Brew Tea

"Washing the tea" is more accurately referred to as "awakening the tea." This process is meant to awaken the tea leaves and stimulate their aroma, ensuring they are at their best for brewing so that the taster can experience the best possible fragrance and taste. Some aged Pu'er teas require two rounds of "awakening." Green tea, being a non-fermented tea, retains rich vitamins and amino acids, with the first infusion containing the highest nutritional value. Why Don't We Wash Green Tea? In fact, green tea does not need to be washed due to its distinct production process compared to other types of tea. During the making of green tea, the freshly picked young leaves undergo processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying, which intensify the flavor and aroma of the tea. Other teas, however, require fermentation and thus benefit from an initial rinse with hot water to remove any off-flavors. As for green tea, since it is not fermented, it has not been exposed to air or moisture during production, making a rinse unnecessary. If you enjoy drinking green tea, you can simply pour boiling water over it in your brewing vessel. However, if you want to better appreciate the…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

As spring returns to the earth, early spring green tea is being harvested in many places, and tea lovers can't wait to buy and taste the new batches. So why is early spring green tea considered good? 1. As temperatures gradually rise in spring, rainfall is relatively abundant. Additionally, after a period of rest during winter, tea plants produce lush shoots with vibrant green color, soft leaves, and a rich content of natural compounds. 2. With relatively low spring temperatures, there's an increased synthesis and accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds. At the beginning of spring, amino acids gather in large quantities at the tips of young shoots, which results in a strong aroma and fresh, pleasant taste that also offers health benefits. 3. The low temperatures in spring slow down metabolism and reduce the presence of tea polyphenols, anthocyanins, and alcohols, aldehydes, and acids, thus making the tea less bitter. 4. Due to the low temperatures and fewer pests and diseases, farmers generally do not use pesticides on early spring teas, ensuring they are minimally contaminated with chemicals. While early spring tea is excellent, please be aware of the following precautions: 1. Although early spring tea is delicious, don't rush to…

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is known as Laba Festival in China. As the saying goes, "Little children, don’t be greedy; once Laba has passed, Chinese New Year will soon follow." By this time, all agricultural work has been completed, and with the approach of the Spring Festival, the customs of Laba take on many festive colors. Soaking garlic in vinegar, eating Laba porridge, and enjoying a fragrant cup of tea are all part of these traditions. They not only help warm the body but also imbue the air with a strong sense of the upcoming New Year. What teas are suitable for drinking during this cold month? Black Tea (Red Tea) In the depths of winter, black tea is an excellent choice. There are many varieties of black tea in China, the most famous being Qimen black tea. The number of black tea enthusiasts in China is growing, and the range of products available is becoming increasingly diverse. Black tea is mild in nature and particularly suitable for consumption during the winter months. Aged White Tea Aged white tea is very suitable for brewing during the winter. In accordance with the natural laws of dormancy, it…

Brewing Pu'er tea requires the right choice of purple clay pot and tea quantity. A 240cc purple clay pot is a common choice because of its moderate size, suitable for individual or small group consumption. This article will detail how to brew delicious Pu'er tea in a 240cc purple clay pot and explore the optimal tea quantity. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Perfect Match: Purple Clay Pot and Pu'er Tea Purple clay pots are preferred for brewing Pu'er tea due to their unique material and breathability. They preserve the original aroma of the tea without absorbing its flavor, ensuring each brewing yields pure tea fragrance. The 240cc purple clay pot has a moderate capacity that prevents dilution due to excess water or over-concentration from too little water. Tea Quantity for Pu'er Tea For a 240cc purple clay pot, the tea quantity is generally between 8 and 10 grams. This range is relatively flexible and can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the tea quantity; conversely, reduce it for a milder taste. Specifically, beginners can start with 8 grams and gradually find their ideal tea quantity. Too much tea will make the…

