Nambu Tekki (Nambu ironware) is known for its heavy design and excellent durability, but it’s also an iron product that requires proper care. In particular, rust is one of the problems you want to avoid to keep your ironware beautiful for a long time.
This article will explain in detail how to prevent rust on Nambu Tekki, including precautions during storage and how to deal with rust if it occurs. By knowing the correct storage methods and points for preventing rust, you can use Nambu Tekki for a long time and maximize its appeal.
What is Nambu Tekki?
Nambu Tekki is a traditional cast iron craft produced mainly in Morioka City and Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, with a history dating back to the 17th century. It is still highly valued both in Japan and abroad for its beauty and practicality.
Here, we’ll explain the history of Nambu Tekki, its main characteristics, and what kinds of products are made.
History and Characteristics of Nambu Tekki
The history of Nambu Tekki began in 1659 when the lord of Morioka Domain invited Kozuke Jinzaemon from Kyoto to make tea ceremony kettles. This technique became the origin of Nambu iron kettles and gradually developed into ironware in general.
At that time, tea ceremony kettles were mainly made as gifts for feudal lords, and after the Meiji era, the kettles were made smaller and became widely popular as tea utensils for daily use. The characteristics of Nambu Tekki are its heavy weight and high durability.
Particularly, iron kettles, while made of iron, have intricate designs and have the unique property of developing a layer of calcium called “yuaka” on the inside with use, making them less prone to rusting. Furthermore, water boiled in an iron kettle becomes softer and has a mellow taste, which is another attraction.
Iron Kettles and Teapots are Representative Products of Nambu Tekki
Representative products of Nambu Tekki include iron kettles and teapots. Iron kettles are used for boiling water, while teapots are used for brewing tea.
These utensils are characterized by the unique heaviness of iron and simple beauty, and nowadays, products with colorful designs and modern shapes are also popular. Iron pots are also part of Nambu Tekki and are excellent at heat retention, allowing for even heating of ingredients in a short time, enhancing the taste of dishes.
In addition, many products are made that can be used as interior decorations, such as wind chimes and candle stands. In this way, Nambu Tekki is spreading its charm both domestically and internationally by developing a variety of products while preserving tradition and incorporating modern designs.
Why is Nambu Tekki Prone to Rusting?
While Nambu Tekki is characterized by its heavy and beautiful design, being made of iron, it also has the property of being prone to rust. With proper care, it can be used for a long time, but it’s important to first understand why iron rusts and the types of rust that occur.
Here, we’ll explain why iron kettles are prone to rusting and the types of rust that occur.
The Relationship Between Iron Properties and Rust
Nambu Tekki is prone to rusting because iron as a material has the property of easily reacting with oxygen and moisture to oxidize. When iron products come into contact with water or moisture, an oxidation reaction occurs on the surface of the iron, which becomes rust (iron oxide).
Especially for utensils that use water, such as iron kettles and teapots, rust is likely to occur, so drying after use and proper storage are essential. Here are the main causes of rust in Nambu Tekki:
| Moisture | Iron reacts with moisture to form iron oxide, resulting in red rust. |
| Oxygen | Iron easily reacts with oxygen in the air, promoting rust. |
| Long-term neglect | If left with moisture after use, rust is likely to progress. |
The Difference Between Red Rust and Black Rust
There are mainly two types of rust: red rust and black rust. Red rust is formed by normal oxidation reactions when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture. Most of the rust that occurs on Nambu Tekki is red rust.
Red rust often forms on the inside of iron kettles, and the water may turn reddish when boiled. In this case, it’s not harmful to health, but it affects taste and appearance, so early treatment is necessary.
On the other hand, black rust is an oxide film formed on the surface of iron products and has the role of protecting the iron. This is intentionally created during the manufacturing process of Nambu Tekki by kiln firing and has the effect of preventing internal oxidation.
Of course, properly using the iron kettle and allowing yuaka to form also leads to rust prevention, but by knowing in advance the types of rust that occur, you can continue to use it for a long time with proper care even if rust occurs.
How to Prevent Rust on Nambu Tekki
While Nambu Tekki is beautiful and durable, it’s an iron product that requires proper care. It’s particularly prone to rusting, so it’s important to follow daily care and storage methods.
Here, we’ll introduce specific care methods for preventing rust.
Basics of Daily Care
When using Nambu Tekki, it’s important first not to leave any moisture. After use, make sure to remove any remaining moisture from the inside and outside.
Interior Care Points
After using an iron kettle or teapot, dry the interior with residual heat and store it with the lid off. For iron kettles, the key is to remove the lid and let it air dry until the moisture has completely evaporated.
