"Iron kettle" makes tea taste better. The reason for the difference in taste and how to care for it
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Introduction
The other day, Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani posted about Nanbu ironware on social media. Some of you may have seen it.
It's so beautiful that you might think it's interior decor, but it's not.
Nambu ironware kettles are called "Nambu iron pots" and are used to boil water.
In addition to the solid feel and beautiful color that only ironware can offer, Nanbu cast iron kettles also have functional features such as the ability to distribute heat evenly and have excellent heat retention, and in recent years have become increasingly popular both at home and abroad.
The Basics of Nambu Iron Teapots
Nanbu iron kettles are kettles made in the traditional craft of "Nanbu ironware" produced in the areas around Morioka and Oshu in Iwate Prefecture. As the name suggests, they are devices for boiling water made from cast iron.
Iron kettles themselves are an ancient traditional Japanese craft, and although Nambu iron kettles are particularly famous, there are many other types, such as Kyoto iron kettles and Goshu iron kettles. Each has its own characteristics, and there are many different shapes and patterns.
It is said that iron kettles first started to be made as tea ceremony utensils in the early Edo period. At the time, they were highly valued as luxury items by samurai and tea masters.
Why tea brewed in an iron kettle is said to taste better
By the way, it is said that tea tastes better when made with water boiled in an iron kettle, but why is this the case? There are three main reasons for this:
Some people say that the more you use an iron kettle, the more delicious the water becomes. This is thought to be because the rust that forms on the inside of the kettle makes it easier for trace minerals to dissolve.
1. It removes chlorine and makes the water softer.
Water boiled in an iron kettle is often said to have a mellow and sweet taste.
This is because when water is boiled in an iron kettle, the minerals (chlorine) such as calcium and magnesium contained in the water react with and are adsorbed by the iron inside the kettle, filtering out impurities in the water and changing the water's quality to soft water.
It is said that brewing tea with soft water mellows the bitterness and brings out the umami flavor.
2. Trace amounts of iron dissolve
When you boil water in an iron kettle, small amounts of iron dissolve into the water.
Iron is expected to have effects such as preventing anemia and improving immunity. Iron ions that dissolve from the surface of the skin are highly absorbed by the body, so by ingesting it on a daily basis, you can naturally replenish your iron intake.
In addition, it is said that water boiled in an iron kettle tends to be alkaline, which reduces the bitterness of tea and gives it a mellow flavor.3. High heat retention
Iron kettles are made from thick cast iron, which means they have excellent heat retention.
The thickness of Nambu ironware in particular allows it to store a lot of heat, so it can keep freshly brewed water hot for a long time. The temperature does not drop easily, so there is no risk of the water becoming unevenly heated due to the effects of the outside air.
It keeps the tea warm for a long time, so you can enjoy your tea time at your leisure.
Precautions when using iron kettles
Iron kettles have the disadvantage of being prone to rust.
Therefore, after use, do not wipe the inside, but let the residual heat remove the water. Also, applying oil from time to time can prevent rust.
If the water boiled in an iron kettle turns reddish or smells like iron, this is proof that the kettle is already rusted.
Use Sencha tea to remove rust from your iron kettle. The tannins in tea are effective at removing rust. Try removing the rust by following the steps below.
How to remove rust using Sencha tea
- First, put a sencha tea bag in the kettle, then add water until it is about 80% full and bring to a boil.
- After boiling, leave it on the stove for about 30 minutes. The water in the kettle will turn black as the tannins react with the rust.
- Leave it as it is for about half a day
- Leave the iron kettle for half a day, then boil water again.
- Repeat these steps until the water runs clear and you're done.
summary
Although it does require some effort to maintain, using an iron kettle is effective in replenishing iron, and you can enjoy much tastier tea than if you boil it overnight or in an electric kettle.
Iron kettles are traditional crafts that combine history, culture, and practicality. They will make your daily tea more delicious and richer.
