Are you making tea wrong? Australians rediscover 'correct' way to brew tea using forgotten ancient tradition
Australians have rediscovered the tradition of 'turning the teapot' READ MORE: I couldn't believe my eyes when I received this 'iced tea' at a cafe
Australian tea enthusiasts have discovered a 'forgotten' tradition that stems back centuries - and the spiritual act has a practical reason.
A New South Wales resident came across the 'correct way' to make tea by turning the teapot clockwise thrice and anticlockwise thrice after pouring boiling water in.
'My family never did this, but I've had a few people tell me it's tradition. The reasons I've been given are 'for good luck', 'to settle the leaves', and 'to make the brew stronger',' she shared on Reddit.
She wondered if it was a 'real' Aussie tradition or just a 'generational joke to make people do something silly and unnecessary' - but the act goes back centuries.
Tea expert Cara Chen told FEMAIL in a Gongfu tea ceremony, pouring the kettle anticlockwise instead of clockwise is rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, emphasising the natural flow of energy (Qi) and promoting harmony.
Tea expert Cara Chen told FEMAIL in a Gongfu tea ceremony, pouring the kettle anticlockwise instead of clockwise is rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy
In addition to the benefits of the Gongfu ceremony, turning a teapot works to agitate the water by introducing a circular current that mixes tea leaves together and prevents them from clumping.
When you then turn the teapot the other way, you counter the current and allow the water to settle again, preventing the tea from marinading too much.
'This practice symbolises positive, harmonious energy and aligns with the natural order,' Ms Chen added.
'Additionally, it preserves the authenticity and traditions handed down through generations, and sometimes, the design of teaware and seating arrangements make the anticlockwise motion more practical and ergonomic.
'Hospitality is a significant aspect of the tea ceremony, and pouring anticlockwise represents a welcoming hand gesture, enhancing the sense of warmth and invitation to the guests.'
A few Australians also explained a billy tea ceremony.
'It's tradition to swing billy tea - made over an open fire - around in a circle three times to settle the leaves.
'By 'circle' I mean vertically with an outstretched arm, from your knees to overhead and back. You have to do it fast enough that the water doesn't spill.'
Turning a teapot works to agitate the water by introducing a circular current that mixes tea leaves together and prevents them from clumping
One was overjoyed such traditions evolved into turning teapots in domestic kitchens.
'The billy spin is definitely an Aussie tea tradition. It's a motion that makes more sense to me in terms of settling the leaves. Plus, it's more theatrical. Interesting thought that turning the teapot might be a more kitchen-friendly version of this campfire tradition!' one said.
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Many from the UK revealed that 'turning the teapot' was an essential step of making English tea.
'I didn't learn this until I moved to the UK,' an Australian said. 'A gentleman I worked with patiently explained how to make the perfect English tea (for client presentation as much as flavour), and it was eye-opening.
'Now I'm back in Australia, but when I have fancy guests around I always make a point to spin the teapot three times. I can never remember which direction, and nobody's ever picked me up on it.'
Another added, 'I have no idea what settling the tea leaves does, but turning the tea pot three times in each direction is a must unless you want weak tea. You can easily see that if you steep then pour, the tea is weak. Turn it and it's strong. You especially have to do it with rubbish tea bag pots you get at cafes.'