Dark tea is named for its black appearance when finished. It is one of the six major categories of tea and is a post-fermented tea. The main production areas are in Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions. Traditional dark tea is made from mature raw dark tea leaves, which are primarily used as the main ingredient for compressed teas. Can dark tea be paired with milk? Dark tea contains rich vitamins and minerals, while milk has a high content of proteins and minerals. Combining dark tea with milk is not only nutritious but also very healthy. Therefore, it is possible to brew dark tea with milk. In Northwest China, many people like to mix dark tea with milk and add a moderate amount of salt, creating a cup of milk tea with a distinctive Western Chinese flavor! It's really convenient and simple! When brewing dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this can cause the milk to curdle and reduce the nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60-80°C before adding the milk. This will…

Many think that brewing green tea simply involves adding hot water, but there are actually specific techniques. When brewing green tea, should you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Those who know about tea understand that green tea has specific requirements for water temperature. However, many tea enthusiasts tend to use the bottom placement method when brewing green tea. Some may not be familiar with this term. Today, let’s learn about the three placement methods and which one is best for commonly consumed green teas. The Three Placement Methods for Brewing Tea 1. The order of placing tea matters When brewing tea, do you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour some water, add the leaves, and then pour more water? These questions might seem trivial, but different types of green tea require different placement methods. 2. Top Placement Method: Pour water first, then add the tea, letting it slowly sink This method is suitable for heavier-bodied, bud-rich teas like Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the leaves will naturally sink after being added to the water, gradually releasing their flavor components. The tea fuzz on the…

    China's tea culture has a long history, and Pu'er tea is one of the most unique among all teas. It forms its own distinct category and has specific requirements for brewing techniques. So what is the method of brewing Pu'er tea? Let's explore this together. Brewing Pu'er Tea     1. New Sheng Tea     In terms of character, it is very similar to green tea. During brewing, it is essential to avoid a cooked taste, so the water temperature should be slightly lower, and the tea should be poured out quickly. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the type of tea tree, the tea region, the age of the tree, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors should use a slightly lower water temperature and have a shorter infusion time, while those with lighter flavors do the opposite.     2. New Shou (Ripe) Tea     Compared to older teas, new shou teas often have some shortcomings, such as less clear tea liquor, less pure aroma, and less mellow taste. They may also have some unpleasant characteristics like a "pile" flavor and a heavier bitterness and astringency. The water-soluble substances in new shou teas dissolve quickly,…

The 22nd World Cup Football Championship will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, welcoming the quadrennial football feast for fans, who will stay up late watching matches, posing a challenge to both their physical and mental stamina. In many fans' eyes, this World Cup is truly "the twilight of the gods": Messi is 35 years old, Ronaldo is 37, Pepe is 39... even Neymar, the youngest among them, says that this might be his last World Cup. During every World Cup, many fans prepare beer and late-night snacks to stay up and watch the games. However, it's well known that staying up late is detrimental to liver detoxification and overall health. Consuming alcohol and meat while staying up late can exacerbate these effects! If you want to indulge fully during the World Cup, drinking tea may be the best companion. Passionate World Cup, Healthy with a Teacup While tea drinking cannot completely offset the toll of staying up late, its invigorating and detoxifying effects are certainly beneficial while watching the games. Here are our tea recommendations for different phases: 9:00 PM Match - Raw Tea to Energize and Get into the Zone The 9 PM match…

Brewing tea is not only a pleasure but also an art. To brew the perfect cup of leaf tea, you need good quality tea leaves and the right brewing techniques. Today, we will discuss how to brew the best leaf tea at home so that every sip is filled with warmth and comfort. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Right Tea Leaves Before brewing, selecting the right tea leaves is crucial. There are many types of teas available on the market, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea. Different types of tea have different characteristics and brewing methods. Green tea has a fresh fragrance, black tea is rich and full-bodied, oolong tea lies between these two in terms of flavor, white tea is more delicate, while Pu'er tea requires long-term aging. Preparing Necessary Utensils (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Brewing tea requires some basic utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, thermometer, and timer. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature and brewing time, so these utensils help you better control the brewing process and ensure each cup of tea achieves its optimal taste. Mastering the Correct Water Temperature Water temperature…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…

