Hello everyone,
I'm Andy, a tea enthusiast.
Have you ever wondered why tea brewed in a teapot isn’t poured directly into cups,
but first into something called a tea pitcher?
Today, I’d like to share with you the purpose and meaning behind the tea pitcher.
Why is it called a "tea pitcher"?
The tea pitcher, also known as a gong dao bei or sharing pitcher, is a common tool used in tea brewing.
Why is it sometimes referred to as a "tea ocean"?
There’s an old saying: “A small teapot holds a lot of tea—like diving into a tea ocean,”meaning that if tea is poured directly into multiple cups,
the taste may vary from cup to cup, just like drawing uneven scoops from a vast sea of tea.
Thus, the tea pitcher was created to let the tea briefly rest and blend evenly before being distributed, ensuring fairness in taste for everyone.
The name sharing pitcher highlights this very function: to make sure every cup of tea has the same balanced flavor.
What is the function of a tea pitcher?
Balance tea concentration:
The tea from a teapot usually starts lighter and gets stronger toward the end.
Pouring it directly into cups can lead to uneven flavors.
The tea pitcher blends these different intensities, achieving a truly balanced tea.
• Harmonize multiple infusions:
Some people like to combine a few infusions in the tea pitcher before serving.
This brings a more balanced flavor and highlights the layered complexity of the tea over several brews.
• Prevent over-steeping:
Pouring tea into the tea pitcher quickly stops the steeping process,
avoiding bitterness or excessive strength—especially important for delicate teas like Qin Xin Oolong or Jin Xuan.
• Enhance the tea experience:
Using a tea pitcher adds rhythm and a sense of ceremony to the tea-making process, elevating the overall enjoyment.
Is a tea pitcher necessary?
Not at all. If you're just brewing tea for yourself, or using tea bags in a mug, the tea pitcher isn’t essential.
But if you're sharing a pot of quality tea with friends, or want to explore the subtle layers of flavor, the tea pitcher is a very helpful tool.
To sum up, the tea pitcher isn’t just about ritual—it serves a real function: ensuring consistent flavor, preventing over-steeping, and enhancing your tea experience.
If you haven't used one yet, give it a try—it might make your tea time even more delightful!
Wishing you great tea and good vibes every day.
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