Tea Sets to Get You Started
Glass
Tea newbies would be wise to invest in a glass set. The transparent exterior allows the drinker to watch the leaves as they transform during the steeping process. For flower teas, especially "blossom teas" that unfurl to reveal whole flowers, glass is ideal. Another benefit is that glass is unlikely to contain lead and other metals sometimes found in inferior ceramic glazes.
Porcelain / Ceramic
A porcelain teapot is the classic way to drink Chinese tea. For aromatic teas, this should be your weapon of choice. Because porcelain doesn't absorb the flavors and scents of the tea, it can be used to brew any variety of tea. Greens, whites, flower teas and some *oolongs* work well in porcelain. You can find sets in local tea markets, but be careful of fakes.
Zisha Yixing
A true tea lover's most prized possession is the *zisha yixing* teapot. Made of a porous, unglazed clay, this teapot absorbs the tea's aromas and minerals with each brewing. To avoid confusing its flavors, a *zisha* pot should only be used with the type of leaf first steeped in it. Perfect for aged *pu'er*, a "seasoned" *zisha* teapot makes for an unparalleled tea experience.
Glass
Tea newbies would be wise to invest in a glass set. The transparent exterior allows the drinker to watch the leaves as they transform during the steeping process. For flower teas, especially "blossom teas" that unfurl to reveal whole flowers, glass is ideal. Another benefit is that glass is unlikely to contain lead and other metals sometimes found in inferior ceramic glazes.
Porcelain / Ceramic
A porcelain teapot is the classic way to drink Chinese tea. For aromatic teas, this should be your weapon of choice. Because porcelain doesn't absorb the flavors and scents of the tea, it can be used to brew any variety of tea. Greens, whites, flower teas and some *oolongs* work well in porcelain. You can find sets in local tea markets, but be careful of fakes.
Zisha Yixing
A true tea lover's most prized possession is the *zisha yixing* teapot. Made of a porous, unglazed clay, this teapot absorbs the tea's aromas and minerals with each brewing. To avoid confusing its flavors, a *zisha* pot should only be used with the type of leaf first steeped in it. Perfect for aged *pu'er*, a "seasoned" *zisha* teapot makes for an unparalleled tea experience.