Believe it or not, not all tea party cups are created equal. Just as the shape of a wine glass can change the taste of the wine, similarly there are things that should be considered when brewing a cup of tea. Who knew? Here is some very interesting information I’ve recently learned about the importance of the tea cup.
Size Matters
If you are simply making a cup of tea, and infusing directly into your teacup, then the size of the cup is essential for calculating how much tea to use. In calculating its important to remember that although a cup may hold 7 ounces of fluid, know one actually fills the cup right to the brim.
If you are brewing your tea in a pot, then simply strain and pour directly into the cup of your choice.
Choose your material wisely
Ill start with my favourites first.
Bone China – Bone china tea cups are a personal favorite of mine. On the upside, they are regal, sophisticated
, and very British of course. On the downside they are also very delicate and porous. How does this matter? Well, if you let your tea sit too long in bone china (more than 20min), then the cup may absorb the color of the tea and leave a stain.
Glass – Glass can certainly be aesthetically pleasing. It’s lovely to see your tea and is a good compromise between the experience of bone china and the convenience of porcelain. One thing to keep in mind when using a glass cup is that it can get very hot. And hot glass and cold glass look exactly the same, so please have caution.
Clay – These tea cups are perfect for chai tea, and can add a unique, earthy undertone to your tea. It should be noted that clay is porous as well so try not to leave your tea in your cup for too long. Because of its porous nature, clay cups will also absorb the flavor of the tea you are drinking, so it is best to always use the same tea for the same cup or you may risk inviting unwanted flavours.
These cups are good as well though i do prefer the three listed above.
Stainless Steel – One of the first things you should know about stainless steel is that metal conducts heat very well. Therefore, it does not insulate very well and your tea will cool down faster. Depending how hot you like your tea this is something to consider.
Cast Iron – I love my cast iron frying pan! However, tea is a different thing. Cast iron tea cups can look great, but it may not be the most practical drinking vessel for daily use as they take some care in cleaning. These cups must be hand washed and dried immediately to avoid rust. Simple gentle soap and hot water will do the trick, stay away from strong chemicals. The upside is that these do a great job of insulating your tea and keeping it hot. I love my cast iron tea pot for this same reason.
Cold cup + Hot tea = A not so hot tea
If you really want to brew a proper tea, regardless of your cup of choice, first give your cup a gentle rinse with hot water before pouring any tea in. That way you will now have a warm cup for your hot tea, which equals a perfect cup of tea.
Whichever cup you choose, make the choice that’s right for you. If you’re seeking a beautiful cup and saucer at a discounted price feel free to check out our gently loved teaware collection! Also, follow us on instagram to keep updated on promotions and more.
