Understanding Your Tea
Drinking tea is not just a daily habit, but also an art of living. Whether you are new to tea or have some experience, the right brewing method can enhance your enjoyment of its aroma and flavor. Today, let's explore how to brew tea correctly, from selecting the tea to the final savoring, with each step being crucial.
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Green Tea
Green tea is unfermented, preserving the natural components of the tea leaves. Representative green teas include Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. The tea liquor brewed from green tea is clear, with a fresh and refreshing taste and a light, delicate fragrance.
Black Tea
Black tea is fully fermented, with a darker color, bright red liquor, and a rich taste. Common black teas include Keemun, Darjeeling, and Assam.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea lies between green and black tea, as it is partially fermented. There are many types of oolong tea, such as Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, and Wuyi Rock Tea. The tea liquor is golden yellow, fragrant, and has a rich taste.
White Tea
White tea is the least fermented, with a simple production process involving only withering and drying. Representative white teas include Bai Hao Yinzhen and Pai Mu Tan. The tea liquor is delicate, with a light and sweet taste.
Pu'er Tea
Pu'er tea is divided into raw Pu'er and ripe Pu'er. Raw Pu'er is unfermented, while ripe Pu'er is fermented artificially. The tea liquor of Pu'er tea is dark in color, with a mellow taste and a unique aged fragrance.
Prepare Your Tea Utensils
Teapot
The teapot is the primary tool for brewing tea, and choosing the right one for your tea is essential. For example, clay teapots are suitable for brewing oolong tea and Pu'er tea, while porcelain teapots are ideal for green and black tea.
Teacup
The choice of teacup is also important. Generally, the size and material of the teacup affect the temperature and taste of the tea liquor. You can choose glass cups to appreciate the color of the tea liquor or ceramic cups for heat retention.
Tea Strainer
Some teas are finely broken and require a tea strainer to filter out the tea residue, making the tea liquor clearer.
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Tea Tray
A tea tray is used to place tea utensils and catch any spilled tea during brewing, keeping the brewing environment tidy.
The Correct Method of Brewing Tea
Boiling Water
The temperature of the water is crucial when brewing tea. Different teas require different water temperatures:
- Green tea: 80-85°C is most suitable, as higher temperatures can spoil the fresh and tender taste of green tea.
- Black tea: 95-100°C can fully release the rich aroma of black tea.
- Oolong tea: 90-95°C is optimal, stimulating the tea's aroma without being overly harsh.
- White tea: 85-90°C is best, preserving the light and sweet taste of white tea.
- Pu'er tea: 100°C boiling water is ideal, especially for aged ripe Pu'er, which requires high temperatures to awaken its unique fragrance.
Adding Tea Leaves
The amount of tea leaves depends on the size of your tea utensil and personal preference. Generally, 3-5 grams of tea per 150ml of water is appropriate. If you prefer stronger tea, you can increase the amount of tea leaves accordingly.
Rinsing the Tea
Rinsing the tea is an important step in brewing. The first infusion is typically used to rinse off dust and impurities on the surface of the tea leaves and to awaken them. Rinsing should last about 10 seconds, not too long to avoid losing the essence of the tea.
Steeping
The steeping time, like water temperature, has a decisive impact on the taste of the tea. Generally:
- Green tea: Steep for 30 seconds for the first infusion, adding 10 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
- Black tea: Steep for 2 minutes for the first infusion, adding 30 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
- Oolong tea: Steep for 1 minute for the first infusion, adding 20 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
- White tea: Steep for 2 minutes for the first infusion, adding 30 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
- Pu'er tea: Steep for 1 minute for the first infusion, adding 30 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
Savoring the Tea
The brewed tea should be savored slowly, paying attention not only to the aroma but also to the color and taste of the tea liquor. Each type of tea has its unique fragrance and flavor, and by savoring carefully, you can truly appreciate its subtleties.
The Mindset of Brewing Tea
Brewing tea is not just a technique, but also a mindset. When brewing tea, focus on every detail, from boiling water and adding tea to steeping and savoring. This not only helps you brew better tea but also allows you to relax and enjoy the process.
Conclusion
The correct method of brewing tea not only enhances your enjoyment of the tea's flavors but also adds pleasure to the process of brewing. Hopefully, this guide will help you brew a great cup of tea and enrich your life. Remember, brewing tea is an art that requires constant practice and appreciation. May you find peace and joy in the aroma of tea.