What causes Yixing teapots to stay shiny?

[Superposed_Cat]

Hi, I was watching Sherlock s1e2 which featured someone explaining that teapots where kept shiny from continued exposure to tea, what compound causes this does anyone know?

 

[Evo]

Hi, I was watching Sherlock s1e2 which featured someone explaining that teapots where kept shiny from continued exposure to tea, what compound causes this does anyone know?

What material? My teapots are ceramic and tea discolors them.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

This is a stage in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies (of which there are a few I believe). Some involve pouring excess water or tea over a clay lot to cure the clay. Not sure if that actually works or is just ritual.

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/chinese_tea_ceremony/

 

[Superposed_Cat]

Thanks, that's what I saw but does anybody know if it works/what causes this?

 

[Enigman]

Might help-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yixing_clay_teapot#Use_with_tea
http://www.wikihow.com/Season-a-Yixing-Teapot
http://www.teamuse.com/article_110502.html

Best I can glean through random forum/blog posts-
The Yixing clay is porous and absorbs the tea oils and tannins to form a patina on the surface.

 

[Superposed_Cat]

Thank you all especially enigman.

 

[Evo]

Might help-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yixing_clay_teapot#Use_with_tea
http://www.wikihow.com/Season-a-Yixing-Teapot
http://www.teamuse.com/article_110502.html

Best I can glean through random forum/blog posts-
The Yixing clay is porous and absorbs the tea oils and tannins to form a patina on the surface.

So, the pots are actually discolored by the tea, if the pot is light enough for you to notice. That's what I thought. Thanks Enigman.