Description
A delicate cast iron teapot
The Ume teapot is made at the Oigen foundry in Japan, which has a heritage of traditional skills dating back to 1862. Crafted using an intricate mould, its surface is decorated with slender stems of plum blossom, from which it takes its name. In Japan, plum blossom, or ume, heralds the arrival of spring and symbolises elegance and tranquillity. Brewing your tea in the Ume teapot offers a moment of relaxation and contemplation.
With a capacity of 0.5 litres, the Ume teapot has a stainless steel filter and is enamelled, making it suitable for preparing all types of tea.
This unique and original gift will acquire an incomparably beautiful patina over time.
To go further
Cast iron is an iron-based alloy which is a black metal before treatment. It can be colored, in various stages, with a number of color pigments. After time, these pigments may fade slightly, giving the teapot a lovely patina. However, to limit this natural fading, avoid letting the teapot come into contact with any of the following: detergents, grease, salt, humidity, direct heat, abrasive objects...
Traditionally, the Japanese let their teapots rust. This causes no harm to their health whatsoever; on the contrary it provides an additional source of iron. However, most models imported by Western countries have been varnished to prevent this oxidization process. The inside of your teapot is therefore protected with a harmless varnish, sealing the porous metal and preventing it from becoming tainted.
With time, tannins may build up inside the teapot, forming a thin black layer. This will have no effect on the taste of your tea. The deposit will fade naturally if the teapot is left for several days, without its lid on, in a well-aired place room.
If you follow this advice, your teapot will remain in excellent condition and will last a lifetime.
Advices
Before using your teapot for the first time, follow the steps below:
1 – Fill the teapot with boiling water.
2 – Wait for a minute, and then empty out the water.
3 – While the teapot is still warm, wipe the outside with a dry cloth.
4 – Repeat this process 3 or 4 times.
5 – Leave the teapot to dry naturally, inside and out, for about 30 minutes.
To preserve the quality and beauty of your teapot, follow the steps below:
1 – After using the teapot, rinse it out with hot water, avoiding the use of detergents.
2 – Dry the outside of the teapot while it is still warm.
3 – Never use an abrasive sponge to clean your teapot; instead, wipe it with a soft cloth.
4 – Always leave the inside of the pot to dry with the lid off.
5 – To avoid stains and rings, never leave water or tea in your teapot for too long.
6 – Before putting your teapot away, be sure that it is completely dry, inside and out and if possible, store
the lid separately.