Xiaoxinggan requires a rinse before Steeping. Before you start, prepare a pot of boiling water and tear open the cotton paper wrapping of the Xiaoxinggan. Remove the Xiaoxinggan and place it in a gaiwan. Pour boiling water over it and immediately pour out the water; this is considered rinsing the Tea. The rinse time should not be too long, generally no more than 5 seconds. After rinsing, you can proceed with the formal steeping and finally enjoy the tea.
Many people are curious about whether the first steep of Xiaoxinggan needs a rinse.
In fact, the first steep of Xiaoxinggan still requires a rinse. My suggestion is that the first two steeps can be directly discarded, which helps to wash away impurities in the tea.
After removing the outer packaging of the Xiaoxinggan, lift off the lid and pour in boiling water. After about 3 seconds, quickly pour out the tea water. For the second steep, pour in boiling water again and let it sit for 3-5 seconds before pouring out the tea soup. Starting from the third steep, allow a bit longer steeping time, which will help the Tangerine peel absorb water fully and release its essential oils and fragrances. From the sixth steep onward, you can pour out the tea as usual. Xiaoxinggan is very resilient in steeping, and if you're drinking alone, one Xiaoxinggan can last you an entire day, refreshing your mind and spirit!
Steeping Method for Xiaoxinggan
1. Open the packaging and take out the whole Xiaoxinggan;
2. Lift off the small lid on the Xiaoxinggan and place it in a gaiwan or a portable brewing pot;
3. After the water boils, rinse the tea once, then briefly soak it a second time. Starting with the third steep, steep for 5 seconds before pouring out the tea. Gradually increase the steeping time to ensure the taste and flavor of the tea soup.
4. After the fifth steep, it's recommended to use a clay pot, Silver pot, stainless steel pot, or glass pot to boil the tea, which will produce a richer flavor and a stronger fruit aroma.
Genuine Xinhuai Xiaoxinggan is worth trying. Xinhuai tangerines paired with aged Pu'er and sun-dried, you'll experience a wonderful tangerine fragrance, a fresh mouthfeel, and a delightful sensation!