White tea can typically be boiled, and by doing so with clear water, the nutrients within the leaves are released, making them easier for the body to absorb. Drinking white tea can also help in managing blood pressure and sugar levels, so it is beneficial to consume it in moderation as part of your daily routine. Is White Tea Best Enjoyed Boiled? White tea is a slightly fermented tea and a traditional type of Chinese tea, rich in nutrients such as polyphenols and vitamins. Boiling white tea is relatively simple; take an appropriate amount of white tea leaves and place them in a glass container. Then, use clear water to brew and boil the leaves for about three minutes before drinking. Moderate consumption can promote blood circulation and help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which is beneficial for controlling blood pressure. Additionally, white tea contains active enzymes that can aid in fat metabolism when consumed in moderation, helping with the breakdown of sugars and assisting in regulating blood sugar levels. It can also help with lowering blood sugar. Furthermore, white tea contains flavonoids, which can assist in eliminating free radicals from the body. However, it is recommended to drink…

Autumn is here. What adjustments should we make to our tea-drinking habits? How can we drink tea for health in autumn? Tea drinking has been a part of Chinese tradition, and there are specific considerations for what types of tea to drink throughout the year: 01 Puer Tea Scientific evidence shows that Puer tea has multiple effects, including dissolving fats, regulating metabolism, and protecting against radiation. Long-term consumption of Puer tea can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, making it useful for treating obesity. Drinking Puer tea also causes physiological effects such as vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and increased cerebral blood flow, making it beneficial for hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis patients. 02 Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and is slightly cold in nature. It can disperse wind and clear heat, improve liver function and eyesight, and detoxify and reduce inflammation. For dry mouth, heat in the body, eye strain, or conditions like limb pain and numbness caused by wind, cold, or dampness, Chrysanthemum tea can provide therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat common colds, headaches, and other conditions. Due to the characteristics of the season, autumn can be dry, causing many office…

Water pouring is the only step in tea brewing that requires complete manual control. The speed of pouring, the intensity of the water flow, the direction, height, and thickness of the water stream are all manually controlled but have a significant impact on the quality of the tea. Common methods of water pouring include: spiral pouring, circular pouring, single-point pouring on one side, and central point pouring. Common techniques for pouring water include: high pouring, high suspension, low pouring, and low suspension. Let’s take a look at these four methods and techniques to see how they work and what their characteristics are. The Four Methods of Water Pouring in Tea Brewing 01. Spiral Pouring This method ensures that the edges and the surface of the tea leaves in the gaiwan come into direct contact with the poured water, increasing the blend of tea and water at the moment of pouring. This pouring technique is suitable for black tea, green tea, and white tea. Or, when brewing later infusions where the flavor has become lighter, using spiral pouring can help the tea essence to release more quickly. 02. Circular Pouring As the name suggests, this involves pouring water in a circle…

Whether to discard the first infusion when brewing tea depends entirely on the type of tea you are using. Typically, teas that are brewed for drinking are aged and made from coarser, older leaves. If your tea is clean and suitable for direct brewing, there's no need for a preliminary rinse.However, after years of storage, aged teas can accumulate some dust. Before brewing, it’s advisable to pre-rinse them in a covered bowl with boiling water. This not only helps release flavors more quickly but also ensures a cleaner and more enjoyable drinking experience. How to Brew Tea for Optimal Flavor The methods for brewing tea vary widely, but essentially, there are three key points: 1. Prepare your tea-brewing vessel. For those without prior experience in brewing tea, a glass teapot is recommended. Its transparency makes it easy to observe the color of the tea broth, helping you better control the brewing time. For seasoned tea enthusiasts, the choice of vessel—such as an antique-style purple clay or ceramic teapot—depends on personal preference. 2. Prepare the tea leaves. When selecting tea for brewing, we recommend choosing older leaves with a longer aging period. Such teas produce a richer flavor when brewed. For…

