Longjing Tea, with its emerald green color, elegant aroma, and fresh, pure taste, is often referred to as the “National Tea,” deeply loved by people around the world. brewing a cup of Longjing tea not only allows you to savor its unique fragrance and flavor but also provides an elegant experience of appreciating life and cultivating one's character. So, how exactly should Longjing tea be brewed?
Preparations
To brew Longjing tea, first, prepare the following items:
- Longjing tea leaves: Choose fresh, high-quality Longjing tea leaves, such as West Lake Longjing or Mingqian (pre-Qingming) Longjing.
- Teaware: You can opt for glass cups, porcelain pots, or covered bowls, preferably materials that fully showcase the tea's color and aroma.
- Water: It is recommended to use mountain spring water or purified water, avoiding tap water.
Brewing Steps
- Warm the Teaware and Awaken the Tea: Pour boiling water into the teacup or teapot to rinse the walls, warming up the teaware while awakening the tea's aroma.
- Place the Tea Leaves: Based on the size of your teaware and personal preference, add an appropriate amount of tea leaves to the cup. Generally, each gram of tea can brew about 50 milliliters of water.
- Brew the Tea: Lower the water temperature to around 80-85°C, and pour it slowly along the sides of the cup, allowing the tea leaves to unfurl. For the first brewing, add just enough water to soak the leaves for about 30 seconds, allowing them to absorb water and expand.
- Taste and Enjoy: Once the tea infusion turns clear and emerald green, it is ready to be enjoyed. When tasting, first inhale the aroma, then sip slowly to appreciate the rich fragrance and fresh, smooth taste of the Longjing tea.
Things to Note
- The water temperature for brewing Longjing tea should not be too high, as this can scorch the leaves, resulting in a bitter-tasting infusion.
- After each brewing, replenish the water promptly to maintain the taste and flavor of the infusion.
- Longjing tea has a cooling nature, so those with weak spleen and stomach or cold constitutions should drink it in moderation.
Tips
- Different water temperatures can produce different flavors when brewing Longjing tea. For example, lower temperatures yield a lighter, fresher taste, while higher temperatures produce a richer, fuller flavor.
- Longjing tea leaves are rich in nutrients and have various benefits, such as refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, promoting diuresis, and fighting aging.
Conclusion
Longjing tea is not just a beverage but also a cultural symbol. Brewing a cup of Longjing tea allows you to savor its unique aroma and flavor, as well as experience the profound depth of Chinese tea culture. Mastering the correct brewing method is essential to fully appreciate the charm of Longjing tea.