Seasoning... with the string

[Jayaratna]

Dear Teachatters,

I have a new yixing teapot which I need to season for the first time. It came with its handle-to-lid string already tied. Should I season it together with the string or should I untie the string first? Which one is best?

Thank you,
A

[theredbaron]

It's a personal preference. I do not like the the string between handle and lid at all. It always gets in the way.

As to seasoning - i do not "season" pots by boiling in water and such unnecessary concoctions. I simply pour boiling water in and on the pot a few times. Fill it with tea, pour water in, let it stand for a while, and wash it. Then i start drinking. Very simple. Real seasoning of a pot happens over years and years of drinking.

[Jayaratna]

I'm not seasoning or using strings anymore, I promise!

[Poseidon]

I personally like the strings. Initially season the pot with them off and then put them back on after. They tend to "season" themselves after some dark tea brewing

[Jayaratna]

Well, on one or two occasions the string saved my lids...