Brew Tea

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.…

Boiling tea can be seen as an advanced method compared to steeping. Typically, boiling is used when the full depth of flavor cannot be extracted by steeping alone, as boiling makes the tea more aromatic and robust. Generally, older teas are better suited for boiling because they are more resilient and have a richer and varied internal quality. Examples include aged white tea, aged Pu'er tea, and aged Tieguanyin oolong. Tea can be boiled directly or after initial steeping. Lighter teas like white tea are suitable for direct boiling in a pot, while stronger teas such as dark teas benefit from being steeped in a covered bowl for four to five rounds before boiling, preventing the resulting brew from being overly strong. What Kinds of Tea Can Be Boiled? Which Teas Are Best for Boiling? 1. Young White Tea Should Be Steeped; Aged White Tea Is Better Suited for BoilingWhite tea is a minimally processed tea that is sun-dried or gently oven-dried, giving it a distinctive silver color and "green with white" appearance. Its aroma is gentle, and its liquor is light. White tea is typically categorized into Silver Needle (pure buds), White Peony (one bud and one or two…

As is well known, the advantage of purple clay teapots lies in tea brewing. What is the connection between them? Generally speaking, purple clay teapots are not picky about the type of tea; any kind of tea can be brewed using a purple clay teapot. However, how to best match the characteristics of the pot with those of the tea is a question worth studying. Brewing certain teas in specific pots can make the pot more lustrous and produce a richer, more fragrant infusion. 1. Crimson Clay Teapot 【Crimson Clay Teapot】usually has a high mesh count and a dense structure, which results in minimal loss of the aroma of highly aromatic teas. It enhances the tea's qualities by concentrating and enhancing its fragrance, making it an excellent companion for oolong teas. Crimson clay teapots are suitable for brewing highly aromatic teas such as Taiwanese high mountain teas and Tieguanyin from Anxi, effectively bringing out their aromatic properties. Teapots used to brew Tieguanyin often develop a particularly bright sheen due to the rich aromatic oils in the tea leaves. It should be noted that crimson clay has a very high shrinkage ratio and is prone to cracking due to thermal expansion…

Fu brick tea can be brewed or boiled. This type of tea is made from fermented dark tea, and its leaves are relatively coarse and contain a certain proportion of tea stalks. When brewing, use boiling water, and you may rinse the tea 1-2 times. It has a high tolerance for brewing and a robust flavor. You can also prepare it by boiling, but pay attention to the amount of tea used, as too much can be overpowering. Fu Brick Tea: Better Brewed or Boiled? Fu brick tea can be brewed or boiled, but overall, brewing produces better results. Brewing Method: Place the Fu brick tea in a cup and pour boiling water directly over it. Cover the cup and let it steep for 5 minutes before drinking. Boiling Method: Put the prepared Fu brick tea into a glass pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and after boiling, add cold spring water. After boiling again, strain the tea and remove the residue before serving. Fu Brick Tea with Milk: Place the prepared Fu brick tea in boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes. Then add milk and bring to a boil. Use a strainer to remove the tea residue…

Icing tea, a type of Pu'er tea from Yunnan, China, is beloved for its unique flavor and rich mouthfeel. However, to brew a perfect cup of Icing tea, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. This article will detail the steps and tips for brewing Icing tea, allowing you to enjoy this precious beverage at home with ease. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Icing Tea Leaves To brew good tea, start by selecting high-quality Icing tea leaves. High-quality Icing tea leaves are typically lustrous in color, have a strong aroma, and are whole leaves. Additionally, choose reputable tea shops or brands to ensure the quality and safety of the tea. Preparing the Brewing Utensils Brewing Icing tea requires the following utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, tea towel, tea tray, and thermometer, etc. Choose ceramic or purple clay teapots, which can better maintain the temperature and flavor of the tea infusion. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Controlling Water Temperature and Tea Quantity Water temperature and tea quantity are key when brewing Icing tea. Icing tea is best brewed with water at 90-95 degrees Celsius; water that is too hot or too cold can affect the taste of…

Infusing black tea 3-5 times is generally best, as continued infusions will result in a very light flavor. However, high-quality black teas can be infused over 10 times, such as Jin Junmei and Yunnan ancient tree black teas. When infusing high-grade black teas, you can use water at 100 degrees Celsius. The techniques for infusing black tea, so you don’t waste it. Tea enthusiasts know that black tea is delicious, but the taste can vary when brewed by different people. For example, if the tea is steeped for too long or too much tea is used, the flavor changes. Knowing some infusion techniques can help bring out the aroma and taste of the tea. Today, I’d like to share some techniques for infusing black tea, [Black Tea Infusion Techniques] Choice of teaware: glassware, ceramic covered bowls, purple clay pots Amount of tea: 5-8g Water temperature: 85-90°C Steeping time: For the first three infusions of black tea, the tea can generally be poured out immediately, with subsequent infusions allowing for slightly longer steeping times. Number of infusions: 5-6 is optimal 1. During the first infusion, about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances in the tea are extracted; 2. The second…

Many people say that drinking tea at night is a no-go as it can cause insomnia. Does drinking tea in the evening always affect your sleep? Not necessarily. While it's true that tea has stimulating properties, it can also have a calming effect. By making informed choices about the type of tea and how you drink it, you won't just avoid disrupting your sleep but may even improve its quality. Reasons for Insomnia from Drinking Tea The common belief that tea causes insomnia stems from the caffeine content in tea leaves, which can energize and keep you awake. However, this isn't an absolute rule. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on various factors such as the type of tea, growing conditions, harvest season, picking standards, processing methods, and brewing techniques. People also vary in their tolerance to caffeine due to differences in constitution and lifestyle habits. Some individuals find that even a small cup of tea before bed keeps them tossing and turning all night, while others who regularly drink tea can still enjoy a peaceful sleep after their nightly cup. How to Drink Tea Without Insomnia 01 Drink tea 3-5 hours before bedtime If you plan to go…

Xiaoxinggan requires a rinse before steeping. Before you start, prepare a pot of boiling water and tear open the cotton paper wrapping of the Xiaoxinggan. Remove the Xiaoxinggan and place it in a gaiwan. Pour boiling water over it and immediately pour out the water; this is considered rinsing the tea. The rinse time should not be too long, generally no more than 5 seconds. After rinsing, you can proceed with the formal steeping and finally enjoy the tea. Many people are curious about whether the first steep of Xiaoxinggan needs a rinse. In fact, the first steep of Xiaoxinggan still requires a rinse. My suggestion is that the first two steeps can be directly discarded, which helps to wash away impurities in the tea. After removing the outer packaging of the Xiaoxinggan, lift off the lid and pour in boiling water. After about 3 seconds, quickly pour out the tea water. For the second steep, pour in boiling water again and let it sit for 3-5 seconds before pouring out the tea soup. Starting from the third steep, allow a bit longer steeping time, which will help the tangerine peel absorb water fully and release its essential oils and…

First, prepare a lidded bowl, a fairness cup, tasting cups, a tea strainer, a tea towel, etc. Scald the lidded bowl and other tea utensils with boiling water. Then, add 6 grams of Pu'er tea leaves and 2 grams of Chenpi (aged orange peel), pour in 100°C boiling water, and quickly rinse the tea (discard the rinse water). Next, pour water over the tea in a circular motion, cover the bowl, and after about 5 seconds, strain the tea into the fairness cup. Finally, pour it into the cups to drink. The Correct Brewing Method for Chenpi Pu'er Tea I. Broken Brewing Method 1. Open the outer packaging and take out an intact small green tangerine. 2. Crush the small green tangerine gradually and put the peel and tea together in a cup. 3. Pour boiling water over them. Rinse the tea once and then give it a second rinse. For this brewing method, be sure to decant the tea quickly to avoid overly strong or bitter and astringent flavors. 4. After five infusions, you can gradually increase the steeping time to maintain the taste and flavor of the tea. 5. It can be brewed around thirteen times. Additionally, because…

"Nine out of Ten People Have Gastric Issues," referring to the fact that most people have some degree of gastric problems. Many believe that tea harms the stomach, and those with poor digestive health should avoid it altogether. This is actually a significant misconception. For individuals with normal or slightly weaker digestive functions, all that's needed is to follow proper tea-drinking methods and choose suitable types of tea. Those with severe gastric conditions or who have been advised by doctors not to drink tea should follow medical advice. The key to whether tea nurtures or harms the stomach lies in how one drinks it. I. What "Stimulation" Does Tea Have on the Stomach? Tea can create a certain "stimulation" on the stomach, but this stimulation isn't entirely negative. On one hand, some active substances in tea bind with stomach proteins, which might cause discomfort for those with gastric issues. However, this discomfort is likely due to the timing, concentration, and amount of tea consumed. On the other hand, the alkaloids in tea can stimulate gastric juice secretion, promoting digestion and increasing appetite. For example, after consuming greasy foods, one often experiences bloating and nausea. Drinking a cup of tea half…

What is Dancong Tea? Dancong tea, produced in the Fenghuang Mountain area of Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China, is a type of Oolong tea with distinctive local characteristics. It is renowned for its unique aroma and rich flavor, earning it the accolade of being the "cream of the crop" among teas. The name Dancong originates from the mother tree "Dancong," referring to a single tea plant, and its intricate production process makes it a premium tea. The Uniqueness of Dancong Tea What sets Dancong tea apart is primarily its aroma and taste. There are various aromatic types of Dancong tea, such as Orchid, Huangzhi, and Honey Orchid, each with its own distinct character. The tea-making process includes withering, shaking, fixation, rolling, and baking, each step requiring the skilled craftsmanship and extensive experience of the tea maker. Brewing Steps for Dancong Tea While Dancong tea boasts exceptional quality, the correct brewing method is essential to fully appreciate its unique flavors. Below are detailed brewing steps for Dancong tea. 1. Preparing the Tea Utensils Firstly, choosing suitable tea utensils is very important. Generally, a gaiwan or a purple clay teapot is the best choice for brewing Dancong tea. A gaiwan can better…

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…

Tea brewing can be simple or complex, and in daily life, we often opt for simplicity. In everyday settings like home or the office, we often want a good cup of tea that is both convenient and quick. Today, I will share with you a method of brewing tea in a cup to enjoy a great cup of tea in just one minute—the cup brewing method. Cup Brewing Method The cup brewing method is commonly used in daily life due to its simplicity. Simply add an appropriate amount of tea leaves and pour in hot water, let it steep for a certain period, and then you can drink directly from the cup. If using a transparent glass cup, you can clearly see the elegant appearance of the tea leaves in the water. While the cup brewing method seems simple, to quickly brew a cup of tea with good taste and temperature, you can use a two-step brewing method with "hot water + room temperature water" and pay attention to the following points: Firstly, the ratio of tea to water. Taking Dafolongjing tea as an example, when using a straight cylindrical glass cup with a capacity of 200 mL, generally, a…

Pu'er ripened tea is processed from Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea through pile fermentation and other techniques, resulting in a mild tea with reduced bitterness and astringency, characterized by its smooth, rich, and mellow flavor. Ripened tea can be relatively difficult to brew; a misstep could result in weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, or unpleasant odors. Sometimes, it may even produce an unappealing soy sauce color. Even more perplexing, well-stored tea might yield a drying, harsh, and constricting sensation in the throat. So, how should ripened Pu'er tea be brewed? Point One: Pre-infusing the Tea Ripened tea, whether loose or compressed, may have varying degrees of tightness or clumping. Pre-infusing helps the tea to evenly expand, allowing it to better express its character. Note that pre-infusion time should not be too long. Pour boiling water over the tea and after 5 to 10 seconds, pour out the water. Immediately after pouring out the pre-infusion water, uncover the vessel to smell the aroma, indicating that the pre-infusion is complete. During pre-infusion, maintain a gentle and steady stream of water to avoid agitating the leaves violently; after pre-infusion, drain the tea leaves as thoroughly as possible. Point Two: Choosing the Right Brewing Utensil…

Green Tea Green tea is unfermented and consists of tender leaves, which require a lower water temperature for brewing. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for green tea should be between 80°C and 85°C. If the water is too hot, it can destroy vitamin C and polyphenols in the tea, making the brew bitter. Therefore, it's recommended to boil the water first and then let it cool for a while until it reaches the appropriate temperature before steeping the green tea. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement occurs) White Tea White tea is also unfermented and consists of delicate leaves, suitable for brewing at even lower temperatures. Typically, the best brewing temperature for white tea is between 70°C and 75°C. Higher temperatures can destroy the nutritional components of the white tea, causing the brew to lose its unique fragrance and sweetness. Oolong Tea Oolong tea lies between green and black teas as a partially fermented tea. Oolong tea requires slightly higher water temperatures, generally ranging from 80°C to 95°C. Higher temperatures can fully release the rich aroma and unique flavor of oolong tea, but they shouldn't be too high, as this could affect the freshness of the brew. (Image source: Internet,…

In recent years, Anhua dark tea has been widely pursued and favored by consumers due to its remarkable effects. Brewing Anhua dark tea is a simple yet somewhat challenging art; if not careful, the brewed tea may have a light taste, weak aroma, and thin mouthfeel. Even worse, well-stored aged dark tea can produce a drying and slightly astringent tea soup in the throat. So how can we make Anhua dark tea taste better?   Step 1: Place the Tea Control the tea-to-water ratio to lay a foundation for the concentration. For a 100ml teapot with a lid, use 10 grams of tea. This amount generally ensures a balanced ratio, which you can adjust according to personal taste. Also, adjust the steeping time accordingly. For example, if brewing several infusions, increase the amount of tea used and try to pour out the water quickly during the initial few steeps. Step 2: Rinse the Tea Moisten the tea leaves and clean the surface. From this rinsing step onward, pour the water gently. You can pour in a circular motion or in a steady stream, but the water flow must be calm and stable. Avoid making the tea leaves tumble violently. If…

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…

Black tea is fully fermented, and during the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea leaves oxidize continuously. Originally hidden within the leaves, nutrients move to the surface and dissolve easily in water. Therefore, brewing black tea is very skill-dependent. Key to brewing great black tea, aside from the amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time, is having a good purple clay pot. So what kind of pot allows even a beginner tea enthusiast to brew delicious black tea? The rich aroma of black tea and the warmth of a purple clay pot have an inherent connection, blending together to create a cup of tea that lingers in the memory. When using a purple clay pot to brew black tea, it's important to understand these aspects to bring out the best flavor. Purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties and retain the tea's fragrance. Purple clay pots have a unique dual-pore structure, with both chain pores and closed pores coexisting. Chain pores allow the tea's aroma to pass through the pores, but because they are winding and tortuous, some residue remains on the pore walls. This is the primary reason why purple clay pots retain the tea's fragrance. Black tea…

Bai Mudan tea, as a premium variety of Chinese white tea, is renowned for its unique flavor and health benefits. The correct brewing method not only maximally showcases its aroma and taste but also preserves its rich nutritional content. Today, we will take an in-depth look at the brewing time and techniques for Bai Mudan tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Characteristics of Bai Mudan Tea Bai Mudan tea originates from Fujian Province. The tea leaves consist of two leaves and a bud, with green leaves and silver-white buds, resembling a blooming peony flower, hence the name "Bai Mudan." The tea-making process is simple, mainly involving natural withering and slight fermentation, preserving the natural form and nutritional components of the leaves. Basic Steps for Brewing Bai Mudan Tea To enjoy the best taste of Bai Mudan tea, brewing time and water temperature are crucial. Here are the detailed steps: Prepare the Teaware Bai Mudan tea is suitable for glass cups or transparent covered bowls, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the leaves in the water. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select Water Quality Pure or mineral water is recommended to avoid the impact of chlorine and…

In autumn, dryness prevails and can easily deplete body fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry cough without phlegm or difficulty coughing up thick phlegm, dry eyes, mouth, and nose, tight and wrinkled skin, and irritability with difficulty sleeping. Dr. Tan Tao, Director of the Cervical and Lumbar Injuries Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommends several health teas suitable for consumption during autumn. Chrysanthemum Tea Place four to five chrysanthemum flowers in boiling water and steep for two to three minutes. This tea has effects of dispersing wind-heat, suppressing liver yang, and clearing the liver and brightening the eyes. Chrysanthemum tea can also enhance the elasticity of micro-vessels, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This tea is suitable for those with dry eyes, high blood pressure, and those prone to getting heat-induced oral ulcers. There are many types of chrysanthemums, each with slightly different effects. However, no type of chrysanthemum should be consumed continuously over a long period. Those who usually feel cold, have a cold constitution in the spleen and stomach, or experience diarrhea easily, those with wind-cold common cold, and women during menstruation should avoid drinking this tea. Tangerine Red…

On November 22, it was too cold and there were no customers in the shop. Tea merchant Old Yang had steeped a pot of tea until it lost its flavor and was about to change it when a middle-aged man in his early forties suddenly came in. One look and you could tell he was a seasoned tea drinker with over ten years of experience. There are some people who just give off a vibe that they are tea drinkers. This feeling is hard to describe but is usually accurate. Old Yang set aside the Mangfei tea he had just pried open and instead served single-tree Bingdao Bawai from 2020. Although single-tree Bingdao Bawai is somewhat rare on the market, he makes sure to stay on the mountain every year to make tea and jointly lease the tea garden with a few tea-making friends, trying to negotiate lower prices with the local farmers. Once truly produced, even a single-tree variety yields about twenty kilograms. Drinking 5-8 grams at a time doesn't make it feel particularly scarce. Treating customers with good tea is done wholeheartedly and in the spirit of friendship through tea. Unexpectedly, the middle-aged gentleman turned out to be…

Generally, a pot of around 150cc is selected, with purple clay being the best choice. Typically, pots with a low and broad body and good water release are preferred. The main difference between brewing in a small pot and using a lidded bowl lies in the water release process. There's a delay in water release when using a small pot, so it's important to allow for this during operation. The tea should be just right before the pour begins, with the ideal moment controlled at about halfway through the water release, ensuring the tea broth is just right. Another difference is that a small pot can be warmed by pouring boiling water over it, which helps to enhance the flavor of teas that require high temperatures. Preparation Before Brewing Tea: 1. Use mineral water or purified water, and generally, boiling water is best. 2. Prepare a pot of suitable capacity based on the number of people. Set the approximate amount of tea (for example, for a 200cc pot, use about 8g of tea) according to the capacity and the number of people or individual taste preferences. 3. Warm the pot: Pour boiling water into the pot, which primarily serves to…

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…

The method for brewing white tea cake: 1. Pry the tea – pry as much as you need; 2. Add tea – use 5g of tea with a 110 ml white porcelain gaiwan; 3. Brew the tea – pour boiling water at 90-100 degrees Celsius over the tea, the first infusion is for rinsing the tea, and subsequent infusions up to the fourth should be quick, starting from the fifth infusion gradually increase the steeping time. How to Brew White Tea Cake 1. Pry the tea Prepare tea prying tools such as a tea knife. After opening the packaged white tea cake, insert the tea knife from the side edge of the tea cake, apply a little force and gently push it into the tea cake, then lift upward. Note that you should insert along the gaps between the tea leaves to ensure that the tea cake is pried layer by layer. 2. Add tea Pry as much tea as you intend to drink, avoiding prying too much. Typically, use 5g of tea. Choose an 110 ml white porcelain gaiwan for brewing. Warm the cup, add the tea, and pour in hot water at 90-100 degrees Celsius. The first rinse…