Tea enthusiasts enjoy brewing tea to a certain level, making each session a delight in their daily lives. Brewing a good cup of tea requires more than just the right Teaware and water quality; the brewing method is equally important. When brewing tea, there are two methods: dry brewing and wet brewing. Do you know what dry brewing and wet brewing mean?
Wet Brewing
The so-called wet brewing method is the most familiar way of brewing tea in everyday life. Washing the teaware and tea leaves on the tea table, Pouring hot water over the teaware, and letting the water directly spill onto the tea table—this is known as wet brewing.
The most direct way to determine if the wet brewing method is being used is whether the tea table has a large surface area or if water can be poured directly onto it. A large tea table serves the purpose of allowing the rinse water from Cleaning teaware and tea leaves, as well as excess tea water, to be poured directly onto it. As a result, the tea table appears damp, hence the term “wet brewing.”
The modern wet brewing tea tray originated from Chaozhou Gongfu tea, where hot water is poured over the teaware. The wet brewing tea table evolved from a small tray into a more convenient, larger wet brewing tea table. The large surface allows for free pouring of tea and water, creating an atmosphere of steam and aroma, perfect for savoring the true taste of tea.
Dry brewing, in contrast to wet brewing, does not use a large tea table but instead employs a specialized dry brewing tray. In dry brewing, the table must remain dry, and rinse water from washing teaware and tea leaves cannot be poured onto the table. This is when a water bowl comes in handy. Waste water is collected in the water bowl and then disposed of elsewhere.
Dry Brewing
This keeps the tea table clean and makes cleanup easy. It also allows for the flexibility to change bamboo mats and tea cloths, adding to the enjoyment of setting up a tea space. When brewing tea, one needs to be more focused to prevent spills.
Wet brewing uses a large tea table, with the freedom to wet the table during brewing. Wet brewing is spontaneous and unrestrained, allowing for a natural and relaxed experience. Dry brewing uses a water bowl or a dry brewing tray, which is portable, simple, and elegant. It keeps the table dry and clean, saves water, and offers a fresh and refined ambiance.
Dry Brewing
Both methods have their merits, and the choice depends entirely on the brewer's preference. There is no right or wrong, only different experiences. Tea enthusiasts may want to try both methods. Whether it's dry brewing or wet brewing, the key is to enjoy the pleasure that tea brings to both body and mind!