Using a Zhuni Teapot

[beachape]

I have ordered a 150ml zhuni xishi pot, and have some questions about using zhuni.

It is my understanding that zhuni is best for lightly oxidized teas. Is that correct?

Also, I have read that zhuni is less absorbant than zini. Does that mean it is more acceptable to use for a range of different teas (several varieties of lightly oxidized, instead of say, just TGY). Or do you still dedicate the pot for a specific tea. I understand that there is some user preference in this, but I'm interested in what everybody does.

Do you season a zhuni pot in the same way you would season a zini pot?

-Thanks

[xuancheng]

I have ordered a 150ml zhuni xishi pot, and have some questions about using zhuni.

It is my understanding that zhuni is best for lightly oxidized teas. Is that correct?

I don't think so. Lots of people say it is best to use a Zhuni pot for Yancha. In general, they are good for all sorts of things. I think Zhuni pots are good for all sorts of teas. In general, Thinner walled zhuni pots will preserve more aroma, while zisha will make a tea smoother and sometimes help to mitigate a heavy roast.

Do you season a zhuni pot in the same way you would season a zini pot?

It is pretty much the same idea. Be careful of old zhuni, it can crack with sudden temp change.

[Tead Off]

Zhuni teapots are good with all oolong teas. Traditionally, shape will determine which teas to use. The one you mention should be great for green oolongs.

There is so much myth/marketing involved with zhuni that it is difficult to know ifyou are getting a genuine zhuni pot or one made to look like one. Usually buying an older pot is safer if you trust your source. Modern zhuni clay is not the same as the older zhuni clays. The brewing results will be different. It's a crazy topic giving rise to an immense amount of misunderstanding.

[swozt]

Zhuni teapots are good with all oolong teas. Traditionally, shape will determine which teas to use. The one you mention should be great for green oolongs.

There is so much myth/marketing involved with zhuni that it is difficult to know ifyou are getting a genuine zhuni pot or one made to look like one. Usually buying an older pot is safer if you trust your source. Modern zhuni clay is not the same as the older zhuni clays. The brewing results will be different. It's a crazy topic giving rise to an immense amount of misunderstanding.

Totally agree with Tead Off about Yixing clay types. Misunderstandings upon misunderstandings are even possible.

[beachape]

This is the pot I bought. Run it through google translator if you don't read chinese.

150ml XiShi, Old Zhuni

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_det ... 96ea78.htm

I also picked up an 80ml Yellow/Purple Duanni.

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_det ... 7b8578.htm

[TokyoB]

beachape - Can you easily pay for items bought on Taobao using Paypal, and can they be easily shipped to the US?
Thanks.

[beachape]

If you can read chinese, use www.panli.com to pay with paypal and ship to america. Panli is a 3rd party agent that buys the items you select and they combines them for shipping. My girlfriend helps me with that part. If you don't speak Chinese better not use it.

They also have a bunch of great places to buy tea. Shipping to america is expensive, but it balances out because the prices are great.