Brew Tea

Black tea is the most consumed type of tea worldwide, known for its gentle, mellow flavor that warms from throat to stomach. However, brewing a high-quality cup of black tea can be challenging for many beginners. Many tea enthusiasts often encounter a bitter and astringent taste when brewing black tea. How can we avoid these pitfalls? Today, Chaye Dan (Tea Egg) will share some tips on how to brew a delicious cup of black tea. 1. **Choice of Teaware** A white porcelain gaiwan brings out the fresh and elegant flavors of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The translucent white porcelain complements the reddish hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the liquor, which is truly a beautiful sight. 2. **Ratio of Tea to Water** When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience, but using too much tea is the primary cause of overly bitter and astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the recommended amount of tea is about 4 grams. If you use too little tea, even with less water, you won't fully bring out the rich flavor…

The suitable water temperature for brewing aged Pu'er tea is 100°C. Aged Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan sun-dried green tea, which undergoes fermentation, pile-fermentation, and pressing. Its rich internal components and pectin require boiling water (100°C) to facilitate the release of its internal substances and aromas. Brewing utensils such as a purple clay pot or a lidded bowl are recommended. Water Temperature for Brewing Aged Pu'er Tea Aged Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan green tea that has undergone pile-fermentation. It contains abundant and full-bodied substances and is best brewed at 100°C to fully express its smooth, silky, sweet, fragrant, and mellow characteristics. However, the brewing time should not be too long to avoid bitterness. The principle is to infuse and pour out quickly. Secondly, it's important to preheat the brewing vessel before steeping the aged tea. Preheating ensures the vessel is warm, enhancing the aroma of the Pu'er tea during actual brewing and improving the lingering fragrance in the cup. Aged Pu'er can be brewed with 100°C water, adjusting based on specific teas and local boiling points. For example, teas made from finer leaves may be brewed at around 95°C, while aged teas require high-temperature brewing,…

Once Laba arrives, the New Year isn't far behind. This day was traditionally a time for ancient people to honor their ancestors and deities and pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. Ancient customs such as drinking Laba porridge and soaking garlic in vinegar are still widely practiced today. After Laba, it's the New Year Laba 2022/12/30 Today is Laba There’s a saying: On the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, your jaw can freeze off. The weather during Laba remains bitterly cold, so it's important to stay protected from the wind and keep warm. A cup of hot, fragrant tea not only helps warm the body but also boosts immunity. So, what kind of tea is suitable for Laba Festival? Ripe Pu'er Ripe Pu'er has a sweet and warm nature, promoting yang energy, generating warmth, and warming the abdomen. In winter, when the weather is dry and cold, drinking ripe Pu'er regularly can warm the stomach and intestines, regulate internal circulation, and enhance the body's resistance. Modern research confirms that ripe Pu'er is particularly effective for nourishing and protecting the stomach, making it suitable for those who are weak or older. In the depths of…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

Drinking tea is an ancient and artistic culinary culture, and in the process of tasting its aroma, strong and mild tea have always been points of discussion. Some people prefer the rich and full-bodied strong tea, while others favor the light and refreshing mild tea. So, is it better to drink strong or mild tea? This article will explore this question from different angles to help you choose a tea that best suits your taste. Advantages of Strong Tea: Rich Texture: Strong tea usually has a rich aroma and texture, giving a sense of depth and substance. Persistent Flavor: The rich texture and aftertaste of strong tea can linger in the mouth, leaving a lasting impression. Higher Nutrient Content: Strong tea contains higher levels of components like catechins and caffeine, which can help invigorate the mind and increase energy. Advantages of Mild Tea: Fresh Texture: Mild tea typically has a light and fragrant texture, providing a refreshing and crisp sensation. Better Experience of Tea Aroma: The texture of mild tea does not overpower the original aroma of the tea leaves, allowing for a better appreciation of their unique fragrance. Simpler Preparation: Brewing mild tea is relatively simple, requiring no extensive…

Why does the tea you brew always taste different from that of a tea artist? It turns out that every step, from boiling water, selecting utensils, preparing the tea leaves to brewing, can affect the infusion. Brewing tea is not only a technical skill but also requires meticulous attention. The details make or break the result. Whether the tea tastes good or not depends on whether you have paid attention to these details and methods. Boiling Water Boil water this way for better-tasting tea In his book, "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty described three stages of boiling water: First Boil: When the water starts bubbling like fish eyes with a gentle sound; Second Boil: When bubbles rise like a spring of pearls; Third Boil: When the water surges and waves like a rushing tide. For modern people, boil water quickly over high heat instead of slowly over low heat. When the water continuously bubbles at the second or just into the third boil, its activity is best. If boiled too long, the oxygen content decreases, reducing its activity, which we often refer to as "over-boiled" water. This negatively impacts the infusion. If using tap water,…

