Brew Tea

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…

The number of steepings and the duration of each steeping for Puerh tea can vary based on the quality of the tea and personal taste. Generally speaking, Puerh tea can be steeped three to five times, with each steeping lasting around 10-20 seconds. The specific method for steeping Puerh tea is as follows: For the first steeping, pour boiling water into the gaiwan and quickly discard it. This serves to awaken the tea. For the second steeping, pour boiling water into the gaiwan and let it steep for 10-20 seconds before pouring out the tea liquor. At this point, the tea liquor should have the best flavor. For the third, fourth, and fifth steepings, pour boiling water into the gaiwan. The steeping time can be extended slightly according to personal taste before pouring out the tea liquor. After each steeping, clean the gaiwan to maintain its cleanliness. Puerh tea is more resilient than most teas and can typically be steeped continuously over ten times until the liquor becomes very light. Puerh tea is usually steeped with boiling water at 95-100°C. High temperatures help release the aroma and facilitate a quicker infusion of the tea's flavors. When boiling pure or spring…

Unique Ways to Prepare Pu'er Tea In the world of Pu'er, there are these unique tea-making methods. Let's explore how many you've tried. Bamboo-Flavored Tea The Bamboo-Flavored Tea is a distinctive method used by the Dai and Lahu people. It gets its name from the bamboo fragrance infused into the tea leaves. ① Soak glutinous rice for two hours, then spread it at the bottom of a steamer. Place dried tea leaves on top and steam them. ② Once the tea leaves have softened and absorbed the aroma of the rice, pack them tightly into a bamboo tube. ❸ Seal the opening with sweet bamboo leaves and slowly roast the bamboo tube over charcoal until it turns yellow and the tea inside is completely dry. ❹ To consume, split open the bamboo tube, portion out some tea leaves into a bowl, and pour boiling water over them to drink. Roasted Tea Roasted tea is one of the drinking methods used by the Lahu people. The preparation process is relatively simple. ① Directly roast fresh tea (one bud and five leaves) over fire until it turns golden brown. ❷ Place the roasted tea into a preheated clay pot, add water, and…

Water pouring is the only step in tea brewing that requires complete manual control. The speed of pouring, the intensity of the water flow, the direction, height, and thickness of the water stream are all manually controlled but have a significant impact on the quality of the tea. Common methods of water pouring include: spiral pouring, circular pouring, single-point pouring on one side, and central point pouring. Common techniques for pouring water include: high pouring, high suspension, low pouring, and low suspension. Let’s take a look at these four methods and techniques to see how they work and what their characteristics are. The Four Methods of Water Pouring in Tea Brewing 01. Spiral Pouring This method ensures that the edges and the surface of the tea leaves in the gaiwan come into direct contact with the poured water, increasing the blend of tea and water at the moment of pouring. This pouring technique is suitable for black tea, green tea, and white tea. Or, when brewing later infusions where the flavor has become lighter, using spiral pouring can help the tea essence to release more quickly. 02. Circular Pouring As the name suggests, this involves pouring water in a circle…

"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…

   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…

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…

Since the weather has warmed up, the number of people engaging in outdoor activities has soared, and camping consumption has become popular. Various camping tools and leisure activities related to camping have also continued to sell well and gain popularity. The lifestyle of getting close to nature has become a trend pursued by many citizens. Setting up a tent in the mountains, placing a small table, preparing some grilled food and fruit platters, and adding a pot of cold-brewed tea and some tea snacks, the healing feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle and heading for the mountains naturally arises—it's practically a real-life version of "The Life We Aspire To." What kind of tea is suitable for camping? It must be cold-brewed tea, which is easy to prepare and refreshing. With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, why not invite a few friends or bring your family along to unlock the camping trend and experience the romance of summer mountain stream ice tea cold brew! Here are a few quick and delicious cold-brewed teas recommended for you if you're going camping: 01 Basic Cold-Brewed Tea Place the tea leaves in a container, add drinking water, and refrigerate overnight. This method…

