Brew Tea

Brewing tea is a skillful task. The purpose of paying attention to brewing methods is to avoid the disadvantages of the tea and highlight its advantages, which can be described as making the most of its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. If we pay attention to the brewing method, even if the green tea is of average quality, we can still optimize its taste; however, if we don't pay attention to the brewing method, even high-quality green tea will not deliver the taste that justifies its price. Brewing Methods for Green Tea 1. Top-Down Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup (teabowl), pour in hot water up to seven-tenths full at once, then wait until the water temperature is suitable before adding the tea leaves. This method is often used for finely processed green teas (such as Special Grade Biluochun, Special Grade Xinyang Maojian, and Mount Meng Ganlu). It is essential to control the water temperature accurately; the finer the tea, the lower the required water temperature. Some teas may need to be added when the water cools down to 70°C. Additionally, any tea brewed using this method can also be prepared using an ice-brewing method. 2. Middle-Down Method: After…

Huangjinya tea was accidentally discovered in Yuyao, Zhejiang province in the 1990s and then developed over a period of more than ten years. Huangjinya is a light-sensitive yellow variant cultivar, a marvel in the family of tea plant varieties, with its golden hue when exposed to sunlight and green leaves under shade. Huangjinya has a very high amino acid content, giving it a rich aroma and a fresh, mellow taste. Huangjinya has thin leaves and short buds. The dry tea is bright yellow with a slender, tight shape, and natural bud set. It has a clear, pale yellow infusion with a fragrant, lingering aroma and a fresh, full-bodied flavor. After drinking, it leaves a sweet aftertaste. So what is the tea-to-water ratio for brewing Huangjinya? The general tea-to-water ratio for Huangjinya is 1:50, but it varies depending on the brewing vessel. Glass cup: For a 300ml glass cup, use 5-6 grams of tea. Covered bowl: For a 120ml covered bowl, use 3-4 grams of tea. Teapot: For a 500ml teapot, use 5-7 grams of tea. Huangjinya is the only yellow variant tea in China, originally produced in Anji, Zhejiang. It has since been introduced to the precious and rare tea…

There are many options for brewing Pu'er tea. You can use a lidded bowl, a purple clay pot, a leisure cup, and more. Among these, the leisure cup is the most convenient, but Pu'er tea brewed in a leisure cup isn't as good as that brewed in a purple clay pot; the taste may not be as harmonious. If you choose to brew with a purple clay pot, you can better control the entire brewing rhythm, and the taste and flavor will be richer. The steps to brew Pu'er tea with a purple clay pot: 1. Warm the pot (cup) and rinse the cups: First, scald the tea utensils with boiling water. This primarily serves to warm the pot and cups, and also cleans the utensils. 2. Add tea: Place the tea into the lidded bowl or purple clay pot. The amount of tea used depends on the size of the brewing utensil. Generally, for a 120cc lidded bowl, the amount of tea is 7-9 grams. 3. Awaken the tea: Place the tea in the cup and let it sit for a while so that its inner substances can contact the air. This makes the tea broth more mellow when…

Ripened Pu'er Tea If the first life of ripened tea comes from the raw materials picked from the branches; then its second life is given through the pile-fermentation process; and its third life is during the brewing. From dehydration to rehydration, then drying again and rehydrating, a piece of ripened tea completes three rounds of tempering, revealing the most splendid part of its existence. Its mildness, richness, and sweetness bring warmth and health to people. Ripened tea can be said to be the mildest among all types of tea, due to its highest fermentation degree (excluding aged naturally fermented teas). In fully fermented teas, it has a higher fermentation time and degree than black tea, Anhua dark tea, and others. Thus, the brewing requirements for ripened tea are relatively low. As long as the quality is excellent, it can be brewed to a suitable strength and will taste good no matter how you brew it. For example, the popular method of brewing with an insulated cup in the tea community is usually reserved for ripened tea. Of course, some brewing techniques can enhance the flavor of ripened tea and also mask certain defects in its processing. Quick Brewing Methods for…

