In the scorching summer heat, drinking Green Tea is a great choice. Those who understand tea know that there are specific nuances to brewing green tea. Beyond the requirement for water temperature, the order in which the tea leaves are added is also very important. Let's explore the three different methods of adding tea leaves.
I. The Three Methods of Adding Tea Leaves
1. There's an Art to the Order of Adding Tea Leaves
When you Brew tea, do you put the tea leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour half the water before adding the leaves? These questions might seem trivial, but using green tea as an example, different types of green tea have different methods of adding the leaves.
2. Top Addition Method: Pour the water first, then add the tea leaves, allowing them to sink slowly.
The top addition method is suitable for tea leaves that are heavy and covered with fine down, such as Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the tea leaves will naturally sink when placed in the water, gradually releasing their internal substances. The down on the surface will also slowly disperse in the water, resulting in a fresh and lively taste for the tea without making it appear cloudy due to excessive down.
3. Middle Addition Method: Pour some water first, filling about one-third of the container, then add the tea leaves, let them soak for a while, and then fill the rest of the container with water.
The middle addition method is generally suitable for brewing green teas like Longjing. First, pour hot water into the cup until it is about 1/3 full, and wait for the water to cool to around 80°C. Then, place the tea leaves in the cup and pour the approximately 80°C hot water from one side of the rim. When pouring the water, keep the stream high and thin, which can help control the water temperature. Using this method, you don't have to worry about the delicate green tea becoming bitter due to overly hot water.
4. Bottom Addition Method: Add the tea leaves first, then pour the water.
Green teas like Taiping Houkui and Lu'an Guapian are better suited for the bottom addition method. Their leaves aren't particularly tender and are relatively large. If you want a fuller flavor, it's best to add the tea leaves first and then pour the water.
II. Water Temperature for Brewing Green Tea
Many tea enthusiasts use the same methods for brewing fermented teas when they prepare green tea, directly using boiling water. However, water temperature is a significant factor that affects the quality and taste of green tea. Since green tea is made from new leaves and tender buds, overly hot water can cause the tea leaves to become overcooked, altering their components and leading to loss of nutrients, which affects the nutritional value and taste of the tea broth. Therefore, the ideal water temperature for brewing green tea is 80°C, which perfectly preserves the nutritional components of the tea leaves.
III. Teaware for Brewing Green Tea
When we Drink tea, the teaware used is also very important, as good teaware can maximize the release of the tea's inherent flavor. When brewing green tea, it's best to use glassware because it doesn't contain any chemical substances. When brewing tea, it won't release toxic substances nor absorb the aroma of the tea broth, allowing us to experience the original taste of the tea more fully.
IV. Storing Green Tea
The biggest issue with tea isn't how to brew it, but rather, as temperatures rise, storing tea becomes increasingly challenging. Opened tea leaves can easily spoil, so this is where tea cans come into play. Tea cans come in various materials, such as wood, ceramic, stainless steel, and purple clay.
Purple clay tea cans have been referred to by industry insiders as “miracle tools for storing tea.” Indeed, compared to other materials, purple clay tea cans offer better breathability, which benefits the post-processing transformation of tea, making them particularly suitable for storing green tea, Pu'er tea, white tea, and dark tea.