Breaking in an Unglazed Kyusu?

[JD]

I got my Banko Biri kyusu today, and I don't really know what to do to break it in. Should I season it with a 15 minute boil with tea like I do with yixing pots, or should I just wash and rinse it and be done? I saw a youtube video of someone boiling an unglazed Tokoname pot with a bag of tea. And I believe he's Japanese. So, should I do that too?

He said by boiling it with tea, the tannins get into the little pores of the clay and lock the teapot, whatever that means..

[tingjunkie]

A good scrub and boil without tea certainly couldn't hurt (well, unless you let it rattle around without protection and get dinged or chipped). Banko/Tokoname doesn't season in the same way Yixing does- it's a slower process. I wouldn't put leaves in the boil myself though.

[JD]

Hmm.. maybe the guy's actually chinese? And doesn't know any better?

[tingjunkie]

100 ways to skin a cat. Everyone has their own methods. As long as you give it a good rinse first, you should be all set.

[JD]

I'm loving this new kyusu.. to go from a $19 Den's kyusu to a $45 Biri Banko Yaki where you know the creator's name, and it's engraved on the pot itself.. it's really cool. Lots of detail in this pot too.

Here's a link:
http://www.yuuki-cha.com/Japanese+Teapo ... aki+Teapot

I thought the filter might be a problem, but so far it hasn't clogged or anything. It lets a bit more leaf particles through, but that doesn't really bother me. It just makes healthier, tastier tea.

[Geekgirl]

I've never boiled or seasoned a kyusu, just gave it a good rinse and they're ready to go.

[Tead Off]

Same here. I just wash out the inside with boiling water a few times and start brewing. Never use soap. Sencha will season the pot quickly. You will see the color change in the interior. These pots are also very good for young puerh.