Brew Tea

Generally, Oolong tea is best for gongfu brewing, but white tea, black tea, yellow tea, and dark tea can also be used. Since these teas are processed after fermentation, the resulting infusion is clear and bright in color with a better taste and lingering flavor. Can Black Tea Be Used for Gongfu Brewing? 1. Selecting Suitable Black Tea: Gongfu brewing usually suits single-origin teas, and there are many varieties of black tea, each with different flavors and aromas. Choosing the right variety of black tea is crucial. Generally, Yunnan black (Dian Hong), Lapsang Souchong, Keemun black tea, and Golden Eyebrow are suitable for gongfu brewing. 2. Controlling Brewing Time: Gongfu brewing requires shorter steeping times, while black tea typically needs longer steeping times, usually around 3-5 minutes. It's important to control the brewing time to avoid overly strong or weak tea. 3. Adjusting Water Temperature: Gongfu brewing typically uses boiling water, whereas black tea should be brewed at a slightly lower temperature, around 90°C. Adjusting the water temperature is necessary to prevent the tea from being too hot or too cool. 4. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware: Gongfu brewing often uses clay pots or glass cups, while black tea is better…

The liquor of black tea is bright red, and its taste is mellow, sweet, and pleasant. However, many friends find that black tea can be quite particular when brewing it; if the temperature isn’t right, the tea doesn’t taste as it should. To understand this issue of water temperature, we must first consider another question: the rate at which the internal components of the tea leaves are released. It’s easy to understand that the higher the water temperature, the faster these components will be released. If you want a cup of tea that is full-bodied in color, aroma, and flavor quickly, then boiling water is the way to go. There has always been a belief in the industry that tender teas can be scalded by boiling water. However, considering green tea is often processed at temperatures above 85°C during stir-frying, where does the idea of scalding come from? Black tea is not stir-fried but goes through drying or sun-drying processes, typically at temperatures below 85°C. This leads to an interesting question: stir-fried green tea cannot be brewed with boiling water, nor can fermented black tea, suggesting that black tea is even more delicate than green tea? When it comes to…

Many people believe that during the processing, transportation, and storage of tea leaves, they come into contact with a lot of dust, tea fuzz, and impurities. Rinsing the tea can clean these off, making the tea healthier and more hygienic to drink. Is this true? Scientific tests show that most bacteria and microorganisms are killed at water temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius. Typically, the water temperature used for brewing tea is not lower than 80 degrees. Generally speaking, green teas do not need to be rinsed, especially tender shoots picked before the Ming Festival, which can be directly brewed using mid-dunk or top-dunk methods. For black teas and oolong teas, you may rinse them once with hot water, but it's also fine to skip this step. Personally, I usually choose not to rinse the tea. Teas that are generally recommended for rinsing are compressed teas, particularly aged compressed teas. The rinsing process not only gives the impression of washing away impurities (which doesn't really happen) but also serves as a way to awaken the tea (the key effect of rinsing compressed teas). If you do rinse the tea, how should you do it? Green teas typically do not require rinsing.…

Tea drinking, much like coffee drinking, can be addictive. Once you experience the joy, you might find yourself engrossed in certain behaviors without even realizing it. How many of these apply to you? Stockpiling tea The desire to stockpile tea is similar to the urge to stockpile groceries. When you finally manage to buy some, why not stock up a bit more? What if it becomes unavailable later on? Or what if the price goes up? And so, you end up with... more tea than you can drink. Buying various teaware A good horse deserves a good saddle, and fine tea deserves beautiful teaware. Longjing tea should be paired with a celadon porcelain cup, Houqiu with a simple Sung-style glass bottle, and Wuyi rock tea wouldn't be complete without a set of gongfu tea ware... Before you know it, your collection of cups and pots has grown exponentially. Your storage cabinet is filled with all sorts of teaware of different shapes, materials, and styles. In a way, these collections represent the various moods of the tea drinker. Feeling an itch to try new teas Chinese tea has strong regional characteristics, and the same leaf can produce countless flavors. For tea…

