A tea pot is a piece of teaware that is used for brewing and serving tea when two or more people are expected. Folks may either put several tea bags inside the pot, or even better, will use loose tea for steeping.
In the case where loose leaf tea will be used, some pots may come with a fine strainer-infuser inside that will keep the leaves from floating around the pot. The strainer should be big enough for the leaves to open freely for better flavor results.
Some pots may also have a screen located in the spout to catch the leaves when the tea is poured into the cup. As convenient as that may sound, it is important that all the tea is poured and not left to over steep in the pot which will result in a bitter cup.
Tea pots are also a great way to make several cups of hot coco for multiple guests too!
They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, as well as different materials. A common color is either white or brown, or even blue and white which resembles the porcelain pots that were very popular in 17th century England.
Most pots will hold enough tea for about 4 to 6 traditional sized tea cups. Some will hold even more, and some are so small they will house tea meant for only two.
They may also come in different shapes such as animals which is great for younger tea drinkers.
Most regular pots have the common S-like spout with a wide rounded low profile. A removable lid is at the top which will have a small breathing hole for spill-free pouring.
While most pots come in either ceramic, glass, or porcelain, others can be made of either copper, clear glass, metal, or even clay.
In fact one of the first pots for steeping tea were made of clay.
A tea pot is a piece of teaware every serious tea drinker should have! They make a traditional house hold item that even in present day is an impressive way to welcome a social drink among family and friends.