The challenge in brewing Pu'er tea lies in its vast variety and ever-changing characteristics. Each time you brew Pu'er, the shape, age, and features seem different. This is the nature of Pu'er tea. To brew it well, you need to understand these factors: Newly Produced Sheng Pu'er (Raw) In terms of nature, newly produced Sheng Pu'er is similar to green tea. When brewing, avoid a cooked or over-steeped flavor by using slightly lower water temperature and a quick pour-off. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the tea tree variety, region, age of the trees, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors require slightly cooler water and shorter steeping times, while those with lighter flavors are the opposite. Newly Produced Shou Pu'er (Ripe) Compared to older teas, new Shou Pu'er often has some less desirable qualities, like a murky infusion, an impure aroma, and a less refined taste, along with off-flavors like the "pile" smell and strong bitterness. Since the water-soluble compounds in new Shou Pu'er dissolve quickly, you should aim to highlight its strengths and minimize its weaknesses by using high-temperature rinses to remove unwanted flavors, slightly cooler water for brewing,…

Litchi, also known as lychee, is loved for its sweet and fragrant flesh. The entire fruit is a treasure trove of medicinal value. For instance, litchi seeds can help regulate qi flow, dispel cold and stagnation, and relieve pain. Litchi shells are known to alleviate heatiness in the body to some extent. A lady's laughter through a cloud of red dust; none would know it was due to litchis coming—Du Mu, "Passing by Huaqing Palace (Three Quatrains, First)" Eat three hundred litchis daily, I would not mind being a southerner forever—Su Shi, "Eating Litchis" In May in the south, litchis are as red as cinnabar, each one round like a dragon's pearl—Liu Zuman, "Litchi" Many tea enthusiasts also love litchis but may wonder which teas pair well with them. In fact, litchis have a strong compatibility and can be paired with many foods, producing unique effects. With tea, you can try pairing litchis with black, white, or green tea—all of which work well. Here are the benefits of combining litchis with tea: Litchi Black Tea—Beauty and Detoxification Litchis contain vitamins A, B1, and C, as well as pectin, free amino acids, proteins, and elements such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium.…

Pu'er tea cakes are compressed into the shape of a cake, commonly known as Pu'er tea cakes. Pu'er tea is often stored and transported in the form of compressed cakes; historically, one cake weighed 357 grams, with seven cakes making up one bundle for ease of calculation and transportation by mules. How to Properly Unpack a Pu'er Tea Cake Pu'er tea cakes are layered, so to unpack them without breaking them apart, you need to use the right tools: a tea knife and a tea pick. The method is as follows: Stand the tea cake upright and choose a looser spot on it. Insert the tea knife parallel to the surface of the cake, gently levering it, and repeat this process to break the tea cake apart neatly. The method for opening a tea cake: Because the way tea cakes are made is quite unique, special attention should be paid to keeping their integrity when opening them. Hold the tea needle and follow the texture of the tea cake, inserting it along the edge, one needle at a time, maintaining the integrity of the pressed pattern. After going around the cake with the needle, you can peel off a ring…

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】…

Brewing tea is an art, and brewing green tea with tea ware is one of its finest aspects. Green tea is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its fresh and delicate flavor and its rich nutritional value. Today, we will discuss how to brew a great cup of green tea using tea ware, making every tea-tasting experience enjoyable. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting Suitable Tea Ware The choice of tea ware for brewing green tea is very important. We usually select glass tea ware, white porcelain tea ware, or purple clay pots. Glass tea ware is translucent, allowing you to clearly observe the dance of the tea leaves in water. White porcelain tea ware preserves the original color and aroma of the tea leaves. Purple clay pots, due to their unique breathability and heat retention properties, are also suitable for brewing green tea. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting and Preparing the Tea Leaves There are many varieties of green tea, such as Longjing, Biluochun, and Maojian, each with its unique flavor. When selecting tea leaves, it is recommended to choose fresh leaves, as new tea has better aroma and taste. Take an appropriate…