The highest praise for a cup of tea is perhaps its ability to bring about a sweet aftertaste, turning initial bitterness into lasting sweetness. But what exactly is this “sweet aftertaste”? Let me explain the intricacies of this phenomenon. What is Sweet Aftertaste? The term "sweet aftertaste" refers to the specific taste experience that results from an initial bitterness followed by a sweet sensation in the throat. When tea touches the tongue, it brings a clear yet slightly bitter taste that lingers in the mouth, gradually evolving over time as the sweetness overtakes the bitterness, culminating in a sweet finish. This stark contrast and comparison within a single sip of tea creates a remarkable impact on the palate. A strong and enduring sweet aftertaste is often used as a key criterion for evaluating high-quality tea. This transformation from bitterness to sweetness is more dramatic than immediate sweetness, giving the tea a richer character and depth. How to Identify High-Quality Tea Through Sweet Aftertaste However, the intensity of the sweet aftertaste is not an absolute indicator of a tea's quality. For example, lower-quality teas with excessively bitter flavors can produce a strong sweet aftertaste due to the contrast. Additionally, some teas…

Many people enjoy savoring tea during their leisure time. There are many types of tea, among which Pu'er tea is a relatively popular one. Pu'er tea has a unique aroma and a sweet and mellow taste, making it a healthful tea suitable for all ages. So how should Pu'er tea be drunk? How to Brew Pu'er Tea The brewing of Pu'er tea can vary depending on the age of the tea, whether it's raw or ripe, the choice of vessel, water temperature, and amount of tea used. Generally, Pu'er tea is brewed with boiling water at 95 to 100°C to bring out its aroma and flavor. Start by breaking off about 7 grams of tea, then warm the cups and teapot. Rinse the Pu'er tea once or twice, pouring in boiling water and immediately discarding it. During actual brewing, the first few infusions should be quick, with the brewing time gradually increasing as the number of infusions increases. When the tea becomes lighter, you can allow it to steep longer. When to Drink Pu'er Tea Pu'er tea is a healthy beverage that can generally be consumed at any time. If you're particular about drinking it for health benefits, ripe Pu'er…

1. Do we feel joy when drinking tea? Dopamine, a term we are all familiar with, is a central neurotransmitter that activates brain nerve cells and its physiological activity is closely related to one's emotional state. Scientific experiments have proven that L-theanine in tea can significantly promote the release of dopamine in the brain’s central nervous system, enhancing the physiological activity of dopamine within the brain. (Reference: China National Knowledge Infrastructure - "Research on the Performance and Synthesis of L-Theanine" by Chen Yinxia) It must be admitted that tea is a very charming beverage. 2. Flower + Tea = Happiness > 2 Jasmine + Green Tea: Jasmine has a fresh and vivid aroma while green tea is refreshing. Through the skilled craftsmanship of tea artisans, the scent of jasmine is infused into the tea. The result is a jasmine green tea that is subtle yet fragrant, not too light nor too heavy. Sipping it releases the full fragrance of summer between your lips and teeth. Osmanthus + Black Tea: Osmanthus has a rich and intense fragrance, while black tea is sweet and mellow. The osmanthus black tea produced through this process has a soft and sweet liquor, with the scent…

Pu'er shengcha is a treasure in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. To truly appreciate its unique flavor and rich aroma, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. Whether you're a tea art novice or an experienced tea lover, this article will provide you with the most detailed and friendly guide to brewing Pu'er shengcha. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Understanding Your Pu'er Shengcha Before brewing, it's key to understand the basic information about the tea. Pu'er shengcha undergoes natural fermentation, giving it a unique fragrance and taste. Its leaves are typically large, greenish in color, and have a fresh, natural aroma. The quality of Pu'er shengcha is closely related to its origin, harvest time, and storage duration, so when purchasing, choose reliable brands and channels. Preparation: Utensils and Water There are many options for brewing Pu'er shengcha, including covered bowls, purple clay pots, and glass teapots. Each type has its unique advantages, but the most important thing is to choose utensils that you feel comfortable using and can fully showcase the characteristics of the tea. The quality of water greatly influences the tea infusion. Ideally, the water should be clean, odorless, and have moderate mineral content. The best choice…

