Aged Pu'er Tea is best brewed with water at 100 degrees Celsius. This type of tea, made through a process of pile fermentation, has a mild character, rich flavor, and an intense aroma. Its substantial internal quality and high durability in brewing necessitate a water temperature that isn't too low, to ensure the full release of its taste.
What is the Best Water Temperature for Brewing Aged Pu'er Tea?
Generally, aged Pu'er tea should be brewed with boiling water, but it's advisable not to use water that is too hot as it can make the tea taste bitter and destroy its health-promoting components. Here are some temperature recommendations for brewing aged Pu'er tea:
1. Commonly, water between 95°C and 100°C is recommended for brewing aged Pu'er tea to enhance its aroma and flavor.
2. For aged tea heads or well-aged Pu'er tea, you may reduce the water temperature slightly, typically between 85°C and 95°C, to avoid bitterness.
3. If you find the aged Pu'er tea too bitter, you can lower the water temperature (usually between 90°C and 95°C) and decrease the brewing time (recommended 1-2 minutes).
It is important to note that the specific temperature and brewing time for aged Pu'er tea should be adjusted based on personal preference.
Method for Brewing Aged Pu'er Tea
Warm the Cup. Clean the teacup and rinse it with boiling water to increase its temperature.
Place the tea. Add aged Pu'er tea into the teacup. The amount of tea depends on your personal taste.
Rinse the tea. Pour water around 90°C into the teacup to fully moisten the tea leaves, then quickly discard the water.
Awaken the tea. Brew the aged Pu'er tea with boiling water to fully blend the leaves and water, awakening the internal substances of the tea.
Infuse the tea. Brew the aged Pu'er tea with water around 90°C; control the first Infusion time to about 15 seconds.
Brew the tea. Brew the aged Pu'er tea with boiling water; control the second infusion time to about 7 seconds, and subsequently extend the infusion time for each subsequent infusion as needed.
Serve the tea. Pour the brewed aged Pu'er tea into a serving cup, then into tasting cups for drinking.
Aged Pu'er tea can be re-brewed multiple times, with different tastes at each brewing. The first brewing is when the aged Pu'er tea tastes the strongest. As the number of brewings increases, the substances within the tea gradually decrease, making the first brewing the most significant one.