slightly cracked enamel coating in tetsubin safe?
Hi All, i just got a cast iron tetsubin with an enameled interior. it was only $30 so it's not the highest quality, but i noticed that there are a few cracks in the enamel interior. I haven't heated it on a stove or anything, i've just wiped it out with hot water and brewed tea in it once. I attached some images and was just wondering if it's still safe to use? thanks much!
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Re: slightly cracked enamel coating in tetsubin safe?
Hi. What I get from reading is 1) tetsubin are bare iron. If enameled then a kyusu not a tetsubin; that is, a teapot and not a kettle; that is, you don't boil water in it. And 2) compromised enamel means it's a flower pot and not a teapot. And that makes sense. Would you eat stew made in a stewpot with the the enamel breaking off? And if the enamel is meant to isolate the water from the iron, then what assurance do you have that the iron is food-worthy?
Re: slightly cracked enamel coating in tetsubin safe?
1) Tetsubin are traditionally made of bare iron. If a pot is enameled, it is generally referred to as a kyusu, which is a teapot rather than a kettle. Tetsubin are not meant for boiling water.teuu156 wrote: Hi. What I get from reading is 1) tetsubin are bare iron. If enameled then a kyusu not a tetsubin; that is, a teapot and not a kettle; that is, you don't boil water in it. And 2) compromised enamel means it's a flower pot and not a teapot. And that makes sense. Would you eat stew made in a stewpot with the the enamel breaking off? And if the enamel is meant to isolate the water from the iron, then what assurance do you have that the iron is food-worthy?
2) Compromised enamel on a teapot would make it unsuitable for brewing tea. Similarly, using a stewpot with breaking enamel for cooking stew would not be ideal. The enamel serves to provide a protective layer and prevent interaction between the food or water and the iron.
When it comes to the iron used in tetsubin or any cookware, it's important to ensure that it is made from food-grade materials. Reputable manufacturers typically provide assurances or certifications regarding the food safety of their products.