Brewing tea is not only a pleasure but also an art. To brew the perfect cup of leaf tea, you need good quality tea leaves and the right brewing techniques. Today, we will discuss how to brew the best leaf tea at home so that every sip is filled with warmth and comfort. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Right Tea Leaves Before brewing, selecting the right tea leaves is crucial. There are many types of teas available on the market, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea. Different types of tea have different characteristics and brewing methods. Green tea has a fresh fragrance, black tea is rich and full-bodied, oolong tea lies between these two in terms of flavor, white tea is more delicate, while Pu'er tea requires long-term aging. Preparing Necessary Utensils (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Brewing tea requires some basic utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, thermometer, and timer. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature and brewing time, so these utensils help you better control the brewing process and ensure each cup of tea achieves its optimal taste. Mastering the Correct Water Temperature Water temperature…

White tea Gentleman's tea As the saying goes, tea needs to be brewed, and people need to think things through. Tea is also known as the trouble cleanser and the worry forgetter. In the summer and autumn seasons, a cup of white tea is most suitable. A great choice for cleansing troubles and forgetting worries. There are more brewing methods waiting to be discovered. Gaiwan Drink before the flowersbloom Faint aroma in a gaiwan. Brewing white tea with a gaiwan is the least likely to go wrong. Whether it’s the delicate Bai Hao Yin Zhen or the mature Shou Mei, whether it’s new tea or aged tea, brewing with a gaiwan is a method that accurately represents the color, fragrance, and taste of the tea. Kettle brewing Prosperity fades, far away from the southern river, Leisurely drawing mountain spring water to brew tea. Kettle brewing has a long history in China and is often mentioned in literary poetry. This method adds an air of antiquity and literary interest. It is more suitable for mature Gong Mei and Shou Mei, or aged Bai Mu Dan. The resulting tea soup is rich, smooth, and sweet. Often, it yields aromas of dates, wood,…

   The seven correct steps for brewing tea: boiling water, washing cups, adding tea leaves, infusing, pouring tea, serving tea, and savoring the tea.    The first step is to boil the water for brewing. The second step is to rinse the teaware with boiling water. The third step is to add the tea leaves to the cup. The fourth step is to pour water over the leaves to infuse them. The fifth step is to distribute the tea into the cups. The sixth step is to serve the tea to guests. The seventh step is to enjoy the tea with guests or friends. One; Boiling Water    For brewing tea, mountain spring water, purified water, and mineral water are ideal choices. Regardless of whether you need water at 80 degrees Celsius or 90 degrees Celsius, it must be boiled first before cooling to the desired temperature. Two; Washing Cups    Pour hot water into the teapot, gaiwan, aroma cup, and tasting cup. This process, known as warming and rinsing the teaware, cleans the utensils and raises their temperature, which helps in bringing out the aroma of the tea later on. Be sure to quickly discard the water. Three; Adding…

Raw Pu'er tea should be rinsed once. Made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea in Yunnan, raw Pu'er tea is characterized by its rich and strong flavor, full tea aroma, distinct throat resonance, and intense fragrance. Rinsing the tea helps to better activate the tea's vitality, facilitating the release of its aroma and taste substances. However, the number of rinses should not be excessive; generally, one rinse is sufficient. The True Purpose of Rinsing the Tea The true function of rinsing the tea lies in moistening the leaves to allow them to fully expand, also known as "moistening the tea" or "waking up the tea." This process helps to induce the tea's aroma and flavors, which will be better presented after the leaves have expanded, almost as if they are awakened. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea 1. Selecting the Utensil The first step in brewing raw Pu'er tea involves choosing the right utensils. Commonly used vessels for raw Pu'er include gaiwans and purple clay pots. Newer raw Pu'er is recommended to be brewed in a gaiwan, while older raw Pu'er is best suited for a purple clay pot. 2. Tea-to-Water Ratio To achieve a good taste, the tea-to-water ratio is…