Chenpi, or tangerine peel, is widely used in daily life. It can be combined with various teas, adjust flavors in dishes, and even harmonize different medicines. In Guangdong Province, its importance is even more pronounced as it is commonly used for infusing water, making tea, and preparing soups. As the saying goes, “An ounce of chenpi is worth an ounce of gold.” When purchasing chenpi, do you know how to properly infuse it? After all, only by using the correct method can its full benefits be released, allowing us to better appreciate its taste. Here, we will share a few detailed methods for infusing chenpi, which are very simple: Infusing Tea Method For chenpi aged less than five years, this method is suitable. Once the water boils, rinse the tea utensils first to increase their temperature. Then place the chenpi into a lidded bowl and pour boiling water over it. The first infusion should last three minutes to allow the aroma of the chenpi to permeate the tea. The subsequent infusions can be for one minute each, and then 30 seconds thereafter. Remember to cover the bowl while infusing to retain the aroma and ensure a sweet and smooth flavor.…

Methods for brewing new white tea include: brewing with a white porcelain lidded bowl, brewing with a glass cup. For aged and old teas, there are more options available; in addition to the white porcelain lidded bowl and glass cup, you can also use a method of cooking the tea. Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Cold Brew Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony. Water: Cold boiled water or mineral water Amount of tea: 1-3g, less than when brewing hot Steps: Place the white tea in mineral water and let it steep for 1-2 hours. Advantages: Clear and sweet taste, lighter than when served hot, but more natural than bottled tea drinks. Disadvantages: Difficult to bring out the true flavor of white tea, requires a longer time. 2. Lidded Bowl Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, new white tea Tea-to-water ratio: 1:30 Water temperature: 85-90°C Steps: Warm the cup and clean the utensils, add the tea, pour water along the edge of the lidded bowl, after 10 seconds, quickly pour out the infusion, increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion, generally brewable about ten times. Advantages: The most common brewing…

Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and sweet aftertaste. However, to truly bring out the deliciousness of Biluochun, it's crucial to master the correct brewing method. Today, we'll discuss how to brew a cup of fragrant and rich Biluochun tea using the simplest methods. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Biluochun Tea? Biluochun tea is produced in Dongting Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This tea is named for its early picking time, tender leaves, and slender curled shape. Biluochun tea is known as "Terrifyingly Fragrant" because of the intense aroma it emits during the stir-frying process, which is intoxicating. Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Tea To brew good tea, you must first choose good tea leaves. High-quality Biluochun tea has tightly twisted, fine strands with visible white down and a bright green color. It should have a noticeable floral and fruity fragrance, and the tea liquor should be clear and bright. Purchasing from reputable brands and channels ensures the freshness and quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing Tools and Water The tools for brewing tea can include glass cups, white…

Pu'er tea cakes require the assistance of tools such as a "tea knife," "tea needle," or "tea cone" to break them apart before brewing. Pu'er tea cakes come in two types: raw and ripe, which are compressed to different degrees of tightness and therefore require appropriate tools for breaking them apart.The tea knife is primarily used for prying apart less tightly compressed raw Pu'er tea cakes with larger tea strands; while the tea cone and tea needle are mainly used for more tightly compressed ripe tea cakes, ripe tea bricks, and small compressed teas like tuo cha. However, in daily use, both can be used together according to the specific situation. Steps for Prizing Apart the Tea Cake: 1. Place the tea cake flat and slowly insert the tea knife along the side edge. 2. Gradually push the tea knife into the tea cake, once inserted to a certain depth, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to prevent breaking the tea cake into too many small pieces. 3. Slowly apply upward force with the tea knife to pry off pieces of the tea cake. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 to gradually pry apart the tea cake layer by layer. The tea cake…

The simple character for tea contains profound truths about the cycle of nature. The character for tea, when broken down, means "human among grass and wood," implying that human nature is hidden within plants and that humans transform through their interaction with them. Adapting to the natural flow of time is the foundation of health preservation. Today, Cup Xiaocha selects 14 solar terms from the 24 solar terms and introduces 14 corresponding teas along with their benefits. There are specific considerations for drinking tea during different seasons. Adjust your tea-drinking habits according to natural changes. Tees picked at different times of the year have distinct characteristics, which can either nourish or drain, stimulate or calm, depending on the state of the person and the season. These seasonal teas adjust the body's imbalances to achieve harmony between yin and yang. As winter turns into spring and summer gives way to autumn, each tea has its own unique properties. 14 Seasonal Teas, Corresponding to 14 Benefits 1. Pre-Ming Tea Leaves picked before the Qingming (Pure Brightness) solar term are known as Pre-Ming Tea. Pre-Ming Tea is the first harvest of spring. After a dormant winter, the buds break through the bark, much…