Exterior Care Points
Wipe the outside with a dry cloth after use to avoid leaving moisture. Also, if you want to add shine to the outside, it’s good to polish it with a tightly wrung cloth while the iron kettle is still warm.
By thoroughly caring for both the interior and exterior after use as described above, you can prevent rust from occurring.
“Seasoning” Work for Rust Prevention
When using an iron kettle for the first time, “seasoning” work is necessary. This work has the effect of preventing rust by adding “yuaka” to the inside of the iron kettle.
The steps for seasoning are as follows:
- Lightly rinse the inside of the iron kettle with water
- Fill it 80% full with hard water (mineral water) and heat it
- Discard the water after it boils
- Repeat the above process 2-3 times
However, when seasoning, it’s important to slightly offset the lid to prevent water from boiling over. Also, it’s not a problem if the yuaka peels off, but don’t scrub the inside strongly, and continue to use it so that yuaka forms naturally.
Precautions for Long-term Storage
Care must also be taken when storing for long periods without use. Nambu Tekki is particularly vulnerable to moisture, so the storage location and measures are important.
After thoroughly wiping off moisture from iron kettles and teapots, store them in a well-ventilated place. The key to preventing rust is to ensure that moisture doesn’t accumulate.
Also, to prevent rust from occurring while not in use, it’s effective to wrap it in newspaper for storage or put a desiccant inside to prevent moisture. By taking such measures to prevent moisture, you can use it with peace of mind the next time you use it.
How to Deal with Rust on Nambu Tekki
Even if Nambu Tekki rusts, it’s possible to restore it to its original state with proper treatment. The treatment method differs depending on the degree of rust, so we’ll introduce methods for dealing with mild and severe rust separately below.
How to Remove Mild Rust
Mild rust can often be easily dealt with through daily use. If red rust has occurred lightly, it can be removed by the following methods:
Gentle Brushing
For mild red rust, lightly scrub it off with a soft toothbrush or natural fiber brush. The key is to handle it carefully as scrubbing too hard may damage the ironware.
Method Using Tea or Tea Leaves
By boiling black tea or green tea in the iron kettle, the tannins in the tea combine with the red rust, turning it into black rust. This black rust has the effect of protecting the iron and can suppress the progression of red rust.
For mild rust, it can be dealt with by gentle brushing. When boiling with tea, it’s good to offset the lid to allow steam to escape easily and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
Dealing with Severe Rust
For severe rust that has occurred on Nambu Tekki that has been left for a long time or not properly cared for, the following measures are necessary:
- Scrubbing with a brush
- Professional repair
For stubborn rust, thoroughly scrub it off using a natural fiber brush or toothbrush. Even if the rust has spread, care must be taken not to scrub too hard.
Also, in cases of very severe rust or where the bottom has corroded, it may be difficult to deal with on your own. In this case, it’s possible to request repair from a specialist, such as re-firing or replacing the bottom.
Although repair costs money, if it’s Nambu Tekki worth using for a long time, it might be worth considering professional repair.
Even if rust occurs, Nambu Tekki can be used for decades with proper treatment, so it’s important to remember to perform daily care.
Precautions for Use to Prevent Rust
To keep Nambu Tekki beautiful and use it for a long time, proper usage and storage are important. Here are some points to be careful about to prevent rust.
Appropriate Heat and Temperature Management
When using Nambu Tekki, care must be taken with heat and temperature management. Especially when using an iron kettle, it’s good to boil water slowly over medium-low heat.
Boiling at high temperatures all at once can easily damage the internal coating due to heat, causing rust. Also, a short period of dry heating to dry the inside with residual heat after use is effective to ensure no moisture remains inside the iron kettle.
Points to Be Careful About After Use
Proper drying and storage after use are essential for preventing rust. After using an iron kettle or teapot, discard all remaining water inside and dry it with residual heat with the lid off.
At this time, instead of scrubbing the inside strongly, letting it dry naturally can help develop yuaka, which is a protective layer unique to ironware. For the outside, lightly wiping with a dry cloth is sufficient. Scrubbing too hard can damage the surface coating, making it prone to rust.
With the correct usage and care, Nambu Tekki can be used for decades while maintaining its beauty.
Conclusion: Frequent Care is Important to Make Nambu Tekki Last Long
To use Nambu Tekki for a long time, daily care and proper usage methods are important. Make sure to thoroughly remove moisture after use and dry it in a well-ventilated place.
Also, the “seasoning” work done when using it for the first time to add yuaka and protect the interior is an effective method to prevent rust. With regular care, Nambu Tekki can become a tool that lasts a lifetime.
