I wanted to add a few comments on here based on some questions people are posting (even though one of the items is sold out - be informed for next time!). Cast iron is a good way to brew and keep tea. The pots won't break and will last for a long time if properly cared for. I have a more expensive pot of similar size from another brand. These cast iron pots are not designed to go in the oven. They have a plastic handle. Also, they can rust easily, so make sure they're kept dry when not in use. The pot will get seasoned by tea over time (you're not supposed to wash them, only rinse them and use special bamboo tools to clean them). They recommend preheating the pot by putting boiling water in it then dumping it out just before you brew your tea. While these pots will keep tea warm longer than a glass pot might, they still get cold, especially if you take forever to drink it (like me) or if there isn't much left in the pot. They make cast iron tea pot warmers that use tea lights, and a pot this size would be warmed sufficiently by the smaller ones. I would recommend a trivet with cast iron tea pots, since the bottom gets very hot. I really love mine, but it can be a little bit of an investment to get the ideal set-up for your cast iron tea collection.
I personally don't care for the blooming teas. Most are made from jasmine, which I think is like tasting soap. If the ball isn't dropped in the water just right, it may bloom upside down or sideways, which takes away from the effect. It can take a little while for the ball to bloom, by which time I think the tea starts to taste overbrewed. If you like strong jasmine flavor, though, you may love it. I like the idea of it, though. I have to confess that I received some as a gift, used maybe 1/4 of the package, then threw them away when I moved since I didn't like them well enough to transport them to the new home.
