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A Collection of the Best Tea Cups of 2022

The benefits of drinking tea are numerous, and you perhaps already know how long it will take to properly steep and what type of tea you need for certain nutrients. What many do not know is that the quality of the cup used can have a significant effect on the tea quality itself. It would help if you considered certain factors before buying the teacup, such as the design, material used, and construction. This guide will show you how to pick the very best cups if you are still undecided.

Features to Help You Choose a Great Tea Cup

There are several factors you need to consider before you buy tea cups. Here is a breakdown of some of the most important ones.

· Non-porous vs. porous cups

It would help if you considered this a vital feature because porous materials often come with microscopic holes and cracks capable of sticking to flavors. The Asian-style cups are usually made using these porous materials, and such cups often change color from the tea after being used repeatedly. They also adopt the tea's flavor. However, in the west, people are not exactly big fans of porous cups.

If you intend to drink different drinks using your cup, a porous cup shouldn't be your choice. Also, ensure never to clean porous cups using soap because they can absorb some flavor into the material. All you need to do is wipe them using a clean cloth material.

· The cooling power

The shape of the cup plays a critical role in the speed with which the drink cools down. Cups designed with a broader rim tend to cool down quicker, while the ones that are tall and narrow keep your drink warm for extended periods. Tea that stays hotter gives off a unique and more concentrated fragrance. Also, the thickness of the cup is an essential factor as thinner cups are known to cool down quicker, while the thicker ones will keep the drink warm for longer. Cups with double-wall designs help insulate your glass, thus keeping it warm for a longer time.

· Cup lips

The lips of the tea cup also play a vital role in your tea drinking experience. For instance, a thin lip is perfect because it transports the tea directly and efficiently into your mouth, thus maximizing the taste. With more delicate lips, the drink will be able to gently roll off the edge of the cup directly to your tongue.

· Cup material

The material from which the cup is made can also have a telling effect on the tea's flavor, quality, and smell. Note that materials of a porous nature tend to hang onto old flavor, which can affect your tea with time. There are several materials you can choose from out there; some of them include the following:

i. Ceramic

Ceramic cups are made using clay pottery, after which they are processed inside a kiln. This ranks as the most common material used in making cups. What this implies is that it is a cup made using terracotta, stoneware and porcelain. One unique feature that makes them so popular is their ability to retain heat for an extended period.

Firing materials inside a kiln can also remove some types of tastes from the material, like a metallic taste.

ii. Porcelain cups

Porcelain is another wonderful choice that has been used for several years. This material can also be grouped as a ceramic, but it is processed to be non-porous. What this means is that the cup ought to have a sort of vitrified outer glazed shell. Such materials are made using kaolin clay which is combined with other types of ingredients.

iii. Bone china

This material is made up of a mixture of bone ash and clay, making it non-reactive and non-porous. The smoothness of this material helps prevent tanning in your tea from staining the side of the cup.

iv. Glass

This is yet another wonderful material used in production. Note that vitrified glass does not react, while borosilicate glass is quite durable and not as fragile as bone china or porcelain.

v. Steel cups

Although cups made using steel can easily last longer than others, they seldom have serious issues. Due to their ability to conduct heat, steel cups and handles become quite hot quickly, and if it gets scratched, it may cause your tea to be contaminated with iron and nickel.

· Does it come with a handle?

Another factor to consider before you buy a cup is whether it has a handle or not. Cups without handles are known as tea bowls, and this style is quite prominent in Asian culture, and they are often smaller than the western-style cups that have handles. Cups with handles have designs that vary from one model to the other. You will find some basic designs and also stylish ones depending on your budget and taste.

Tips For Taking Care of Your Tea Cup

Several modern cups are designated as dishwasher safe, but putting your cup in a dishwasher is not always advisable. Tea cups are easy to clean, so there is no need to use a dishwasher as it could damage it.

Also, if you buy a tea cup set with a gold or metal trim, ensure never to place them inside a microwave. If you want to wash the cup using your hands, you should use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Ensure to use a gentle cleanser and stay away from abrasive cleaners. If your cup is made using porous materials, avoid using cleaner or soap because the soap can seep into the cup. Also, make sure that tea cups are washed separately from other dishes and do not crowd the sink with different cups because you will be risking the cups colliding with one another.

Ensure the cups are dried before you place them inside the cupboard, and you can have them placed on a drying rack for air to dry them.