In China, it seems everybody loves drinking tea and knows the best tea ware is made of Yixing purple clay. Why do they love purple clay teapots so much? Well, I’m here to unveil the secrets.

There is only one place that this clay can be found: Yixing, China. Actually, there are three main colors of this so-called purple clay: red clay, green clay, and purple clay. Because the clay contains a high number of natural minerals, it can display a full range of colors after firing. And its internal structure is quite interesting too – a double layer of porous, sandy particles that give it an extra kick.

Some purple clay teapots are seen as great additions to cultural collections and are used as ornaments, but for those who like to drink from them, these pots have five characteristics that won’t be forgotten.

1. Purple clay teapots ensure your tea exerts its full potential. This means that these pots produce a flavor and fragrance that is true to the tea inside. Many people say that brewing with a purple clay teapot is really a unique experience, because the all-natural particles don’t taint the tea.

I love green tea, so I bought a green-colored purple clay teapot several years ago. Then I hurried back to my home, and brewed my favorite tea leaves with the pot. When I took a sip, the soup tasted much better than I used to feel before. I wondered: ‘Is it the same tea?’ Then I suddenly saw the light: I finally know my tea thanks to this purple clay teapot!

2. The breathable purple clay teapots can keep your tea from turning sour. The Chinese believe tea left overnight is not drinkable, especially in the hot summer. However, purple clay teapots are an exception to the rule. The tea in them will remain fresh all day long, thanks to the porous structure of purple clay.

If you have something urgent to deal with in the morning after brewing tea, go for it! The tea soup in the pot will stay fresh and be considerate enough to wait for you at the end of the day.

3. A purple clay teapot can change slightly as you make tea with it, because of how absorbent it is. It takes in tea aromas and tastes, and then lets them off in the next infusion. The flavor gradually grows and you can always expect for a better brew of tea each time.

But that’s not all, because every batch of tea brewed in a purple clay teapot adds to its elegance and sheen. That’s because the porous surface allows the tea to seep inside, which then becomes a part of the pot forever. For this reason, it’s best not to wash your pot with soap or chemicals, otherwise the tea stored inside will be lost. Some people say the oils from your hands can also be trapped by the pot, which adds to the bright color on the outside.

Because of how absorbent it is, some people always try to brew a certain kind of tea in their purple clay teapots to watch the color of the pot change to match their favorite tea. Isn’t it fun for you to pay attention to the color variation when sipping?

Now you know three merits of Yixing purple clay, so check out my Website at the end of this article to see the last two special qualities: