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