Did you know there is a difference?
Teapot:
A teapot is a vessel used for steeping tea leaves or a herbal mix in near boiling water. Teapots usually have an opening with a lid at their top, where the tea and water are added, a handle for holding by hand and a spout through which the tea is served. Some teapots have a strainer built-in on the inner edge of spout. A small hole in the lid is necessary for air access inside to stop the spout from dripping and splashing when tea is poured. A tea connoisseur will usually warm the teapot by rinsing it with boiling water and then draining it completely before making tea.
Tea Kettle:
A kettle is a small kitchen appliance used for boiling water in preparation for making tea or other beverages requiring hot water. Kettles usually have a handle on top, a spout, and a lid. Sometimes stove-mounted kettles also have a steam whistle that indicates when the water has reached boiling point. Kettles often resemble teapots, but are used to boil water, not to brew tea.
To properly serve tea with a teapot add warm water to the teapot, swirl around, and empty. This will warm the teapot and keep the water warm longer than not. It will also not stun the tea leaves which some believe can effect the taste.
A good teapot keeps brewing water hot for faster infusion, and it retains the heat so the steeped tea stays hot.
When choosing a teapot, pay special attention to the spout. The top of the spout should come up to the same level as the top of the pot so the pot can be filled without tea spilling out of the spout. Also look at the spout opening. More elongated ones are less likely to drip. Round pots are the easiest to clean out. When selecting one, run your fingers up the inside of the pot. Avoid pots with a prominent ridge on the inside as the wet leaves will catch there when you try to scoop them out.
Olivia Vidal
© 2009
Teaporia by Tea Time with Liv
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