In daily life, drinking Puer tea in moderation can have excellent health benefits. It can refresh and invigorate, as well as aid in weight loss. When drinking Puer tea, it's important to understand the appropriate methods and timing. Drinking improperly or excessively can have adverse effects on health. Drinking a little Puer tea in the morning can help energize and clear the intestines. Drinking some in the afternoon can boost immunity and improve work efficiency. When is the best time to drink Puer tea during the day? 1. Drinking Puer Tea in the Morning After a night's sleep, the body has lost a lot of water. Drinking a cup of light tea in the morning can quickly replenish the body's water needs, cleanse the intestines, lower blood pressure, and be highly beneficial for overall health. In the morning, it is advisable to drink black tea, as it promotes circulation and removes coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the brain. It can also be consumed with milk. When drinking tea in the morning, two points should be noted: First, drink only after breakfast. Second, avoid strong tea; opt for a lighter brew instead. 2. Drinking Puer Tea in…

Brewing a good pot of tea is not just a simple process; it’s a way to enjoy life. Pu'er Tuocha (ripe) is particularly loved for its unique fermentation process and rich taste. So, how can you brew a fragrant pot of Pu'er Tuocha (ripe)? Let’s explore together! (Image source: internet, delete if infringing) What is Pu'er Tuocha (Ripe)? Before understanding how to brew Pu'er Tuocha (ripe), let's first get to know what it is. Pu'er Tuocha is a special form of Yunnan Pu'er tea, named after its shape. Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, with ripe Pu'er being processed through a piling fermentation technique, resulting in a mellow flavor, a red and rich infusion color, and a gentle nature that suits most people. Preparation Before Brewing To brew a good pot of Pu'er Tuocha (ripe), some preparations are necessary. (Image source: internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Tea Good tea leaves are the foundation of brewing good tea. When choosing Pu'er Tuocha (ripe), select leaves that are neatly arranged and have a dark luster. The longer the tea has aged, the richer the flavor will be. Water Quality The quality of water used for brewing is equally…

To brew pu'er ripened tea, it is best to use fully boiled water. The first infusion of pu'er ripened tea can be discarded. The second infusion can be consumed, but should be steeped for 10 to 20 seconds. The third infusion should be longer than the second by 30 to 40 seconds, and so on. As the tea becomes less concentrated with each infusion, the steeping time should be increased accordingly. Brewing Steps 1. Place pu'er tea leaves in a filter cup, approximately 8 to 10 grams (enough to cover the bottom of the cup slightly higher). 2. Pour fully boiled water into the filter cup, covering the tea leaves. 3. After a short while, remove the filter cup and discard the first infusion. 4. Pour boiling water again, covering the tea leaves, and cover the cup. Let it steep for about 10 to 20 seconds. 5. Open the cup lid and invert it, remove the filter cup, and let it drip slightly. Place it inside the cup lid. 6. Now you have brewed a fragrant and mellow pu'er tea. 7. After enjoying your first cup of pu'er tea, repeat steps 2 to 4, but extend the steeping time by…

No matter what kind of tea you drink, it should be appropriate for the occasion, time, and person. Drinking the right type of tea can maximize its effects and provide excellent health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that people have different constitutions, being either hot or cold in nature. Teas, after undergoing various processing methods, also have cool and warm properties. Therefore, it is important to consider one's constitution when choosing a tea to drink. A chart showing the properties of the six types of tea. What is your constitution? Which type of tea suits you best? A table matching the nine constitutions with the six types of tea. Cool green tea Dragon Well from West Lake, Anji White Tea, Biluochun from Dongting, Lu'an Guapian, etc. Suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. Drinking this tea on a hot day or when feeling agitated provides a refreshing and cooling sensation. Green tea has good radiation protection effects, making it very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. Contraindications: People with liver disease should avoid drinking green tea, as caffeine is metabolized by the liver, and excessive tea consumption can damage liver function. Pregnant…

The Charm of the Gaiwan A gaiwan is a traditional tea vessel with a long history, consisting of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer. Not only is it elegant in appearance, but it is also highly functional. Using a gaiwan for brewing tea allows better control over the steeping time, maximizing the release of the tea's aroma and flavor. Many people enjoy using a gaiwan because it provides a serene and relaxing experience. (Image source from the internet; please delete if infringing) Steps to Brew Tea with a Gaiwan Prepare the Tea Utensils: First, you need a clean gaiwan, a teapot, and a teacup. Ensure all the utensils are clean so as not to affect the taste of the tea with other impurities. Warm the Utensils: Before using the gaiwan to brew tea, rinse it and the teacup with hot water. This not only cleans the utensils but also raises their temperature, making the brewed tea more fragrant and rich. Place the Tea Leaves: Depending on the type of tea and personal preference, place an appropriate amount of tea leaves into the gaiwan. Generally, less tea is used when brewing with a gaiwan compared to a teapot due to…

New white tea does not require rinsing, while aged white tea does. New white tea is processed through withering and drying, preserving natural substances that are delicate and fragrant. Rinsing would remove the core components of the tea, affecting its taste and aroma. On the other hand, aged white tea, having matured over time, has a more stable and mellow aroma and content. Rinsing helps to activate these qualities, allowing the flavor and aroma to be expressed to their fullest extent. The Correct Method for Brewing White Tea To brew white tea properly: 1. Cup brewing method. This is the simplest and quickest method. First, prepare a suitable clear glass cup. Before brewing, rinse the tea with boiling water. Once you can smell the warm fragrance, place it in the glass cup and directly pour boiling water over it. Note that you should not use too much tea, as overly concentrated white tea is not ideal. 2. Gaiwan method. This method is a bit more complicated. Place the tea in the gaiwan and rinse it, then brew using the Gongfu tea method. The first infusion should be about half a minute, with subsequent infusions decreasing in time. This method produces…

The scorching summer is the most unbearable time of the year, causing inexplicable irritability. At such a moment, sipping on a cup of Pu'er ripened tea is an exquisite pleasure. Some say that drinking green tea helps to quench internal heat in summer, while drinking black tea and Pu'er tea promotes health in winter. So, is it suitable to drink such a warming Pu'er ripened tea in the scorching summer? Some even directly put ripened Pu'er tea on the "blacklist" of summer beverages, but this is not the case! Ripened Pu'er tea, after undergoing pile fermentation, has a mild nature and a mellow, smooth taste. Drinking ripened Pu'er tea in summer can warm the body and dispel dampness, quench thirst, warm and protect the stomach, and promote sleep at the same time. Who is Suitable to Drink Pu'er Ripened Tea in Summer 1. Overweight People In summer, overweight people are more suited to drink Pu'er ripened tea. The caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, phospholipids, and other components in Pu'er tea help with digestion and have a significant effect in inhibiting the increase of abdominal fat. The tea is rich in vitamin B1, which is essential for burning fat and converting it…

Dragon Pearl tea is a form of Pu'er, similar to cake tea, brick tea, and tuo cha, representing an external presentation style. Typically 6-8 grams in size per piece, the tea is steamed and rolled into a spherical shape before being wrapped in paper. It shares similarities with small green tangerine teas, with one pearl per serving, making it convenient for carrying. Due to its portability, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many tea makers in Yunnan producing these pearls. Dragon Pearls preserve the traditional handcrafted form of compressed Pu'er tea while also catering to the modern lifestyle's need for convenience. As their popularity grows, how should one brew Dragon Pearls? Brewing Steps for Dragon Pearl Tea 1. Prepare the tea and utensils: Get ready with one Dragon Pearl, a gaiwan, a pitcher, tasting cups, etc. 2. Warm the vessels: Rinse all tea ware with boiling water. 3. Add the tea: Unwrap the Dragon Pearl and place it in the gaiwan. 4. Pour water: Slowly pour hot water along the sides of the gaiwan (avoid pouring directly onto the Dragon Pearl). 5. Rinse the tea: Discard the first infusion and wait a moment to allow the Dragon…

In general, we do not recommend taking ginseng and tea together. Ginseng should not be consumed with tea. This is recorded in many traditional Chinese medicine books. However, these records do not provide a clear explanation of why. Nor do they specify the required interval to negate any adverse effects. Thus, it's difficult to give an accurate account of their relationship. The primary component of ginseng is ginsenoside (also called ginseng saponin). Tea contains a significant amount of caffeine and tannic acid. Caffeine and tannic acid react with nutrients in our food, affecting nutrient absorption. In modern medicine, it has been observed that caffeine and tannic acid can cause the proteins in gastric protease and multienzyme tablets to coagulate, reducing or eliminating their effectiveness. Hence, modern Western medicine does not recommend drinking tea when taking medications. Therefore, we can infer that when ginseng and tea are taken together, the caffeine and tannic acid may interfere with the action of ginsenosides, reducing the efficacy of ginseng. It's not that ginseng and tea cannot be consumed together, but drinking tea after taking ginseng reduces its effectiveness. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, tea is bitter and cool in nature, classified as a…

After the onset of autumn, the body's physiological activities change in accordance with the natural environment. Particular attention should be paid to regulating clothing, diet, living conditions, and physical activity. Clothing refers to the principle of “spring covering and autumn cooling.” Although it gets cooler in autumn, do not rush to add more clothes; allow your body to adapt within reasonable limits. Living conditions should include a reasonable sleep schedule. During the autumn, when the air is clear and dry, it is advisable to go to bed early and rise early. It is not recommended to stay indoors all day or sleep with your head covered at night. Windows should be kept open to ensure good indoor ventilation. Physical activity means that autumn is the golden season for strengthening your body through exercise. This helps improve joint and blood circulation flexibility and enhances the body’s resistance to disease. Additionally, cold resistance training can help the body adapt to changing weather conditions. A healthy lifestyle includes one tea, two fruits, three porridges, four soups, five vegetables, six meats, seven grains, and eight medicinal foods. Let's follow this order, starting with the first chapter on drinking tea in autumn. Traditional Chinese medicine…

Brewing may seem simple, but it actually involves many techniques that require continuous learning and improvement through practice, as the saying goes, “easier said than done.” During brewing, attention should be paid to factors such as water temperature, brewing time, and the method of pouring water. In addition to these, the brewing of Pu'er tea is also influenced by various factors, including the choice of water quality and the amount of tea used. 1. Water Temperature for Brewing The temperature of the water has a significant impact on the tea infusion. The aroma and taste of the tea are greatly affected by water temperature. Generally, to brew Pu'er tea as it should be enjoyed, the temperature should be as high as possible. When brewing young sheng Pu'er, too high a water temperature can scald the tea leaves, resulting in a cooked flavor and an overly bitter and astringent infusion. A lower temperature will not sufficiently activate the qualities of aged or ripe Pu'er, preventing its aroma and taste from being fully released. For young sheng Pu'er, if the water temperature can be set, the first four infusions can be at 95°C, with subsequent infusions at 100°C; if the temperature cannot…

The 7-day Spring Festival holiday has come to an end, and I hope everyone had a pleasant and fulfilling break! Many of you are returning to work today to start the new year. However, after seven consecutive days of feasting and revelry, many people feel uncomfortable on their first day back at work. How can you properly address post-holiday syndrome and greet work and daily chores with the best possible attitude? Here are some tips to help you shake off the fatigue. Three Teas to Alleviate Post-Holiday Syndrome 1. Red Tea for Digestion and Stomach Health After the holiday, the most common feeling is a lack of appetite and discomfort in the stomach. Drinking red tea can aid digestion and regulate the digestive system. It's best to drink red tea after meals. Adding 10 grams of dried hawthorn to red tea enhances its digestive properties; or you can make a rice tea by adding some roasted rice, which increases its stomach-soothing effects. Red tea combined with roasted barley or red tea with dried tangerine peel are also excellent choices. 2. Oolong Tea to Reduce Fat and Remove Grease Oolong tea has a significant fat-lowering and weight-loss effect. The polyphenols in…

