Tea is a beverage with a long history and rich culture. In modern life, brewing tea on a tea tray is not only a continuation of tradition but also an art of living. If you are interested in brewing tea, this article will guide you through each step of brewing tea on a tea tray so that you can also enjoy the pleasure of brewing tea.
(Image source: Internet, delete if infringing)
Selecting Suitable Tea Utensils
The first step in brewing tea is selecting suitable tea utensils. Generally, a complete set of tea utensils includes a teapot, teacups, a pitcher, a tea strainer, a tea cloth, and a tea tray, among others. When choosing tea utensils, you can select based on your preferences and the type of tea. For example, for brewing green tea, a glass teapot can be chosen as it allows you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the tea leaves in water; while for brewing black tea, a purple clay pot can be selected, which better highlights the aroma of black tea.
Preparing the Tea Leaves and Water
After selecting the tea utensils, the next step is preparing the tea leaves and water. The choice of tea leaves can be determined based on personal taste. Commonly available teas in the market include green tea, black tea, Oolong tea, white tea, dark tea, and more. The quality of water used for brewing tea is also significant. It is best to use mineral or purified water, which helps retain the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves to the fullest extent.
(Image source: Internet, delete if infringing)
Warming the Utensils and Cleaning
Before officially brewing tea, warm the utensils and clean them with hot water. Pour hot water into the teapot, teacups, and pitcher, then discard it. This step aims to clean the utensils and keep them warm so that when brewing, the aroma of the tea leaves is more easily released.
Adding the Tea Leaves
Next comes adding the tea leaves. Generally, the amount of tea leaves added is approximately one-third to one-quarter of the teapot's capacity. If you are not familiar with the tea, you can adjust the amount of tea leaves according to the type of tea and personal taste. For example, the amount of green tea can be slightly more, while the amount of black tea can be slightly less.
(Image source: Internet, delete if infringing)
Rinsing the Tea Leaves
Rinsing the tea leaves refers to the process of pouring out the water after the initial infusion. Pour an appropriate amount of hot water into the teapot, let it steep for a few seconds, then discard the water. This step aims to remove impurities and dust from the surface of the tea leaves and also to awaken the tea leaves, allowing them to release their aroma and flavor better in subsequent infusions.
Brewing the Tea
After rinsing the tea leaves, the actual brewing begins. Based on the type of tea and personal taste, control the water temperature and brewing time. Generally, the water temperature for green tea is around 80°C, with a brewing time of 1-2 minutes; for black tea, the water temperature is around 90°C, with a brewing time of 2-3 minutes; for oolong tea, the water temperature is around 95°C, with a brewing time of 30 seconds to 1 minute. During the brewing process, you can gently scrape off the foam on the surface with the teapot lid to make the tea liquor clearer.
Distributing the Tea
After the tea is brewed, pour the tea liquor into the pitcher, then distribute it into individual teacups. Using the pitcher ensures that the concentration of tea in each cup is uniform, avoiding some cups being too strong and others too weak.
Tasting the Tea
Finally, it's time to taste the tea. When tasting tea, first smell its aroma, then observe its color, and finally savor its taste. Feel the aroma of the tea leaves in your nose and the taste of the tea liquor in your mouth. Tasting tea is not just an enjoyment of taste but also a relaxation and enjoyment of the mind.
Summary
Through the above steps, you should now understand how to brew tea on a tea tray. Brewing tea is not only a skill but also a state of mind. In a busy life, brewing a good pot of tea and quietly savoring it can not only relax the body and mind but also enjoy the beauty of life. Hopefully, this article can help you better master the techniques of brewing tea and experience the charm of Tea culture.