What Is The Indian Clay Pot For Tea?
The Indian clay pot for tea, commonly known as a kulhar, is a traditional handleless cup made from clay and used across South Asia to serve tea (Wikipedia, 2022). It is believed that kulhars originated during the Mughal era in India, when tea drinking became popular among the ruling classes. The porous nature of the clay is thought to enhance the flavor of tea, while also helping to cool the hot beverage. Kulhars are closely associated with the ubiquitous street side tea stalls, known as chai wallahs, that can be found all over South Asia. Here, vendors serve piping hot tea in kulhars which customers can hold by the rim to sip before returning the disposable cups.
Names and Regional Variations
The Indian clay pot for tea is known by many different regional names across India. Some of the most common names include:
- Kulhar – This name is commonly used in North India.
- Bharani – Used in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu.
- Kullad – Common name in Rajasthan.
- Donne – Used in Karnataka.
- Kullad Chaap – Used in Gujarat.
While the basic shape and function remains the same, regional styles and designs do vary across India. Clay pots from Rajasthan often feature bright colors and geometric patterns. Pots from South India tend to have a taller, leaner shape and minimal decorations. Terracotta clay pots are most common, though black clay and red clay pots can also be found in some areas.
The regional diversity in names and styles reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Indian clay pot. Each region has its own artisanal pottery traditions that contribute to the uniqueness of clay tea pots found across India.
Clay and Production
The clay pots used for brewing tea in India are traditionally made from natural clay, without any added chemicals or glazes. The specific clay used can vary by region, but some common types include terracotta clay, red clay, and black clay. Each clay type has its own mineral composition, resulting in different properties. Terracotta clay, for example, has good porosity and heat retention.
The clay is locally sourced near the villages where the pots are produced. The clay is kneaded and molded entirely by hand, without using pottery wheels or modern tools. It is shaped into the characteristic round-bottomed pot, then left to dry fully in the sun. Once dried, the pots are fired at high temperatures in wood-burning kilns to harden and strengthen the clay through vitrification. Firing can take 12-24 hours. The firing process creates the pots’ earthy colors and also makes the clay non-porous so liquid won’t seep through.
The production is done in small batches and almost entirely by hand, with artisans shaping and decorating each individual pot. This traditional manufacturing process passed down for generations results in subtle variations that give each clay teapot a unique character.
Sources:
https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/clay-pot-fountain.html
Shape and Design
The Indian clay pot for tea, also known as a kulhad, typically has a round, bulbous shape with a wide base that tapers slightly towards the top. This allows for efficient heat retention while brewing the tea. The pot usually has a curved spout to make pouring easier without dripping. There is also a curved handle on the side opposite the spout to make holding and serving more convenient. The lid sits loosely on top, allowing the aromas to escape while steeping but preventing debris from falling in.
The round design encloses the maximum volume in the minimum surface area, helping the vessel retain heat better. The wider base also provides more stability when holding the full pot. The curved and tapering shapes of the spout, handle and overall pot are also aesthetically pleasing in an earthy, rustic way that appeals to many tea drinkers.
“The shape of the Indian clay teapot, or kulhad, is designed for efficient brewing and easy serving of tea.” (Source)
Size and Capacity
Indian clay pots used for brewing tea come in a variety of sizes, ranging anywhere from a small cup size to large pots capable of serving multiple people. The typical size for a single serving is around 300-400 ml, similar to that of a large coffee mug or small teapot.
These single serving pots allow one to brew enough tea for 1-2 people, making them ideal for personal tea enjoyment. Larger versions with a capacity over 1 liter are used to brew and serve tea for gatherings with multiple people.
The size and capacity chosen depends on factors like personal preference, number of people being served, and the quantity of tea desired per serving. But the 300-400 ml size is considered standard for brewing and serving a single cup of tea in the traditional Indian style.
Source: https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/indian-clay-tea-pot.html
Filtering Mechanism
The Indian clay teapot has a unique filtering mechanism that allows the tea to infuse while straining out the leaves. The pot contains a perforated clay disc with small holes inside. This disc sits about halfway down the pot and acts as a filter.
When brewing tea, the tea leaves are placed directly into the pot and boiling water is poured over them. The leaves swirl around initially, allowing the water to extract their flavor and oils. Gradually, the leaves settle at the bottom of the pot below the filtering disc. The small perforations in the disc allow the infused liquid tea to pass through, while holding back most of the tea leaves.
