According to scientific analysis, the purple clay pot does indeed retain the original flavor of the tea infusion. It can absorb tea juice and has the characteristics of being heat-resistant and cold-resistant. In general, purple clay ceramics have five major features:
First, purple clay ceramics are made from hammered sand, which neither robs the tea of its fragrance nor gives it a boiled taste. Therefore, when used for brewing tea, it retains the color, aroma, and flavor.
Second, the sandy teapot can absorb tea juice. After using it for some time, it can accumulate "tea rust," so even boiling water poured into an empty pot can produce a tea fragrance.
Third, it is easy to clean. If left unused for a long time, any unpleasant odor can be removed by soaking it in boiling water two or three times. Then, pour out the cold water and brew tea as usual without changing its original flavor.
Fourth, it has strong adaptability to sudden temperature changes. Even in the coldest winter, pouring boiling water into the pot will not cause it to crack due to rapid temperature changes. Moreover, the sandy material conducts heat slowly, so whether you hold or touch it, it won't burn your hands.
Fifth, purple clay ceramics are heat-resistant. In winter, placing it over a warm fire to boil tea won't easily cause the pot to crack. Su Dongpo's use of a purple clay teapot with a handle to brew tea and his verse "pine wind bamboo stove, calling each other with the pot" was certainly no coincidence.
This is the reason why people who enjoy tea drinking throughout history and around the world particularly love to use purple clay pots.