Can all teas be both steeped and boiled? Of course not. Some teas can become unpalatable when boiled. So, which teas are suitable for boiling, and which are best for steeping? Compared to steeping, boiling allows the full release of a tea’s contents, resulting in a sweeter and richer tasting tea. Which Teas Are Suitable for Boiling, and Which Are Best for Steeping? Green tea should not be boiled. It is an unfermented tea with delicate leaves. Boiling would destroy the vitamin C content and cause excessive caffeine to seep out, turning the tea yellow and making it taste bitter and astringent. Huang tea (yellow tea) should not be boiled. Yellow tea must never be boiled. Its appeal lies in its freshness. Boiling with high water temperatures would ruin the delicate green tea, causing too much caffeine to be released, resulting in a bitter and astringent flavor. Aged white tea can be boiled. New white tea cannot withstand boiling. The most suitable for boiling are aged Gongmei or Shoumei teas. White Peony and Silver Needle, especially those containing tender buds, are not recommended for boiling. Black tea can be steeped or boiled. Black tea is a fully fermented tea with…

White tea is best brewed with water at 80-85 degrees Celsius. As a slightly fermented tea, using moderately hot water can better activate the aroma and flavor of white tea. If boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) is used, it may damage the tea leaves to some extent, affecting both the taste and nutritional value of the tea. Therefore, it is recommended to use water heated to 80-85 degrees Celsius when brewing white tea. Brewing Temperature for New White Tea The ideal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, ensuring the freshness and crispness of the tea while not compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the taste of the tea infusion. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, which ensures the freshness and crispness of the tea without compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, because the tea infusion color is darker, care should be…

Many tea enthusiasts may have a question: should we make a sound when drinking tea? We've all heard the argument that: Making a "tsk-tsk" sound while sipping tea is a sign of approval for the host's tea, with louder sounds indicating greater appreciation. However, many tea lovers find the "whoosh" sound made while drinking tea to be odd and impolite. In fact, this behavior, though seemingly unrefined, is actually the most professional and authentic way to taste tea. In fact, making a sound when drinking tea has historical records. The more official record is based on tea evaluation, a method known as the "suction method": Curl the sides of your tongue Rapidly suck in the tea This will create a "tsk-tsk" sound If necessary, "tsk-tsk" several times To quickly expose the entire mouth to the tea Taste the flavor Then let the tea's aroma directly reach the palate Transmitting it to the olfactory senses Hold the tea in the mouth Stir the tea using various techniques To fully engage with the taste buds on the tongue Once a judgment can be made about the tea It is spat out In tea evaluation, you do not swallow the tea. 01 Is…

1. It's the perfect season for selecting and enjoying fresh green tea. There are many varieties of green tea, and the optimal sales period for high-quality teas is short. You may buy some to try the new season's flavors, stock up on your favorites, or exchange them as gifts with relatives and friends... Before you know it, you've accumulated a good amount of tea. And the typical shelf life indicated for green tea is "one year." Many tea enthusiasts have found themselves with leftovers beyond this timeframe, handling them in various ways. Some continue drinking it as usual, while others believe it can no longer be consumed and dispose of it or use it as fertilizer. Image: Yulü from Enshi, Hubei Can green tea still be consumed after its expiry date (usually one year)? Based on our experience at Tea Encyclopedia: Drink it within the shelf life and as soon as possible; after the expiry date, whether it can still be consumed depends more on the current quality of the tea. In other words, rather than fixating on an uncertain time point, consider the following questions. — How can we store green tea daily to preserve its freshness as much…