Raw Pu'er tea and ripe Pu'er tea are the two types of Pu'er. It is best to store raw Pu'er for a period before brewing, as this will make its taste smoother. A purple clay pot is recommended for brewing raw Pu'er. Two rinses are required when brewing, followed by a third steeping of 10 seconds. Afterward, pour the tea into a filter cup to remove the leaves, then evenly distribute it into small cups for serving. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea The last step that influences the quality of the tea before tasting is the brewing process. Each type of tea has its own brewing techniques, and each specific variety has its own nuances. Today, we'll introduce you to the key points of brewing raw Pu'er tea, hoping to provide some useful guidance. Choice of Tea Utensils 1. Main Brewing Vessels Covered Bowl (Porcelain Pot): The first choice for younger Pu'er teas or those with loose leaves. Purple Clay Pot/Silver Pot: The first choice for aged Pu'er with tightly compressed leaves. Pros and Cons: A covered bowl makes it easier to control the water flow and speed, effectively avoiding oversteeping, and allows for direct observation of the tea…

The Spring Festival is over. I wonder how all you tea enthusiasts spent your holidays? I bet you enjoyed a lot of great food and drinks. However, during the Spring Festival, indulging in feasts, staying up all night, and other activities might have put quite a strain on your body. If you learn to brew some health-promoting teas, they can help you better adjust after the holiday period. Therefore, that first cup of tea after the festival is very important for us. 01 Say Goodbye to Gastrointestinal Stress Pu'er tea has the effects of nourishing the stomach, regulating the intestines, clearing turbidity, and removing greasiness. Mature Pu'er tea or aged raw tea has a relatively mild nature, which can nourish and protect the stomach, especially for people with stomach problems. After the three festivals, consuming a large amount of high-calorie foods can lead to indigestion. At this time, it's even more important to take care of your stomach. 02 Banish Spring Drowsiness and Fatigue Spring is a good season for health preservation. During spring, people often drink more floral teas, which can help improve physical fitness and enhance the constitution. If one takes good care of their body in spring,…

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…

1. Drinking tea can eliminate fatigue. After a tiring day, have a cup of tea, and you will feel relieved, from its aroma to the water sensation, massaging your tense nerves both inside and out. 2. Drinking tea can enhance your appreciation of aesthetics. Set up a tea table, arrange the items, and pair them with flowers; your sense of beauty in life will improve over time. 3. Drinking tea can freshen your breath. If you’ve had garlic for lunch and just ran out of mints, how do you handle a client meeting later? Chew on two or three tea leaves for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth with water. You’re good to go for a kiss too — if you happen to be alone, swallow it with your saliva; that works as well… 4. Drinking tea can enrich your conversation starters. Use tea as your calling card. In appropriate settings, instead of introducing your name, tell others about your favorite tea, revealing aspects of your personality and areas of expertise, creating memorable connections. Being interesting means not following the script is actually the most distinctive approach. 5. Drinking tea can reduce damage from radiation. Browsing online shops, scrolling…

When describing a good cup of tea, the term “salivation upon tasting” is often used, along with another term, “sweet and salivating.” In short, a good tea is one that induces salivation. This sensation refers to the spontaneous secretion of saliva under the tongue when the tea is first tasted, creating a slightly sour yet sweet aftertaste in the mouth. This effect then spreads to the cheeks and the surface of the tongue. But why does this happen?This is because the tea contains substances such as polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, pectin, and vitamins, all of which promote salivation in the mouth. Generally, the higher the quality of the tea, the greater the concentration of these substances, leading to a stronger and longer-lasting salivation effect. This is why it is said that the better the tea, the more salivation it induces. This salivation can be divided into several types: Salivation at the Cheeks After the inner lining of the mouth tastes the tea, the stimulation from the polyphenols causes the inner walls of the cheeks to tighten and contract, resulting in a sense of astringency and the secretion of saliva. This type of salivation is referred to as “salivation at the…

