A small green tangerine can yield around 10 infusions. A single fruit can be continuously infused, but avoid using the small green tangerine the next day and try to consume it on the same day. When brewing a small green tangerine, pour hot water for the first infusion as a rinse, then directly infuse with boiling water afterward, with an ideal temperature of 100°C. Small green tangerines have the characteristic of becoming more fragrant over time, with a taste that is sweet, smooth, and leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth.
How Many Infusions Can You Get from a Small Green Tangerine?
In my evaluation, I got 18 infusions, not counting the first rinse. The later infusions took a bit longer to steep.
I directly poured hot water over the tangerine without Steeping or boiling it. After 18 infusions, if you use a covered bowl and let it steep, you could likely get a few more infusions.
So, a good small green tangerine can yield over 20 infusions, enough to last you most of the day.
Brewing Methods for Small Green Tangerines
First Method – Whole Fruit Brewing:
1. Open the packaging.
2. Remove the top cover of the tangerine tea.
3. Gently pour boiling water, usually letting it steep for 3-5 seconds before quickly discarding the first infusion.
4. Pour boiling water again.
5. Let it sit for 5-10 seconds for a stronger flavor.
6. Strain into a serving cup, and you can now enjoy an authentic, smooth small green tangerine tea.
For subsequent infusions, increase the steeping time by 5 seconds each time. In the first three infusions, the tangerine aroma is prominent. Thereafter, the rich Pu'er flavor gradually comes through. After the seventh or eighth infusion, flip the tangerine tea over and pour water from the bottom. At this point, there's still plenty of flavor left, and flipping it over starts the process anew. Maintain a water temperature of around 100°C and pour gently. After about 20 infusions, you can place the tangerine tea in a Teapot and boil it, which can provide another two or three servings.
Second Method – Broken Peel Brewing:
1. Open the packaging and remove the whole tangerine tea.
2. Lift off the small cover at the top (the cover can be used for brewing).
3. Pour out about 5 grams of tea leaves and break off some peel.
4. Pour boiling water for the first infusion and discard after about 3 seconds.
5. Pour boiling water again.
6. Steep for 6 seconds before pouring out the tea to Drink. Adjust the ratio of tea leaves to peel according to your taste preference.
Third Method – Nine-Hole Brewing:
1. Use a tea needle or knife to poke nine holes around the tangerine, making sure not to let any tea leak out.
2. Brew following the whole fruit method, placing the perforated small green tangerine in a teapot.
3. Add boiling water and rinse twice.
4. Allow the tea to slowly infuse, adjusting the brewing time according to your taste preference.
5. The brewed tangerine remains intact and offers a clear, sweet, and comfortable taste.