Jasmine tea is characterized by its compact, solid, and uniform appearance; its fragrant aroma; rich flavor; bright yellow liquor; and plump leaves. It is one of the top ten famous teas in China, made by blending freshly picked jasmine flowers with tea leaves, resulting in a floral tea that carries the scent of spring blossoms and the fresh essence of tea. It is a popular and sweet-tasting floral tea. Regular consumption of jasmine tea can not only beautify the skin and lighten complexion for women but also combat aging. Additionally, it helps clear the bowels, regulate qi, clear the mind, lower blood pressure and lipids, and has antibacterial properties. So, how should you properly enjoy jasmine tea? How to Properly Enjoy Jasmine Tea? 1. Brewing To enjoy high-quality jasmine tea, a transparent glass cup is typically used, and water at around 90°C is poured over the tea. The brewing time is about 3-5 minutes, and the tea can be brewed 2-3 times. Through the glass cup, you can admire the exquisite shape of the tea leaves. The gaiwan brewing method is commonly used by people in Sichuan to drink floral tea. A set of tea ware includes a tea bowl,…

After allowing the tea connoisseurs to appreciate the appearance of the tea, the tea brewer stands up and places the tea leaves into the pot, pours hot water over them from a kettle, covers the pot, and starts a timer. The tea brewer stops all other movements, placing their heart into the pot as they stand, accompanying the tea while it steeps in the hot water. Seeing this action from the tea brewer, the other tea connoisseurs also focus intently on the teapot. Thirty seconds pass, and the tea brewer remains standing still; another thirty seconds pass, and the tea brewer is still motionless. After a while, the tea brewer glances at the timer, then lifts the teapot to pour the tea into a pitcher. The other connoisseurs think about their questions: Why does it need to steep for so long? What will the tea infusion look like? The tea brewer is very focused on brewing the tea—. Why does the tea brewer stand while brewing the tea? Perhaps the chair isn't high enough, or perhaps he believes that standing emphasizes his role in accompanying the tea while it steeps in the pot. The tea leaves are plucked from the…

Spring returns to the land, bringing with it the distant fragrance of tea, awakening the dormant tea trees. The tea freely stretches itself in boiling water, releasing the beauty stored throughout the winter. A refreshing cup of spring tea encapsulates the essence of the entire season. 01 Spring is for drinking spring tea Spring tea aligns with the concept of “spring growth,” meeting human needs. Spring is when life force is most vigorous within the body, and metabolism begins to thrive. The basic principle of health preservation is to align with the opportunity for “spring growth,” allowing the body and mind to relax, letting vitality flourish. Spring tea carries a vibrant life force and the freshness of spring. Drinking spring tea in moderation can help the body purge old energy and absorb fresh qi. 02 Spring tea combats spring fatigue Flowers come alive through their scent, while tea gains its value from its aroma. Because early spring temperatures are not high, the environment for preserving aromatic compounds is ideal. Thus, the aroma of spring tea is unparalleled by tea from other seasons. The spring breeze brings renewal and the rise of yang energy, giving all things new life, but people…

Many tea lovers may wonder when brewing tea, "Should I leave the lid on or off after pouring the infusion from a teapot or gaiwan?" In fact, whether it's a gaiwan or a teapot, whenever the question arises about leaving the lid off or on, there are typically two schools of thought: the "Lid-Off School" and the "Lid-On School." Members of each school often have strong opinions and can get into heated debates. 1. Reasons for Keeping the Lid On To Prevent Loss of Aroma Putting the lid on is to prevent the excessive dispersion of the tea's aroma. With the lid and gaiwan in a relatively closed state, it helps to gather the tea's aroma within the gaiwan, making it easier to appreciate the lid's aroma. 2. As the Saying Goes, "Good Tea Can Withstand Stewing" If the quality of the tea is good enough, covering it with a lid won't affect it. This can also be a way to test the quality of the tea. If the taste isn't affected, it suggests that it's a good tea. 3. Facilitates Faster Release of Inner Substances When brewing aged teas or coarser leaves, keeping the lid on helps maintain the…

