pretty sure this is to make sure there is that layer of water that he mentioned. It is not just to test the pot, it is to create a seal and keep the heat in when brewing
H I enjoyed your video...I have a question the pot you say is not very easy to hold, and it is made for sucking, that is the pot I am buying with a clay tea set from Music City Tea...Is it ok for pouring? I don't have to suck it do i? I like the look of it, and the shape and feel ...how do I know if they clay is real or has any harmful chemicals added?
No you don't have to, just that you'll find pouring from such design usually more clumsy than standard ones, but should still be fine. Most so-called Yixing clay products available in the internet at lower prices are not really Yixing clay and a large percentage contain chemical for making the colour. Some are safe, some aren't. This is a big issue and I hope those that you have bought are okay. The best way to find out about the safety of these alternative clay products is by proper lab-testing.
holohulolo You drink directly from the pot by putting your lips at the spout. That's the original idea of the design but many people now use that as any other pot.
+Tea Guardian This is the first time I hear about drinking from the teapot. Isn't that going to burn your tongue? I always thought that "sipping/slurping" is the proper way to drink tea. That way you'll get most of the flavor.
+Or Not At All Throughout human history, many items have been designed for a particular style of use that was hype or popular at the time. Like clay water pots that does not stand, wine cups with a protruding mouth piece, urinals which only opening is a spout… Douba Xisi is one of such things. It was not meant for slurping, since slurping has never been a way of drinking tea. It was and still is considered very impolite - perhaps in most cultures. Slurping is only for tasting. As for temperature, hot water always cools down. This particular pot style is also considered as a hand warmer. The design is developed as a sensual form for the palm and the surface finish for it is almost always the smoothest of clay, yet not glossy.
For the simple reason that you do not drink an espresso or a single scotch with a mug. There are other ways to make tea, like there are other ways to make coffee. You really have to experience it to understand it.
