Using a cast iron teapot for making tea is one of the oldest methods still in use to make tea. This method is around for centuries now that started in Japan. It is the most in-demand item for making tea and the main reason is its durability. These teapots have the ability to outlive many utensils in the kitchen and can go for years to come. Iron is used in them that provides excellent thermal insulation essential for having a good tea. These vessels have a better tea heating and steeping process provided proper care and maintenance is done. If you want to maximize the life of a cast iron teapot, you need to know how to clean the cast iron teapot.
Here, we present you with an easy method to properly clean your cast iron teapot. Have a look at it….
How to Clean a Cast Iron Teapot?
[acf field=”how_to”]Your teapot needs very little maintenance. Here are the steps to follow for good cleaning of the cast iron teapot.
Step 1: Water Boiling
The first step that needs to be done is water boiling in the teapot. This is a natural way to kill any bacteria that might be present inside the teapot. Due to its construction, a cast iron teapot provides an excellent environment for bacteria to grow. It has some damp and dark places that spur the bacteria growth.
Step 2: Taking the Lid Off
Once the water has been boiled, it’s now time to take the lid and diffuser or infuser out of the teapot. It helps in the overall cleaning of the teapot.
Step 3: Swish Boiling Water
When you swish the boiling water around in the teapot, it comes in contact with every area of the cast iron teapot. If you don’t do that and the water remains still in the teapot, only the portion covered by the water will be disinfected.
Step 4: Wiping the Teapot’s Inside
Take the water out of the teapot after proper swishing and let it cool down. Some water will also be evaporated from the cast iron teapot as well. Take a dry cloth and remove the remaining moisture from the pot. You can use a dry towel for the best results.
Step 5: Turn Teapot Upside Down
When you are done with wiping, it’s time to turn the teapot upside down. It will help in ensuring that every last bit of water is removed from the cast iron teapot. If the water isn’t removed, you will begin to see some rust stains developing inside the teapot.
Step 6: Cleaning Diffuser
The cleaning process isn’t complete if the cleaning of the diffuser or infuser isn’t done. If this step isn’t done, you will get a build-up in the strainer. If the diffuser has something stuck in it, you will not get an optimal brew.
Cleaning Cast Iron Teapot – Some Tips
- It is recommended to clean the cast iron teapot after every use. You just need to rinse the inside with warm water and dry it thoroughly.
- Cast iron teapot isn’t dishwasher safe. It requires thorough manual washing. Only the infuser can be washed in a dishwasher.
- If there is rust inside the pot, remove it using a soft brush. Don’t use a scrubbing pad for this purpose.
- Always discard the leftover water and tea as the risk of rust and stains will become higher. It will also result in the breakdown of enamel coating.
- Don’t place the cast iron teapot over a gas stove or in a microwave under any circumstances. These teapots are not designed for direct heat applications. Here is a list of the best cookware for gas stove.
- Avoid having the cast iron pot close to things like oil and salt as these are the most corrosive items found in every kitchen.
Read More: Best Pots for Gumbo
How to Use Cast Iron Teapot?
Let’s cover the aspects of properly using the cast iron teapot. The method isn’t different from using any other teapot.
- Pour some hot water into the cast iron teapot halfway.
- Cover the pot with its lid and put the teapot aside.
- Boil some water to make the tea. When the water is almost boiled, empty the cast iron teapot.
- Now, it’s time to add some tea leaves into the teapot and pour the boiled water on these leaves.
- Cover the pot again after adding water and let the tea leaves steep for about 5 – 7 minutes. The steeping time depends on the type of tea leaves you are using.
- Once the steeping time is complete, pour the tea brew into teacups.
- You can warm the teacups if the tea gets cold using a mug warmer.
Wrapping Up
Cast iron teapot has been around for centuries. It has the excellent ability to retain heat and extreme durability. To maintain its durability and performance, one needs to have good care of cast iron teapot. If you are still unsure about how to clean a cast-iron teapot, just follow the above-mentioned steps and you will be fine.
