Generally, Oolong tea is best for gongfu brewing, but white tea, Black Tea, yellow tea, and dark tea can also be used. Since these teas are processed after Fermentation, the resulting infusion is clear and bright in color with a better taste and lingering flavor.
Can Black Tea Be Used for Gongfu Brewing?
1. Selecting Suitable Black Tea: Gongfu brewing usually suits single-origin teas, and there are many varieties of black tea, each with different flavors and aromas. Choosing the right variety of black tea is crucial. Generally, Yunnan black (Dian Hong), Lapsang Souchong, Keemun black tea, and Golden Eyebrow are suitable for gongfu brewing.
2. Controlling Brewing Time: Gongfu brewing requires shorter steeping times, while black tea typically needs longer steeping times, usually around 3-5 minutes. It's important to control the brewing time to avoid overly strong or weak tea.
3. Adjusting Water Temperature: Gongfu brewing typically uses boiling water, whereas black tea should be brewed at a slightly lower temperature, around 90°C. Adjusting the water temperature is necessary to prevent the tea from being too hot or too cool.
4. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware: Gongfu brewing often uses clay pots or glass cups, while black tea is better suited for glass cups or ceramic teaware. Choosing the right tea ware ensures that the brewed tea tastes its best.
In summary, black tea can indeed be brewed using the gongfu method, but it's important to select the right variety of black tea, control the brewing time, adjust the water temperature, and choose appropriate tea ware. Mastering these techniques will result in a balanced and flavorful cup of black tea.
It Is Not Recommended to Brew Black Tea Using the Gongfu Method
The number of infusions for a cup of black tea depends on its characteristics and the way it is consumed. The durability of the tea leaves is closely related to their tenderness and the integrity of the leaves after processing. Finely processed teas release their flavors more quickly, while coarser and older whole leaves release flavors more slowly, making them unsuitable for gongfu brewing.
Brew Black Tea with Fresh Boiling Cold Water
Tap water contains air, which helps bring out the aroma of black tea when used for brewing. For the best results, use freshly boiled water to brew black tea. Reboiled water, overnight water, or hot water from a thermos will not produce the same fragrance and is not recommended for brewing tea.