Drinking tea is a common practice for adults. However, in daily life, we rarely see children drinking tea. Many parents allow their children to drink regular soft drinks and carbonated beverages but seldom permit them to drink tea. Zhu Haiyan, Director of the Horticultural Culture Research and Dissemination Center at the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Hunan Agricultural University, explains that there are two main reasons why we seldom see children drinking tea in everyday life. Firstly, children do not like the bitter taste of tea. More importantly, people believe that tea has a certain stimulating effect which may be detrimental to children's growth and development, potentially harming their spleen and stomach. In fact, these views are one-sided. "Scientifically speaking, drinking safe and hygienic tea, without consuming it too strong, can bring many benefits to children," Zhu Haiyan says. Firstly, moderate tea consumption helps to reduce fat and promote weight loss. According to relevant surveys, more than one-fifth of school-aged children in major cities in China suffer from varying degrees of nutritional excess, leading to numerous cases of obese children and those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, severely affecting their physical and mental development. The…

Transparent glass cups, leisure cups, and white porcelain bowls with lids are ideal for brewing green tea. For green tea, you can choose a transparent, patternless glass cup or white, light blue, or blue-and-white porcelain cups without lids. A patternless glass cup is best as it allows for better appreciation of the green tea's shape and color. What Kind of Tea Ware Is Best for Green Tea? 1. Porcelain Cups Porcelain cups are suitable for brewing mid-to-high-grade green teas, such as stir-fried green teas (grades one and two), pearl green teas, baked green teas, sun-dried green teas, etc., where the focus is on taste, flavor, or quenching thirst. Typically, observe the tea’s color, aroma, and shape before brewing. The "middle infusion method" can be used, pouring near-boiling water at 95–100°C over the tea, and covering the cup to retain the aroma and maintain the water temperature, which helps the tea leaves to unfurl and sink to the bottom of the cup. After 3–5 minutes, remove the lid, smell the aroma, taste the tea, and judge the strength of the tea soup. Drink up to three infusions. This brewing method is convenient for serving guests or drinking tea during office hours.…

Brewing ripened Pu'er tea involves three main steps: 1) Prepare a Yixing clay pot or a gaiwan; 2) Determine the tea-to-water ratio, using 7g of tea for every 100ml of water when brewing with a gaiwan, and 10g of tea for every 180ml of water when brewing with a Yixing pot; 3) Rinse the tea for about 10 seconds before brewing, then infuse with boiling water, with the first to fifth infusions steeping for 5-7 seconds, and subsequent infusions steeping for 7-10 seconds. 1. Teaware You can use a Yixing clay pot or a gaiwan to brew ripened Pu'er tea. The internal pores of a Yixing pot provide good breathability, which helps to enhance the aroma and aged flavor of the tea. A gaiwan, on the other hand, does not absorb flavors, allowing you to experience the true taste of the ripened Pu'er and appreciate its beautiful color. 2. Tea Quantity If using a gaiwan, a general guideline is a tea-to-water ratio of 7g of tea for every 100ml of water. For brewing with a Yixing pot (180ml capacity), around 10g of tea is suitable. Adjust the amount of tea based on your preference for stronger or milder flavor. 3.…

Yunnan Golden Needle Tea, as a representative of Yunnan black teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its golden buds and unique flavor. To brew the perfect cup of Yunnan Golden Needle Tea, you need not only good quality tea but also the correct brewing method. Today, we will share detailed brewing steps for Yunnan Golden Needle Tea so that every tea lover can easily enjoy this rich and aromatic black tea. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Yunnan Golden Needle Tea Before brewing, ensure you have high-quality Yunnan Golden Needle Tea. Premium Yunnan Golden Needle Tea has tightly bound strands, a golden appearance with visible downy hairs, a smooth surface with luster, and a strong floral and fruity aroma mixed with honey. Preparations To brew Yunnan Golden Needle Tea, prepare the following equipment and materials: (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Teaware: glass teapot or white porcelain teaware, which allows for better observation of the tea liquor's color. Tea leaves: approximately 5 grams of Yunnan Golden Needle Tea per brewing. Water: choose purified or mineral water, as the quality of the water directly affects the taste of the tea liquor. Thermometer: maintain water…

Chenpi aged tea is one of the traditional Chinese health teas, blending the unique flavors and rich health benefits of chenpi (aged tangerine peel) and aged tea. Chenpi itself is a type of Chinese herbal medicine with properties that help regulate qi and strengthen the spleen, as well as moisten the lungs and dissolve phlegm. Aged tea, on the other hand, is cherished by tea enthusiasts for its mellow taste and distinctive aged aroma. So, how do you brew an authentic cup of chenpi aged tea? Let's explore this ancient skill together. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) The Origin and History of Chenpi Aged Tea The origin of chenpi aged tea can be traced back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. At that time, people found that combining chenpi with aged tea could not only improve the bitterness of the tea but also enhance its medicinal effects. Over time, this combination evolved into a unique tea brewing method that has been passed down to this day. Today, chenpi aged tea has become a part of tea culture, not just because of its delicious taste, but also due to its health benefits. Selecting Ingredients Is Key: How to Choose Chenpi…

Selecting the Right Type of Tea The first step in brewing a good cup of tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. There are various types of tea available on the market, including green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and Pu'er tea, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. When selecting tea, it is recommended to purchase from reputable brands or specialized tea shops, ensuring freshness and quality. (Image source: network; delete if infringement) Preparing the Necessary Tools Brewing tea requires some basic tools, such as a teapot, teacup, strainer, and teaspoon. For a more professional setup, you can prepare a tea set. Choose a teapot made of ceramic, glass, or purple clay, as these materials better retain the temperature and aroma of the tea. A strainer can help remove tea fragments, making the tea liquor clearer. Mastering the Right Water Quality and Temperature Water quality has a crucial impact on the taste of tea. It is best to use mineral water or filtered tap water, avoiding chlorinated or hard water. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature. Generally, green tea should be brewed at 80-85°C, black tea and oolong tea require 90-95°C, while Pu'er tea…

Raw Pu'er tea is characterized by its sweetness, softness, thickness, aroma, and mellow taste. Its aftertaste is strong and long-lasting, and the tea soup is smooth and delicate with a high viscosity. The flavor is harmonious, full-bodied, and rich. The tea has ample energy and vitality. Raw Pu'er is a type of Pu'er tea that comes in compressed and loose forms. To brew raw Pu'er tea, attention should be paid to the amount of tea used, brewing technique, and infusion time to avoid overly concentrated and heavy tea. The Correct Way to Drink Raw Pu'er Tea 1. Water for Brewing Pu'er Tea and Temperature: Use mineral water or purified water, with a temperature between 90°C and 100°C (boiling water). 2. Amount of Tea Used: Gently pry off layers of the compressed tea cake (tuocha, brick) using a tea knife. Adjust the quantity according to the number of people drinking. For a small group, use 8-10 grams of Pu'er tea; for a larger group, use 15-20 grams. 3. Awakening the Tea: Place the tea leaves into the teapot and pour in hot water (this not only awakens the tea but also helps clean it). Then discard the water. 4. Control the…

"Great is the abundance, and thus the snow reaches its peak." Today marks the third solar term of winter – Heavy Snow. Heavy Snow has officially arrived. The pages on the calendar are dwindling down. A sharp chill always greets you at dawn. Opening the window reveals a bleak and desolate landscape. Hot water is being heated on the stove. A teapot sits on the table. Draw the warmest future imaginable on the windowpane. This is the ritual of Heavy Snow in winter. During the "Heavy Snow" season in the north, snow and tea whisper to each other. You come quietly with a pot of hot tea. Wear a cotton jacket and have a snowball fight. Step into the snow and listen to the crunching sounds. When tired, retreat indoors. The fire crackles and pops. Heavy Snow is silent. The stories buried by the snow melt away in the warmth of tea. A snowfall, a cup of tea. You are in the heavy snow of a cold northern night. I am basking in the warmth under the bright southern sun. Brew a good pot of tea and enjoy the warmth of winter. After enjoying the sun during the day, the…

Brewing Pu'er tea requires the right choice of purple clay pot and tea quantity. A 240cc purple clay pot is a common choice because of its moderate size, suitable for individual or small group consumption. This article will detail how to brew delicious Pu'er tea in a 240cc purple clay pot and explore the optimal tea quantity. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Perfect Match: Purple Clay Pot and Pu'er Tea Purple clay pots are preferred for brewing Pu'er tea due to their unique material and breathability. They preserve the original aroma of the tea without absorbing its flavor, ensuring each brewing yields pure tea fragrance. The 240cc purple clay pot has a moderate capacity that prevents dilution due to excess water or over-concentration from too little water. Tea Quantity for Pu'er Tea For a 240cc purple clay pot, the tea quantity is generally between 8 and 10 grams. This range is relatively flexible and can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the tea quantity; conversely, reduce it for a milder taste. Specifically, beginners can start with 8 grams and gradually find their ideal tea quantity. Too much tea will make the…

The abundance of June has arrived as scheduled, and the weather is gradually getting hotter; it’s easy for the body to become overheated without proper care. The right way to enjoy summer is no longer just about turning on the air conditioner, eating chilled watermelon, or drinking cold beverages, as these can easily upset your stomach… Brewing a suitable tea for summer, which is healthy, cooling, and timely, is the best answer to welcome the summer season. It’s not only important to choose the right tea but also quality tea, and very importantly—brew it well! A cup of tea with a fresh and rich flavor is something that no one can resist. Once your taste buds touch it, you cannot easily give it up. The extraordinary appeal of tea is probably because tea is truly remarkable! 01 Tea, Tied to National Fortune Tea was China’s largest export commodity in the 19th century. Tea originated in China. In the 19th century, Chinese tea spread almost globally, and the word for tea in Western languages is derived from the pronunciation in Fujianese and Cantonese dialects. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, tea had intricate connections with the fates of China, Britain,…

Fuding Aged White Tea Cake's Appeal Fuding aged white tea cake is one of China’s traditional famous teas, beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique production process and taste. Compared to other types of tea, aged white tea, after years of storage, has a mild nature and significant medicinal value. So, how can we properly brew Fuding aged white tea cake to fully bring out its flavor and benefits? Let’s explore together. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) Selecting the Right Utensils To brew Fuding aged white tea cake well, choosing the right tea utensils is crucial. We recommend using a purple clay pot, a covered bowl, or a glass pot. Purple clay pots have good breathability, which helps to better stimulate the aroma of the tea leaves. Covered bowls are easy to use and suitable for beginners. Glass pots allow you to clearly observe the changes in the tea leaves in the water, adding to the enjoyment of tea tasting. Water Temperature and Choice of Water Water temperature is one of the key factors in brewing tea. For Fuding aged white tea cake, it is recommended to use water at 90°C-95°C. If the water is too hot, it can…

Since ancient times, the Chinese people have had a profound connection with tea, evolving from consuming to drinking tea, and from cultivating, picking to processing it. The industrious and wise Chinese people, based on local conditions, have utilized core techniques such as fixation, withering, yellowing, oxidation, piling, fermentation, and scenting to develop six major types of tea - green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas - along with flower-scented teas and other processed teas, totaling thousands of varieties. In this deep-rooted relationship with tea, different tea-drinking and tea-meeting customs have been formed and passed down through generations. On November 29, 2022, China's "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Customs" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This entry encompasses 44 national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects, including four traditional tea customs: Bai ethnic three-course tea, Yao ethnic oil tea, Tea Gathering Festival, and Jing Shan tea banquet. The Chinese tea culture is not only long-standing but also constantly renewed. To further enhance the recognition of Chinese tea customs and the entire Chinese tea culture, and to promote their protection, inheritance, development, and dissemination, the All-China Co-operative News·Tea Weekly has specially planned…

How can Pu'er shengcha be brewed to taste better? Today, we will demonstrate using this example of Banshan Pu'er shengcha from old trees. This Banshan tea is made from old tree leaves and originates from a tea region in Ning'er County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. During the Qing Dynasty, the Banshan tea region was a royal tribute tea garden. The overall ecological environment here is excellent, with high mountains and dense forests, making the tea rich in internal substances. This tea is produced almost every year and has a very good taste-to-price ratio. A significant feature is that it is pressed by hand using a stone mill. Pu'er tea cakes pressed by hand with a stone mill are moderately tight, have beautiful tea strands, and are conducive to aging. The most prominent taste characteristic of Banshan Pu'er tea is its clarity and sweetness, smoothness, and distinct floral and fruity aromas. We can use a conventional brewing method for this tea. We'll brew it in a gaiwan. Before brewing, we'll warm the cup, which significantly enhances the aroma of the tea. Next, add the tea. The tea strands of this tea are relatively intact. We're using 8 grams of tea. The…

To seriously enjoy a session of tea, you can describe your experience through the following seven steps, commonly referred to as the “four smells and three sips.” Here, the four smells do not refer to the typical hot smell, warm smell, and cold smell. Instead, when the tea is brewed, you can appreciate the aroma from these four aspects, carefully sensing the differences in each. 【First Smell: Lid Aroma】 When tea meets high-temperature brewing, it releases its aromatic compounds. When using a gaiwan, the inner lid comes into direct contact with the tea soup, making the lid aroma particularly prominent. For example, when drinking Yancha (rock tea), we can easily detect floral and fruity aromas. 【Second Smell: Leaf Base Aroma】 After shaking the leaves, you can smell the dry leaf base aroma, and after brewing, you can also smell the aroma of the infused leaf base. There are subtle differences between the two. For example, a high-grade Bai Mudan that is four to five years old will have a distinct honey aroma when dry, but after brewing, the leaf base aroma transforms into a floral one. These subtle differences are worth exploring. 【Third Smell: Aroma on the Fairness Cup’s Bottom】…