Enshi selenium-rich tea is cherished for its unique geographical environment and abundant selenium content, making it a precious type of tea. Selenium-rich tea not only has a distinctive taste but also offers various benefits and effects. Let's explore together how to brew a perfect cup of Enshi selenium-rich tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select High-Quality Enshi Selenium-Rich Tea The key to brewing tea lies in the quality of the tea leaves themselves. Choose high-quality Enshi selenium-rich tea, which can be purchased at tea markets or online platforms to ensure authenticity. Prepare Clean Water The quality of water significantly impacts the taste of the tea. It's best to use mineral water or filtered water. Chlorine and other impurities in tap water may spoil the taste of the tea. Control Water Temperature The optimal brewing temperature for Enshi selenium-rich tea is between 80°C and 85°C. Too high a temperature can cause the loss of the tea's aroma and nutrients, while too low a temperature will not fully release the tea's fragrance. A thermometer can be used to precisely control the water temperature. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Warm the Teaware and Rinse the Tea Before officially brewing the tea,…

"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…

Tea enthusiasts are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to truly appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to drinking Pu'er tea. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production techniques result in cakes that are evenly shaped, compact, and uniform in thickness. With the advent of electrostatic dust removal machines, modern Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers are free of foreign objects. Prior to 2004, when such machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities due to manual sorting. The color distinguishes raw from ripe teas: ripe teas are dark brown, while raw teas range from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), transitioning from loose to compact, thin to robust, dry to lustrous. Step 2: Touch the Tea The compactness of the tea indicates its aging potential; loosely packed leaves age faster under equal storage conditions, while tightly packed leaves age more slowly. Surface blending involves sprinkling higher-grade leaves on the surface for a better appearance, while a single-grade cake consists of uniformly graded leaves throughout, without any external embellishment. Step 3: Smell the Dry Tea As the name suggests, use your nose to carefully smell the tea. Pu'er tea improves with…

The Mengding Ganlu tea leaves are slender and covered with abundant down, presenting a beautiful yellow-green liquor that is clear and bright. To fully exhibit the quality characteristics of Mengding Ganlu, we need to master the correct brewing method and precautions. As Mengding Ganlu is a premium high-mountain green tea, the "top pouring method" is very suitable. Step 1: Warming the CupSelect a glass cup for brewing, which allows you to better observe the unfolding changes of the tea leaves and appreciate the clarity of the tea liquor. First, warm the cup by rinsing it with hot water, not only sanitizing it but also helping to enhance the aroma of the tea. Step 2: Pouring WaterFill the glass cup with water heated to 75-85°C (mountain spring water, purified water, or well water are recommended). Since Mengding Ganlu is made from delicate young shoots, too hot water can scald the leaves, affecting the taste. Step 3: Adding TeaGenerally, about 3-4 grams of Mengding Ganlu is suggested for brewing, maintaining a tea-to-water ratio of 1:30. Beginners may use an electronic scale for greater precision. Step 4: SteepingLet the tea steep for 3-4 minutes, allowing the leaves to slowly sink and unfold. The…

What we dread most about winter is the lack of sunshine, wrapping layer upon layer of clothing yet still feeling the chill. Though we might not have a roaring fireplace, brewing a pot of aged tea on a small stove is certainly doable. The flames dance within the stove as the steam, carrying the aroma of the tea, gradually fills the room. Lifting the teapot to pour out the tea, the bright red liquor is enveloped in warm vapor. Sipping the tea, its soft and gentle texture feels like winter sunshine, warming both body and soul. On sunny days, one can take a small stool and sit under the sun, a bowl of aged tea at hand. Bathing in the warm sunlight while sipping hot tea, perhaps reading a book, pondering something, or simply daydreaming, relishing this moment of tranquility. This is likely the charm of aged tea—it brings warmth and induces calmness. As the weather gets colder, appetites tend to grow. Those who eat half a bowl of rice in summer may find themselves consuming a full bowl in winter. However, it’s not just about the quantity; even half a bowl needs side dishes! In the past, I assumed…

