Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages. From ancient times to the present, tea brewing has been regarded as both an art and a culture. For tea enthusiasts, mastering the correct brewing method not only allows you to savor the best flavor of the leaves but also brings tranquility and joy during the brewing process. This article will guide you through the general tea brewing process, enabling you to easily master tea-making skills and enjoy every cup of good tea.
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Selecting Suitable Tea Leaves
The first step in brewing tea is selecting appropriate tea leaves. Different types of tea, such as Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong tea, white tea, etc., have varying brewing methods. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh and high-quality leaves. The quality of the tea directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea liquor.
Preparing Tea Utensils
Prepare a set of suitable tea utensils. These typically include a teapot, teacups, a fairness cup (used to evenly distribute the tea), and a tea strainer. If possible, you can also prepare a tea tray and tea cloth to keep the tea brewing environment tidy. Different teas can be paired with different utensils, such as a lidded bowl for brewing oolong tea or a purple clay pot for Pu'er tea.
Warming the Teapot and Cups
Warming the teapot and cups is an important step in tea brewing that helps to release the aroma of the tea leaves. Pour boiling water into the teapot and cups, swirl it around a few times, and then discard the water. This warms up the utensils, preparing them for the subsequent brewing.
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Measuring the Tea
Based on the size of the teapot and personal preference, take an appropriate amount of tea leaves and place them in the teapot. Generally, the quantity of tea should occupy about 1/3 to 1/2 of the teapot's volume. For some premium teas like Longjing and Biluochun, you can use less tea to avoid overly concentrated tea liquor.
Pouring Water and Brewing
When pouring water and brewing, the water temperature and pouring method are crucial. Different teas require different water temperatures. Green tea is usually brewed with water at 80-85°C, oolong tea at 90-95°C, and black tea and Pu'er tea can be brewed with boiling water at 100°C. When pouring water, you can use a high pour or a low pour; a high pour helps to release the aroma of the tea, while a low pour is suitable for delicate teas.
Steeping Time
The steeping time varies depending on the type of tea and personal taste. Generally, green tea steeps for 1-2 minutes, oolong tea and black tea for 2-3 minutes, and Pu'er tea can be steeped for 3-5 minutes. The first infusion is typically discarded and referred to as “washing the tea,” which removes impurities from the leaves.
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Distributing the Tea
After the tea is brewed, promptly pour the tea liquor into the fairness cup and then into individual teacups. This ensures that each cup of tea has a consistent concentration. When distributing the tea, do so gently to avoid disrupting the serenity of the tea liquor.
Tasting the Tea
Tasting tea is an enjoyment that goes beyond merely tasting the tea liquor; it involves appreciating the aroma and observing the color of the tea. When drinking tea, start by smelling the aroma, then sip slowly, gradually feeling the changes in the tea liquor in your mouth, and finally savor the lingering aftertaste of the tea leaves.
Rebrewing
High-quality tea can be rebrewed multiple times, with the steeping time gradually increasing with each infusion. Green tea can generally be rebrewed 2-3 times, oolong tea 5-6 times, and Pu'er tea even more. The water temperature and pouring method need to be adjusted according to the changes in the tea with each rebrewing.
Cleaning Tea Utensils
After brewing tea, clean the utensils promptly, keeping them clean and dry, which helps to extend their lifespan. Especially for utensils like purple clay pots, thorough cleaning is necessary to prevent residue buildup that could affect the taste of tea in future brews.
By following these steps, you can easily master the general tea brewing process. Brewing tea is not only a skill but also a way of life. Amidst a busy life, brewing a good pot of tea and enjoying a moment of peace, while savoring the fragrance, is indeed a delightful experience.