brewing Tea is a skillful task. The purpose of paying attention to brewing methods is to avoid the disadvantages of the tea and highlight its advantages, which can be described as making the most of its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. If we pay attention to the brewing method, even if the green tea is of average quality, we can still optimize its taste; however, if we don't pay attention to the brewing method, even high-quality green tea will not deliver the taste that justifies its price.
Brewing Methods for Green Tea
1. Top-Down Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup (teabowl), pour in hot water up to seven-tenths full at once, then wait until the water temperature is suitable before adding the tea leaves. This method is often used for finely processed green teas (such as Special Grade Biluochun, Special Grade Xinyang Maojian, and Mount Meng Ganlu). It is essential to control the water temperature accurately; the finer the tea, the lower the required water temperature. Some teas may need to be added when the water cools down to 70°C. Additionally, any tea brewed using this method can also be prepared using an ice-brewing method.
2. Middle-Down Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup, pour in one-third of the hot water first, then add the tea leaves (especially if they have been stored in the refrigerator). Once the leaves are slightly warmed and spread out, raise the teapot and pour in hot water up to seven-tenths full. This method is suitable for finely processed but loosely or tightly packed green teas (such as Yingshan Cloud Mist, Zhuyeqing, and Wuyuan Mingmei) and finely baked green teas (such as Zhuxi Longfeng, Tingxi Orchid Fragrance, Huangshan Maofeng, Taiping Houkui, and Jingtian Green Snow).
3. Bottom-Up Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup, add the tea leaves first, then pour in one-third of the water. Gently swirl the cup to moisten the leaves, then fill the cup with boiling water up to seven-tenths full. This method is suitable for flat-leaf teas such as Longjing, Lu'an Guapian, and Panzhihua Guosheng Mao Feng.
How Much Green Tea Should You Drink Each Day
Drinking approximately 5 to 15 grams of green tea per day is appropriate. Green tea is a common beverage that helps to refresh and energize. However, it should not be consumed in excess because it contains caffeine, which can affect sleep quality. Furthermore, green tea is cool in nature, and excessive consumption can burden the digestive system, potentially causing indigestion and abdominal discomfort.
Describing the Taste of Green Tea
Bitterness: The taste produced by a dilute solution of tannins and caffeine.
Astringency: The sensation of tightening or puckering on the oral mucosa or skin surface.
Freshness: A basic taste produced by a dilute solution of monosodium glutamate.
Sweetness: The taste produced by a dilute solution of aspartame.
Body: The richness of the contents and the strength of the overall flavor.
Smoothness: A harmonious and smooth mouthfeel with a balanced intensity.
Aftertaste: The transition from astringency to sweetness with a moisturizing sensation after drinking the tea.