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…

Embrace the Magic of Flower Tea Flower tea is not just a beverage, it's a way of life. Whether you're seeking relaxation or simply enjoying its taste, brewing a cup of flower tea is a delight. Here, we will detail how to brew flower tea correctly so that you can enjoy a perfect cup every time. Select High-Quality Flower Tea Ingredients To brew a delicious cup of flower tea, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Whether it's rose, jasmine, or chrysanthemum tea, choose those with bright colors, intact petals, and rich fragrance. This ensures both great taste and additional health benefits. Prepare Suitable Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water used for brewing flower tea is crucial. It's best to use purified or mineral water to avoid the chlorine and impurities found in tap water, which can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also key; different types of flower tea require varying temperatures. Generally, the ideal brewing temperature for flower tea is between 80°C and 90°C, ensuring the aroma and nutrients are preserved without being damaged. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringement occurs.) Master the Proper Amount of Tea Leaves The amount of tea leaves…

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…

Methods for brewing new white tea include: brewing with a white porcelain lidded bowl, brewing with a glass cup. For aged and old teas, there are more options available; in addition to the white porcelain lidded bowl and glass cup, you can also use a method of cooking the tea. Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Cold Brew Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony. Water: Cold boiled water or mineral water Amount of tea: 1-3g, less than when brewing hot Steps: Place the white tea in mineral water and let it steep for 1-2 hours. Advantages: Clear and sweet taste, lighter than when served hot, but more natural than bottled tea drinks. Disadvantages: Difficult to bring out the true flavor of white tea, requires a longer time. 2. Lidded Bowl Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, new white tea Tea-to-water ratio: 1:30 Water temperature: 85-90°C Steps: Warm the cup and clean the utensils, add the tea, pour water along the edge of the lidded bowl, after 10 seconds, quickly pour out the infusion, increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion, generally brewable about ten times. Advantages: The most common brewing…

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…

As a top-notch contender in the tea world, Pu'er tea not only excels in its inner qualities but also transforms endlessly in its outer appearance. As the forms of Pu'er tea continue to evolve, shapes such as bricks, cakes, tuans, and tos have emerged, along with many Pu'er teas being crafted into tea beads. Perhaps due to their striking and beautiful appearance, these beads have been given a charming name: Dragon Beads. Pu'er Dragon Beads are round and "playful," unlike regular loose or cake teas where the method of brewing is familiar to many. The unique shape of Pu'er Dragon Beads can sometimes make it challenging to brew them properly. Often, after several infusions, the leaves remain tightly embraced and unwilling to separate, or the steeping time is too long, resulting in an unappealing concentration and flavor... The most frustrating part is that many Dragon Beads are made from high-end, premium Pu'er teas. It seems essential to understand the proper way to handle Pu'er Dragon Beads. How are Dragon Beads Made? The difference in the production process of Pu'er Dragon Beads lies solely in the shaping stage. Typically, a single Dragon Bead uses 5-8 grams of material. After steaming the…

Summer is scorching hot, and you may crave a cup of warm tea. Many tea enthusiasts wonder what kind of tea they should drink during the summer months. Based on different scenarios, we recommend the following teas.Prevent Heatstroke—Drink White Tea Hot weather can easily cause heatstroke, especially for those who work or play outdoors frequently. In this case, white tea is your go-to choice. White tea is lightly fermented without roasting or kneading, making it cool in nature. It contains abundant amino acids that help reduce heat and eliminate summer heat, effectively preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with cold stomachs should drink less and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. Boost Energy and Nourish Stomach—Drink Black Tea During summer, people tend to feel listless and drowsy. The caffeine-rich black tea stimulates the central nervous system, accelerates blood circulation, promotes metabolism, thus helping to boost energy and alleviate fatigue. In summer, we often consume icy foods or cold drinks to cool down. However, doing so can easily harm our delicate digestive system. As black tea is warm in nature, it has the effect of warming and protecting the stomach. Therefore, summer…