Raw Pu'er Tea and ripe Pu'er tea are the two types of Pu'er. It is best to store raw Pu'er for a period before brewing, as this will make its taste smoother. A purple Clay pot is recommended for brewing raw Pu'er. Two rinses are required when brewing, followed by a third steeping of 10 seconds. Afterward, pour the tea into a filter cup to remove the leaves, then evenly distribute it into small cups for serving.
How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea
The last step that influences the quality of the tea before tasting is the brewing process. Each type of tea has its own brewing techniques, and each specific variety has its own nuances. Today, we'll introduce you to the key points of brewing raw Pu'er tea, hoping to provide some useful guidance.
Choice of Tea Utensils
1. Main Brewing Vessels
Covered Bowl (Porcelain Pot): The first choice for younger Pu'er teas or those with loose leaves.
Purple Clay Pot/Silver Pot: The first choice for aged Pu'er with tightly compressed leaves.
Pros and Cons:
A covered bowl makes it easier to control the water flow and speed, effectively avoiding oversteeping, and allows for direct observation of the tea leaves.
A purple clay pot retains heat well and breathes, maximizing the extraction of flavors from the tea.
2. Fairness Cup (or Tasting Cup)
White Porcelain Fairness Cup (or Tasting Cup) – light-colored glaze on the inside, showing the true color of the tea liquor.
Teaware with green glaze on the inside can make the tea liquor appear greener.
Transparent Glass Fairness Cup (or Tasting Cup) – provides a more direct view of the tea color (recommended for brewing Pu'er tea).
Brewing Steps (Basic)
Prepare the utensils: tea Table, water heater, main brewing vessel, fairness cup, tasting cups, tea tools, Tea strainer, tea Towel, etc., and arrange them properly.
1. Appreciate the Tea, Warm the Utensils, Add the Tea
Warm Rinse, Appreciate the Tea Aroma
Warm Rinse: Also known as awakening the tea.
2. Pour Out the Tea
3. Serve and Enjoy the Tea
4. Clean Up and Thank You
Key Points and Precautions
1. Amount of Tea: The size of the main brewing vessel and the nature of the tea determine the amount of tea used. Raw Pu'er tea is quite strong, so a slightly smaller amount is recommended. Generally, the tea-to-water ratio should be controlled between 1:20 and 1:50.
2. Purple Clay Pot Recommendation: For whole-leaf, loosened raw tea, use a round-bodied, short purple clay pot to allow the leaves to fully expand in the vessel.
3. Water Temperature: Typically use boiling water at 95°C-100°C. If the water temperature is too low, the aroma of the Pu'er tea will not be fully expressed.
4. For young or tender raw Pu'er tea: Use slightly cooler water, which can reduce the astringency.
Pu'er tea is a well-known specialty tea. Raw Pu'er has a long-lasting aftertaste, a lingering aroma, and prominent health benefits. Regular consumption is beneficial for health.