Undoubtedly, the best tea is brewed in natural clay pots. This is perhaps the oldest method for brewing tea, but quite certainly one of the most beautiful, traditional, and even practical methods. Yixing sets are know all over the world for their elegance and intricate designs.

What makes clay tea sets unique, is that the clay is very porous, as opposed to bone china tea sets, porcelain, silver, etc. This porousness actually allows the pots and cups used to soak up the tea, so that after many years of usage, it is no longer necessary to add tea to the hot water, because there are small traces of the tea in the clay. So, the pot and cups will flavor the hot water naturally. Yes. Very cool.

In addition to the most obvious benefit of clay sets, there are a few more points I would like to touch upon. When you do get a new clay pot, although it isn't seasoned to perfection yet, the simple fact that it is made of clay will enhance the color, aroma and flavor of any tea you do steep.

Yixing clay tea sets exemplify craftsmanship and quality. They are often carved with very delicate, ornate designs; depictions of ancient Chinese life, culture, and traditions; these are the most traditional. Of course, nowadays you can find almost any variation. There are clay pots that have been dyed different colors, or painted with contemporary art. If nothing else, a Yixing clay tea set makes a great conversation piece.

If you are worried about the maintenance of your Yixing tea set, don't be! They are really quite simple to maintain. The only rule is to never use cleanser or soap on your set. This is important to remember: whatever you put into your pot, has the potential to soak into the pores of the clay. So, unless you want your tea to taste like soap, I wouldn't recommend using it to clean your set. What I would recommend however, is to pour some hot water over your tea set when you're done using it, and then rinse it again with water. You can then dry it with a tea towel, or simply let it air dry.

Also, one should note that most tea experts who use Yixing sets are very careful not to use more than one type of tea in each set. Which is to say that if you use flower tea in a clay pot, you should always and only use flower tea. If you start mixing different tea leaves, their flavors will all be absorbed into the pot, and you will never again be able to expect consistent flavor.

Finding Yixing clay tea sets is much easier now because of the internet. You don't really have to go all the way to China anymore if you want to get one. If you really like tea, you can't mess up with a clay set, and you can't get any more traditional.

Looking to find the best deal on Yixing clay tea sets, then visit www.coolteasets.com to find the best advice on clay tea sets for you. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.

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