Sheng Pu'er tea requires water at 100°C for brewing. Sheng Pu'er tea is a direct representation of Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea. It is characterized by its rich inner quality, ample tea essence, and tightly rolled leaves. To fully release its aroma and inner qualities, it needs to be brewed with water at 100°C, making the tea soup fuller, crisper, and richer. The unique and full-bodied large-leaf sun-dried green tea has a strong character and ample tea essence, with tightly rolled leaves. Its excellent inherent qualities require water at 100°C to bring out its best. High-temperature water fully captures its rich flavor and aged aroma. High temperature complements the flavor and aroma perfectly. It is ideal for the quick extraction of tea flavors, and high temperature here means water above 95°C. Coarse and aged Pu'er brick teas, compressed teas, and aged Pu'ers are best brewed with boiling water. Brewing Techniques for Sheng Pu'er Tea 1. Tea Quantity The optimal tea-to-water ratio for Pu'er tea is 1: (20~30), but you can adjust according to your taste preferences. 2. Water Temperature Newly produced Sheng Pu'er tea has not been aged, so it contains abundant active substances. The water temperature for brewing should…

"I would rather abstain from alcohol all my life than go a single meal without tea." China’s tea culture has a long and rich history, and drinking tea has always been an essential part of maintaining health. However, there is a right way to drink tea. If you don't do it correctly, you may end up harming your stomach. The Tea Editor will now list some harmful tea-drinking habits that can severely damage your stomach. Let's see if you fall into any of these categories? 1 Habit of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach Stomach-Damage Rating: ★★★★★ Drinking tea on an empty stomach is one of the most damaging tea-drinking habits! On an empty stomach, some active compounds in tea can bind with proteins in the stomach, stimulating it and easily causing harm. In addition to stimulating the stomach and intestines, drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes digestive juices, affecting digestion. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, mental confusion, and nausea. For those who do not regularly drink tea, especially when drinking strong tea on an empty stomach in the morning, these symptoms are more likely to occur. This phenomenon is medically referred to as "tea…

White tea is beloved for its fresh, delicate flavor and rich antioxidant content. Understanding how to brew white tea correctly can help you better enjoy this precious tea. This article will detail the brewing method of white tea, including selecting teaware, controlling water temperature, steeping time, and more. (Image source from the Internet, delete upon infringement) Understanding White Tea White tea is made from the tender buds and young leaves of the tea plant and is not fermented. The production process involves simple sun-drying and light rolling, preserving the natural form and nutritional components of the leaves. Common types of white tea include Silver Needle, White Peony, Gongmei, and Shoumei. Preparation The preparation before brewing white tea is crucial as it directly affects the quality of the final tea infusion. Here are some key steps: Selecting Suitable Water Quality Water quality greatly impacts the tea infusion. Fresh mountain spring water or filtered water is the best choice. If these options are unavailable, at least avoid using chlorinated tap water, as it can spoil the delicate flavor of the tea. (Image source from the Internet, delete upon infringement) Selecting Appropriate Teaware White tea is best brewed with glass or porcelain teaware,…

Jasmine tea, as part of traditional Chinese tea culture, is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and elegant flavor. Brewing jasmine tea with a gaiwan not only better retains the aroma of the tea leaves but also showcases the aesthetics of tea ceremony. So, how can you brew a perfect cup of jasmine tea using a gaiwan? This article will provide you with a detailed guide. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) I. Choosing a Gaiwan A gaiwan, also known as a sancai bowl, consists of three parts: the bowl, the lid, and the saucer. When selecting a gaiwan, consider the following: 1. Material: Porcelain gaiwans are common, as they conduct heat evenly and help maintain the temperature of the tea. 2. Capacity: Generally, a capacity of 100-150 milliliters is ideal, ensuring enough space for the tea leaves to expand while being convenient for personal use. II. Selecting Jasmine Tea The quality of jasmine tea directly affects the brewing outcome. When choosing jasmine tea, consider the following: 1. Aroma: High-quality jasmine tea has a fresh and natural fragrance that isn’t overpowering. 2. Appearance: The tea leaves should be tightly rolled, have a lustrous color, and show silvery…