Ripened Pu'er tea can be tricky to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, and sometimes an unpleasant aroma. Even well-stored teas can produce a drying, tight sensation in the throat, which is quite perplexing. So how can we brew ripened Pu'er tea for a better taste? 1. Analyze the Tea's Nature In terms of aroma, new ripened teas have a piling smell, but good teas will develop floral and honey-like aromas or even aged scents as they are brewed. Older ripened teas may have storage and dried leaf aromas, but good old teas will exhibit excellent aged or medicinal aromas as they are brewed. In terms of flavor, new ripened teas are not very astringent or stimulating, but they do have a better mouthfeel. When brewed properly, they can present a smooth and sandy texture similar to red bean soup. Older ripened teas have a clearer broth and milder flavor, but they can achieve a high level of smoothness and oiliness when brewed properly, even reaching a state of "melting." Generally speaking, ripened teas are not very complex and tend not to hold up through many infusions. 2. Establish Goals Based on the Tea's…

If you're looking for a drink that's both delicious and healthy, flower water infusion tea is definitely a great choice. This natural beverage not only helps to relax the body and mind but also has many benefits. This article will introduce you to the various advantages of flower water infusion tea and teach you how to make it easily. (Image source: network, delete if infringement) What is Flower Water Infusion Tea? Flower water infusion tea is a type of tea made by infusing various flowers, such as chrysanthemum, rose, jasmine, and others, which have been dried. These flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, greatly benefiting health. Flower water infusion tea not only has vibrant colors and a pleasant aroma but also provides a natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. The Benefits and Effects of Flower Water Infusion Tea The benefits and effects of flower water infusion tea are varied and include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Boosting Immunity Many flower teas, such as chrysanthemum tea and rose tea, are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system and resist colds and other infections. 2. Improving Digestion Certain…

Black tea is loved by many, and one key reason is that it belongs to the category of fully fermented teas, with a gentle nature. Black tea has a mild temperament and is generally well-received even by those who seldom drink it or are trying it for the first time. While many people enjoy drinking black tea, they often do not pay much attention to the brewing method. Below, we will explain the correct way to brew black tea. The Correct Method of Brewing Black Tea The first step is to choose suitable teaware. It's important to know that any tea requires specific utensils. For black tea, a white porcelain cup is best, as it helps to bring out its unique flavor; The second step involves using good water and ensuring the water temperature reaches around 95 degrees Celsius. High temperatures help extract polyphenols and caffeine from the black tea leaves effectively; The third step is to steep the tea. First, warm up the teaware with boiling water. Then pour hot water into the teapot or teacup and let it sit for 3-5 seconds. This allows the aroma of the tea to develop and the leaves to settle. If using…

Tea enthusiasts who enjoy tea are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to fully appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to enjoying Pu'er tea together. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production processes ensure consistency in the shape of the compressed tea cakes, which are evenly formed and tightly compacted. Since the introduction of electrostatic dust removal machines, contemporary Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers do not contain foreign objects. However, before 2004 when these machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities as they were manually screened. The color of Pu'er tea can help distinguish between raw and ripe varieties: ripe Pu'er is dark brown, while raw Pu'er ranges from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), with loose or compact leaves that become dry and lustrous over time. Step 2: Feel the Tea Feel the compactness of the tea; a loosely packed tea will age faster under the same storage conditions compared to one that is more tightly packed. When breaking off a piece of the tea, check for consistency throughout – some teas have higher-grade leaves sprinkled on the surface for better appearance, while others use a uniform grade…