the side of the pot to avoid burnt fingers, |
| design. But how do you find a really good pot? | | | | and the spout should extend far enough to avoid |
| Choosing your pot | | | | steam rising to burn your hand as it holds the lid |
| The classic Western teapot is the 'brown betty' - | | | | steady. |
| a big, rounded pot that is used for everyday tea | | | | Once you've found your perfect pot, be sure to |
| and works hard. The brown or black color means | | | | celebrate with a good brew! |