Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures.
Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures.
Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures, which creates a conflict.
Green Tea Brewing Techniques
1. Water Temperature: Generally recommended between 80°C to 85°C. If the exact temperature is difficult to gauge, you can boil the water (1-2L) and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Pouring Water: Use a hanging water method to pour along the side of the cup, avoiding direct impact on the tea leaves.
3. Tea-to-Water Ratio: Generally 1:50, meaning 1 gram of tea for every 50 milliliters of water. A typical glass cup holds around 200 milliliters, requiring only about 3 grams of tea.
4. Steeping Time: The first infusion should steep for about 30 to 60 seconds; when one-third of the tea remains in the cup, add more water. For the second infusion, slightly extend the time to 40 to 90 seconds. Subsequent infusions should adjust the time based on the concentration of the tea.
Which Teas Are Better Suited for Kung Fu Brewing?
To discuss Kung Fu tea, we must first talk about its origins. One of the most famous versions dates back to the Song Dynasty. Every household had Kung Fu tea sets and drank tea daily. Kung Fu tea is known for its concentrated flavor, and teas suitable for Kung Fu brewing are typically warm-natured and have complex production processes, as only these teas can produce the “color, aroma, and taste” of tea.
In fact, the green teas we commonly see are unfermented or minimally fermented, and their production processes are relatively simple. Therefore, no matter what type of green tea, they are actually not well-suited for Kung Fu brewing. Let's learn together with Xiao Yue.
Typically, Tie Guan Yin from Anxi, Fujian, is brewed with spring water to achieve a richer flavor. It is challenging to Brew using the Kung Fu method due to its bitterness, so semi-fermented or fully fermented teas are the best choices.
Additionally, Oolong tea is not a specific type of tea but rather a category. It is one of China's unique varieties, commonly known as “green tea,” and lies between black and green teas in terms of processing, being semi-fermented. Notable examples include Wuyi Rock Tea, Anxi Tie Guan Yin, and Taiwan's Dongding Oolong, all of which are celebrated by tea connoisseurs worldwide.
Also, Pu'er tea—here, we refer to ripe Pu'er, which is a fully Fermented tea. Unlike other teas that are baked, Pu'er is made through piling. Pu'er tea is more resilient to multiple infusions compared to the two aforementioned teas, and it has a pleasant aftertaste. Additionally, it is known for aiding weight loss and promoting metabolism in drinkers.