The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) states that "the lungs govern the skin and hair." With each breath we take, the lungs, through their function of dispersion, distribute vital energy and body fluids throughout the body to nourish the skin and hair, maintaining normal skin metabolism. If there are issues with the lungs, they often manifest through our skin. For example, dull skin without luster, roughness, and enlarged pores... To nourish the lungs and beautify the skin, according to the principle of "five colors correspond to five organs," there is a saying that "white nourishes the lungs." Mentioning white, tea enthusiasts immediately think of white tea. Silver Needle White Tea, made from tea buds, stands out among all white teas as particularly charming. Some describe it as "green snow bud" and call it the beauty among teas. Besides its high aesthetic value, Silver Needle is also rich in nutrients, with amino acid content reaching up to 9%. Its polyphenol content is also high, and after being stored for a year, it becomes richer in flavonoids. Silver Needle is not only widely recognized and consumed by the general public; its components' effects have been researched by countries…

When drinking Fuding white tea, have you ever paid attention to the temperature of the tea? Have you ever hesitated and wondered if you should drink it right after brewing? You might think: If I drink it now, will it scald my mouth? Should I let it sit for a while? But then, how long should I wait? Sometimes, you forget about it and by the time you remember, it's cold... Do you have similar experiences? Perhaps because of your fondness for it and desire for a better taste, you are hesitant to drink it; at the same time, you wonder whether drinking it immediately provides the highest nutrition or if letting it sit improves its flavor. When the tea is freshly brewed, steam rises from it. You take the first blow to disperse the steam on the surface of the tea to avoid burning your lips; the second blow disperses any floating particles; and finally, when the temperature is just right, you can enjoy the warm liquid flowing down your throat. The flavor is at its best right after brewing. Although the temperature is high at this point, it can retain the taste of the tea, allowing its aroma…

What is Pu'er Tea Fossil? The Pu'er tea fossil is a special form of ripe Pu'er tea, named for its appearance resembling stone. It is made through a unique fermentation and compression process, possessing a distinctive aged aroma and rich flavor. Not only does the tea fossil perform well during brewing, but it is also favored by tea enthusiasts for its convenient storage and portability. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Preparations for Brewing Pu'er Tea Fossil Before officially starting the brewing process, it is important to prepare the following tools and materials: Teapot or gaiwan: Preferably use a purple clay teapot or gaiwan, as this can better preserve and enhance the aroma and taste of the tea fossil. Teacups: Choose small to medium-sized cups, which are convenient for appreciating the changes in each infusion. Tea cloth and tray: To keep the tea table tidy and facilitate handling. Six Gentlemen of Tea: Auxiliary tools such as tea tongs and tea scoops. How to Brew Pu'er Tea Fossil? The steps for brewing Pu'er tea fossil may seem complex, but they are not difficult once you grasp the essentials. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Washing the Tea Due to its tightly…

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…

Pu'er tea is a fermented tea, a representative type in Chinese tea culture. It offers various benefits, such as lowering blood lipids and pressure, aiding weight loss, and providing antioxidants. However, there are certain techniques and tips to consider when brewing and drinking Pu'er tea. Here are some recommended methods. Cleaning Tea Ware: Pu'er tea often has surface oils and dust, so it's important to clean the tea ware before brewing. Rinse the teapot or cup with boiling water once, then discard the water, rinse again with hot water, and finally, empty the pot or cup. Brewing Time: As a fermented tea, Pu'er generally requires longer brewing times. For the first infusion, aim for about 10 seconds, and increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion. The tea is usually richest in flavor around the 5th to 6th infusions. Amount of Tea: The amount of tea used for brewing Pu'er differs from other teas. Typically, use 3 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water. For a stronger flavor, you can adjust the amount accordingly. Water Temperature: Controlling the water temperature is crucial for Pu'er tea. A temperature of around 100°C is recommended for most Pu'ers, but for aged Pu'er,…

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…