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 let your tea utterly show off its intrinsic characteristics in color, scent, and savor. From Chinese emperors to ordinary people, they all know a purple clay teapot is the best match to their tea. Make the best use of things, and let your tea has nothing to hide from you.

The first time I brewed tea with a purple clay teapot gave me a pleasant surprise. Although I was drinking the same tea that I always had, the tea coming out of my new teapot tasted quite different. I realized that this pot forced me to reevaluate my tea, and I didn’t regret the higher price I paid for the pot.

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.

Occasionally, I brew tea in the morning, but before long I have to rush to work and forget about my tea. When I get off work, the tea in my purple clay teapot is still fresh and waiting for me.

3. A purple clay teapot seems ‘alive’ because it is very absorbent. First, it accumulates some tea flavors and fragrances during each infusion, and releases them into the next brew. So the tea is always better and the flavor gets stronger as time goes on.

Also, the longer a purple clay teapot is used, the more lustrous and beautiful it becomes. That’s because the tea inside moistens and lubricates the pot. Also, every time a purple clay teapot is touched, it absorbs some of the oils from your hands and becomes more lustrous.

Lastly, the color of a purple clay teapot will change slightly according to what kind of tea you brew. Watching the slow change of color is quite interesting.

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: