Nowadays, just about everyone has a cast iron teapot or kettle in their kitchen. If you don’t have one, you’re missing out! There are many reasons why everybody should have a gorgeous cast iron teapot, but we often find that people are concerned about the cast iron teapot care and steer away from using one because of it.
We want to tell you about cast iron teapot care and how easy they are to use and clean. There isn’t a reason out there that you shouldn’t have one of these gorgeous teapots or kettles in your home. The choices for designs and colors are unlimited, and you won’t find a better-looking way to keep your tea hot for extended periods.
1. Season Your Teapot Before Using It For The First Time
You’ll want to examine your cast iron teapot to see if an enamel was used to make it shine on the outside; if so, no need to try and season the outside because it won’t do you any good. However, if the outside appears to be the same as the inside, then your teapot is entirely cast iron and has not been treated with anything else.
The best way to season your cast iron teapot is to fill it about 70% with boiling water and rinse it out one time without using any teabags. Then repeat the process by filling the pot with the same amount of water again; add your desired tea bags and brew for about 13 minutes and then dump out the water, but keep the tea bags in the pot.
You will do this process one more time and then go ahead and dispose of all the water and the used tea bags. Choose tea bags that you enjoy the flavor from and want your cast iron teapot to absorb. Let them steep for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. You can repeat this often as necessary, depending on how much flavor you want to absorb into your cast iron teapot.
People around the world have been enjoying the use of cast iron teapots for many years, and seasoning your teapot is one of the best ways to enjoy a variety of different flavors. Keep in mind that whatever tea you choose to season the inside of your cast iron teapot can possibly affect the other tea flavors.
We suggest using green tea to season the inside of your cast iron teapot because it is the most universal tea and easily blends with all the other varieties. You will want to season your teapot more than once if it appears to lose its luster, this is done based on personal preference, and you don’t necessarily need to do it more than once. Your cast iron teapot’s initial seasoning is the most vital; anything after that is just for adding more flavor to your teapot while steeping your teas.
2. Never Wash Your Teapot in the Dishwasher
Cast iron teapot care is effortless; in fact, all you need to do after each use is rinse your cast iron teapot and pat it dry. Just make sure that your teapot is cooled down before trying to handle it while rinsing it.
Don’t ever put your cast iron teapot in the dishwasher, it can remove all the seasoning you have worked on achieving, and more importantly, it can ruin the finish and cause the cast iron to rust.
Note: Never use soap in or on your cast iron teapot; just warm to hot water is all the cleaning it needs.
3. Make Sure to Thoroughly Dry the Teapot After Washing
Each time you use your cast iron teapot, you will want to rinse it out with warm to hot water and then wipe it with a dry cloth. Turn it upside down and try to allow any extra water to escape, then make sure you leave the teapot with the lid open so that any water residue inside can evaporate.
It’s essential to allow your teapot to dry completely to prevent any rust from forming. If you use your cast iron teapot regularly, this should not be an issue. However, if you plan to leave it to sit for an extended amount of time – be sure to make certain it is thoroughly dried before storing it away in a cupboard or on a shelf.
4. Be Careful with Using it Over An Open Fire
Since most cast iron teapots are sold nowadays with an enamel coating on the inside, we strongly recommend not using your cast iron teapot over an open fire, on a stovetop, or in a microwave. The enamel will probably crack with these high temperatures.
The best way to tell if your teapot has an enamel coating is to check the inside to see if it has a different texture than the exterior. The interior might look very smooth or shiny, and it could even have a different color. If you find any of these characteristics, then it’s a teapot with a protective enamel coating.
You won’t want to put your teapot on the stove, other heating elements, or an open fire. Always boil your water separately in a pan designated for the stove or open fire use and then pour the water into your cast iron teapot with your choice of tea leaves or tea bags.
However, if your teapot’s interior is the same as the exterior, then it’s an all cast iron teapot, which means you can use it over an open fire, just like you would use a kettle.
Note: When the enamel cracks on your cast iron teapot, it can begin to rust.
5. Don’t Remove the White Spots That Form After the First Weeks of Usage
Many people are alarmed when they see white or red spots forming on their cast iron teapot, but we can assure you this is entirely normal. Those spots you are seeing are the minerals that are naturally created to protect your teapot from building any rust.
They won’t change the taste of your tea, and there is no need to worry about cleaning them; in fact, you actually shouldn’t clean them. Just allow your cast iron teapot to season and enjoy.
Other Cast Iron Teapot Care Tips
Along with just rinsing your teapot out for the cast iron teapot care, you should also take into consideration the following:
- Cast iron teapots should be used exclusively for brewing tea, nothing else – just tea.
- Don’t use any cleaning detergents or abrasive pads; these will ruin your teapot.
- Never allow the tea or water to remain in the cast iron teapot for an extended time; when you’re done using it – simply rinse it and pat dry with a towel or some paper towels.
- Don’t put your warm teapot under any cool water; this can permanently damage your cast iron teapot.
- Always wipe the teapot exterior with a dry cloth while it is still warm; this helps maintain the finish and doesn’t cause rust to form.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Teapot
Cleaning your cast iron teapot is quite simple; just rinse with warm to hot water after each use and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Don’t use any soaps or sponges; just rinse and dry.
Note: Avoid any contact with oils and salts.
What to do if Your Cast Iron Teapot Develops Rust
If you use your cast iron teapot regularly and follow the simple instructions for cleaning it, it is unlikely to develop any rust. However, if it does, don’t panic. Any rust from your teapot is non-toxic and perfectly fine to consume. Here is how you can remove the rust if need be:
- Clean your cast iron teapot with a soft brush.
- Fill it with used tea leaves (preferable green tea leaves) and boiling water.
- Let is sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Just pour it out and rinse it thoroughly, be sure to pat it dry and then place it upside down to dry out.
Teapot vs. Kettle – What’s the difference?
Teapots were not designed to be put on stoves or over open flames. In fact, they’re considered to be quite delicate and even fragile when you think about it. Putting them on a stove burner can destroy them; they will darken, warp, and possibly even crack.
Whereas tea kettles weren’t designed to brew tea, they are just used for heating water. They are generally made of heavy-duty materials that can withstand higher temperatures.
Wrapping Up
Enjoying a nice fresh brewed cup of tea in the morning or afternoon is a delightful way to spend your day. Using a cast iron teapot can help make that cup of tea more enjoyable by providing a beautiful experience from both the taste and the teapot’s appeal.
Your cast iron teapot care should be minimal with just a rinse and dry after each use, making it one of the easiest ways to enjoy some of the best tasting teas in the world.