Turkish Tea Pot
Tea might be a popular drink worldwide, but for Turkey, it is an integral component of the culture. Whether it is hot in the summer or damn cold in the winter, Turks will always be having their favorite drink-tea. And it is one offer you can never reject. Most non-citizens assume the Turkish tea is similar to apple tea, but that is a treat for the tourists. The traditional drink has its roots in Turkish history, and its preparation requires special equipment, which is the Turkish tea pot.
The Turkish tea pot, locally referred to as caydanlik, consists of two kettles making it stand out among its peers of the other cultures. The kettle can be made of porcelain enamel, copper, stainless steel, glass, aluminum, or nickel. Some people prefer the porcelain-enamel type because of its efficiency in retaining heat and keeping the tea hot. The costs vary by the material used and the artistic engravings on their exterior. The price can be anywhere between $ 30 to hundreds of dollars per set. Caydanlik is different from Samovar, which is common in other parts of the world, including Russia.
How to make tea using a Turkish Tea pot
The typical way of making Turkish tea involves;
- Filling the larger pot with water
- Placing dry tea leaves or grinds in the smaller pot
- Stacking the pots by placing the larger one at the bottom and putting them over a burner.
- As the water boils, the heat from the lower pot is transferred to the upper container causing a release of essential oils from the tea leaves.
- After the water has boiled, some of it is poured into the smaller pot with tea leaves.
- The flame is reduced to the minimal level possible.
- The pots are restacked and put on the low flame for 15-30 minutes to allow the tea to sheer.
NOTE;
The quantity of water used depends on the number of tea leaves in the smaller pot. The tea leaves should not be stirred; neither should the procedure be switched, and the tea leaves poured on the water.
Using Turkish Tea pot to serve tea.
After preparation, the two kettles are left stacked to keep the tea hot and ready for use at any time of the day. Even the serving has a procedure which seems a bit ritualistic. You need a tea strainer and a drinking glass.
- The filter is placed on top of the glass as the first step
- You then pour tea from the small pot into the glass. Don’t fill the glass with the strong brew. Either a quarter or halfway is enough to produce a concentrated drink.
- Now remove the strainer and use the boiled water from the larger pot to fill the glass.
- You can use either honey or sugar for sweetening your tea, which you can serve with a cookie.
Where can I buy Turkish Tea pot?
The Turkish Tea pot can be found locally in many markets within the Middle East, but there is also a more convenient option of online shopping. An online search will yield tons of stores that sell products from various manufacturers. Alongside your tea pot, you can also purchase the accessories that you would need.
Antique Turkish copper tea pot
While the other types of tea pots are factory-manufactured, the Turkish copper tea pot is entirely handmade. It comes in different colors and designs depending on the skill of the artisan. Usually, the handles are made wood fitted with nacre motives. The copper used in the crafting is tinned to ensure it is safe for all purposes. It can be used to make both tea and coffee, but some people use it as a home decoration. Traditionally sold in sets, this antique tea pot is one of the most expensive.
Conclusion
Turkish tea pot has been a fundamental part of the Turks’ customs for a long time. But with the increasing popularity of Turkish tea, the item is now permeating other cultures worldwide. Turkish tea pot comes in various colors, materials, and modes of manufacture. You can buy one either from a local market in the Middle East or an online store that also present good qualities. The price can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per set, depending on the material, brand, and artwork.