Why is Water Temperature So Important for Lapsang souchong?
Lapsang Souchong is a unique type of Black Tea, beloved by tea enthusiasts for its distinctive aroma and flavor. However, brewing Lapsang Souchong is not as simple as pouring hot water; the temperature plays a crucial role. The right temperature maximizes the release of the tea's aroma and Taste, allowing you to enjoy a perfect cup of black tea.
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The Optimal Water Temperature for Brewing Lapsang Souchong
The optimal water temperature for brewing Lapsang Souchong is typically between 90°C and 95°C. This temperature range fully releases the aromatic compounds and polyphenols in the leaves, resulting in a richly fragrant and full-bodied tea. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the delicate compounds in the leaves, leading to a bitter taste; if the water is too cold, it cannot adequately extract the active ingredients, making the tea bland and tasteless.
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How to Control the Water Temperature
- Use a Thermometer: The most direct method is to use a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is between 90°C and 95°C.
- Observe the State of the Water: If you don't have a thermometer, you can judge by observing the state of the water. After boiling, let the water rest for 1-2 minutes until the bubbles become smaller and less vigorously boiling; at this point, the water temperature is approximately 90°C to 95°C.
- Use an Electric Kettle with Temperature Control: Modern electric kettles usually come with temperature control functions, allowing you to set the desired temperature directly, which is very convenient.
Detailed Brewing Steps
- Prepare Your Tea Utensils: Choose a clean teapot or Gaiwan and rinse it with hot water to warm it up, which helps to better evoke the aroma of the tea leaves.
- Measure the Tea Leaves: Depending on your personal preference, take 3-5 grams of Lapsang Souchong and place it into the teapot or gaiwan.
- Pour the Water: Control the water temperature between 90°C and 95°C and pour it slowly into the utensil, taking care not to directly hit the tea leaves to avoid damaging their structure.
- Steeping Time: The initial steeping time is about 1-2 minutes, and subsequent steepings can increase by around 30 seconds each time. Adjust the time according to your taste preferences.
- Serving the Tea: After steeping, pour the tea into a fair pitcher and then distribute it evenly among the tasting cups to enjoy.
The Impact of Water Quality on Brewing Results
In addition to water temperature, water quality is also an important factor in brewing Lapsang Souchong. High-quality water dissolves the nutrients in the tea leaves better, making the tea clearer and brighter in color, and improving its taste. Generally, using purified or mineral water yields the best results when brewing Lapsang Souchong.
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Tips for Brewing
- Avoid Boiling Water: Using boiling water (100°C) to brew Lapsang Souchong can damage the delicate structure of the leaves, leading to a bitter taste.
- Pouring Method
- : Use a circular or low pouring technique to avoid over-agitation of the leaves, keeping the tea clear.
- Choice of Tea Utensils: Porcelain and glass utensils are the best choices for brewing Lapsang Souchong, as they preserve the aroma and flavor of the tea better.
Comparison Experiment with Different Water Temperatures
- Below 85°C: The tea is light in color, lacking in aroma, and has a weak taste.
- 90°C to 95°C: The tea is bright in color, rich in aroma, and full-bodied, making it the best choice.
- 100°C: The tea is dark in color but lacks aroma, and has a bitter taste, not recommended.
Conclusion
Brewing Lapsang Souchong may seem simple, but it is truly an art. The appropriate water temperature allows the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves to be maximally released, giving you a unique experience when savoring it. Hopefully, this article will help you master the techniques for brewing Lapsang Souchong and enjoy every cup of tea.
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