This filtering mechanism allows the tea to brew to the desired strength right inside the pot. The tea can be poured out by tipping the pot, leaving the wet leaves behind trapped under the disc. No need for separate infusers or strainers.
The filtration isn’t perfect, and some tiny leaf particles and debris will get through the holes into the tea. But the disc screens out most of the larger leaves and ingredients. This unique brewing and filtering system is what defines the Indian clay tea pot.
Brewing Tea
To properly brew tea using an Indian clay tea pot, follow these steps:
- Start by heating water in a separate kettle or pot. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- While the water is heating, place 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea into the pot per cup you plan to serve. You can adjust the amount depending on personal taste.
- Once the water has reached a boil, carefully pour the hot water into the tea pot over the tea leaves. Fill the pot about 3/4 full.
- Allow the tea to steep for 2-4 minutes. The steeping time can vary based on the type of tea and personal preference.
- Gently swirl the pot once or twice while steeping to agitate the leaves.
- After steeping, pour the tea through the pot’s built-in filter into cups to serve.
- The leaves can be steeped again for additional rounds of tea. Simply add more hot water and allow to steep briefly before pouring again.
The clay pot’s porous material helps regulate the brewing process and allows the flavors to develop fully, producing a delicious cup of tea.
Serving Tea
In India, tea is traditionally served by pouring it from the clay pot directly into small cups or glasses. The porous clay helps aerate the tea as it flows into the cup, improving the flavor. Clay pots are designed with a wide mouth and curved spout to make pouring easier without splashing or spilling.
Traditionally, the tea is poured back and forth between the cup and pot multiple times before drinking. This agitates the tea leaves, helping extract more flavor. It also helps cool the tea down to a drinkable temperature. In some regions, milk and sugar are added to the tea in the cup after the initial pouring.
Clay pots are well suited for serving tea communally to small groups. The wide mouth allows multiple cups or glasses to be filled in quick succession. The pots keep the tea hot for a long time, allowing people to leisurely sip and socialize.
Some tips when serving tea from a clay pot:
- Preheat the pot and cups with hot water first.
- Pour from a height of 6-12 inches when filling cups.
- Pour back and forth from pot to cup 2-3 times before drinking.
- Top up with more hot water as needed.
- Rinse the pot with hot water after use.
Properly using a clay teapot enhances the tea drinking ceremony and experience.
(Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/indian_clay_tea_pot?ref=cq_tag_bottom_text-2)
Cleaning and Care
To properly clean an Indian clay tea pot, the most important thing is to avoid using harsh detergents or scrubbing pads that could damage the porous clay. Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for clay tea pots:
After each use, rinse out any remaining tea leaves with warm water. Allow the pot to fully air dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew growth.
For a deeper clean, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub the inside and outside of the pot. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
If needed, you can give the pot an occasional soak in warm water mixed with a small amount of vinegar to help remove stains or mineral deposits. Avoid soaking for more than 30 minutes.
Never put the clay pot in the dishwasher or allow it to fully submerge in water, as this can damage the pot over time. The clay is porous and can absorb too much water.
Avoid using metal utensils or scouring pads inside the pot, as they can scratch the surface. Use a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush instead.
Store the pot in a dry place when not in use. Wrapping in a breathable cloth can help protect it from dust.
With proper care and cleaning, an Indian clay tea pot can last for many years.
Cultural Significance
The Indian clay tea pot has deep cultural roots and traditions. It is an integral part of Indian hospitality, with the serving of tea being a sign of welcoming guests. The pots are used in homes and restaurants across India to brew and serve masala chai, which is the spiced milk tea drink that is quintessentially Indian. The vessels have significance in many ceremonies and special occasions. For weddings, a clay pot with mugs are often given as part of the dowry items gifted to brides. At festivals and religious events like Diwali, clay pots are decorated with colors, flowers, and designs as part of the celebrations.
The clay pots also hold nostalgic value for many Indians, reminding them of mothers or grandparents who would brew tea in these vessels. Sitting down for a shared pot of tea is a quality family time tradition. The pots represent the warmth and coziness of home. Their continued use honors the legacy of previous generations for whom clay pots were a kitchen staple. The vessels connect Indians to their history and roots, as simple clay pots have been used to brew tea across the subcontinent for centuries. The ubiquity of these pots through major life events underlines their cultural significance in Indian society.
