Hello everyone! Today we're going to talk about a very special type of Tea – Baihao Yinzhen brick tea. As the aristocrat among teas, its brewing method isn't something you can just do casually to get a great taste. But don't worry, follow me and you'll master this technique easily!
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What is Baihao Yinzhen Brick Tea?
Baihao Yinzhen brick tea is a type of White Tea originating from Fujian Province, China. The tea bricks are made by compressing high-quality Baihao Yinzhen tea leaves, shaped like small round cakes. The silver needle leaves are named for their slender, needle-like shape and covered in white down. It has a unique fragrance and sweetness, along with many health benefits such as antioxidants and immune system boosting.
Preparation: What Do You Need?
Before brewing Baihao Yinzhen brick tea, let's take a look at what tools and materials we need:
- Baihao Yinzhen brick tea
- Tea knife or tea needle (for separating the tea brick)
- Teapot or Gaiwan
- Teacup
- Sieve (optional)
- Pure water
- Tea tray or serving tray
These tools will make it easier for us to enjoy the deliciousness of the tea while also protecting the quality of the tea leaves.
Step 1: Separate the Tea Brick
First, we need to break the tea brick into smaller pieces. Use a tea knife or tea needle to gently insert it into the edge of the tea brick and slowly pry along the texture. Don't apply too much force, as this could damage the integrity of the tea leaves. Try to maintain the shape of the tea leaves, which will help release their aroma and flavor better.
Step 2: Warm Up and Clean the Utensils
Before officially brewing, warm up and clean the utensils with hot water. This step not only raises the temperature of the utensils, making the brewing process more stable, but also cleans the utensils, removing any unwanted flavors. Pour hot water into the teapot or gaiwan and Teacups, wait for a moment, then discard the water.
Step 3: Awaken the Tea
Next, awaken the tea by placing the separated tea leaves into the teapot or gaiwan and pouring in a small amount of hot water (around 85°C), then quickly discarding it after a few seconds. This step helps to awaken the tea leaves, allowing them to release their aroma and flavor better.
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Step 4: Official Brewing
Now we enter the official brewing stage. Pour in hot water (around 85°C) again, adjusting the amount based on personal taste and the quantity of tea leaves. Control the first brewing time around 30 seconds, then pour the tea liquor into the teacup. With each subsequent brewing, you can appropriately extend the brewing time.
Step 5: Enjoy the Aroma and Flavor
The aroma of Baihao Yinzhen brick tea is delicate and elegant, and the tea liquor is clear and bright, with a sweet taste. You can close your eyes and savor the changes of the tea liquor in your mouth, feeling the joy and tranquility it brings. Each infusion has different flavors, so tasting carefully will bring more surprises.
A Few Tips for Brewing
Here are some tips for brewing Baihao Yinzhen brick tea that will make your tea even more delicious:
- Water quality is very important; use pure water or mountain spring water if possible, avoiding tap water.
- Control the water temperature around 85°C, as higher temperatures can destroy the aroma and taste of the tea leaves.
- Adjust the brewing time based on the condition of the tea leaves and personal taste, don't stick to one set time.
- The choice of tea ware is also important; it is best to use ceramic or glass tea ware, as this will better showcase the color of the tea liquor.
Summary
Although there is a certain skill involved in brewing Baihao Yinzhen brick tea, once you've mastered the method, you can easily brew delicious tea. The key lies in being meticulous and patient, doing each step with care. Hopefully, this guide will help you better understand and enjoy Baihao Yinzhen brick tea, experiencing its unique charm.
May you experience peace and beauty with every tea tasting session. Enjoy every moment of your tea time!
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