China's Tea culture has a long and rich history, with the six types of Tea being its essence. Understanding the brewing methods and characteristics of each type not only enhances the joy of tasting tea but also allows you to better appreciate the unique charm of the leaves. Today, we will discuss the brewing methods and characteristics of the six major types of tea: green tea, Black Tea (known as red tea in the West), oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea.
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Green Tea
Green tea is unfermented tea that retains more natural substances and nutrients, resulting in a fresh color and a delicate aroma after brewing.
Characteristics: Green tea leaves are tender and green, the infusion is yellowish-green, the taste is fresh and refreshing, often with floral or chestnut-like aromas.
Brewing Method: The most suitable water temperature for brewing green tea is 80-85°C. Take about 3 grams of tea leaves, place them in a glass cup, pour hot water over them, and steep for 1-2 minutes. You can refill the cup up to three times, ensuring that each infusion fully releases the tea's aroma.
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Black Tea (Red Tea)
Black tea is fully fermented tea, with a bright red infusion and a rich flavor.
Characteristics: Black tea has a bright red infusion, with honey or fruity aromas, and a thick, sweet taste.
Brewing Method: Black tea is best brewed with hot water at 90-95°C. Take 5 grams of tea leaves, put them in a teapot, pour hot water over them, and steep for 3-5 minutes. Adjust the Steeping time according to personal preference. The tea leaves can be re-brewed 2-3 times.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea lies between green and black tea, being semi-fermented, with a golden infusion and a unique flavor.
Characteristics: Oolong tea leaves have red edges and green centers, with a strong aroma, often floral or fruity.
Brewing Method: Oolong tea is best brewed with water at 95-100°C. Take 5-7 grams of tea leaves, place them in a covered bowl or a clay pot, pour hot water over them, and steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Increase the steeping time for each subsequent infusion. The tea leaves can be re-brewed more than five times.
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White Tea
White tea is lightly fermented tea, processed through natural withering and drying.
Characteristics: White tea leaves are silvery-white, the infusion is light yellow, the taste is mild and sweet, sometimes accompanied by floral or medicinal aromas.
Brewing Method: White tea is best brewed with water at 85-90°C. Take 5 grams of tea leaves, place them in a covered bowl or a glass cup, pour hot water over them, and steep for 3-5 minutes. The tea leaves can be re-brewed more than three times, with each infusion having slightly different flavors.
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Yellow Tea
Yellow tea is lightly fermented tea, processed through a yellowing process, resulting in a bright yellow infusion.
Characteristics: Yellow tea leaves are yellowish-green, the infusion is bright yellow, the taste is mellow and sweet, often with floral or chestnut-like aromas.
Brewing Method: Yellow tea is best brewed with water at 85-90°C. Take 3 grams of tea leaves, place them in a covered bowl, pour hot water over them, and steep for around 3 minutes. The tea leaves can be re-brewed three times, increasing the steeping time for each subsequent infusion.
Dark Tea
Dark tea is post-fermented tea, undergoing prolonged pile fermentation, resulting in a deep red infusion and a rich aged aroma.
Characteristics: Dark tea leaves are dark brown, the infusion is dark red, the taste is thick and rich, often with an aged aroma or medicinal aromas.
Brewing Method: Dark tea is best brewed with boiling water at 100°C. Take 10 grams of tea leaves, place them in a clay pot or a large teapot, pour boiling water over them, and steep for more than 5 minutes. The tea leaves can be re-brewed multiple times, extending the steeping time for each subsequent infusion.
Tasting tea is an art of life. Each type of tea has its own unique brewing method and charm. Mastering the characteristics and brewing techniques of each type will allow you to better enjoy this fragrant beverage. We hope this article helps you find your perfect cup of tea in the world of tea.