Brew Tea

"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…

Tea, seemingly just a small drink to quench one's thirst, but upon closer appreciation, one can uncover its charm. For those who enjoy tea, drinking alone is enjoyable, as is inviting a few close friends to share a cup. Whether on a journey, in the park, or on the grass, brewing a cup of tea adds a unique pleasure to these moments. Beautiful appearances are all the same, but interesting souls find joy in tea. Those who love tea can glimpse into the past and future through the minutiae of daily life, and they can also encounter another version of themselves in the aroma of tea. When everyday life serves as the vessel, the tea's fragrance lingers far and wide; when the tea's aroma nourishes us, the world shares in its delight. The charm of tea is like that of a dancing plant; while many flowers are beautiful and captivating, only this one can move to a dance. To truly love tea, one must first understand it. I have interviewed several "tea enthusiasts" and "tea fanatics," whose deep affection for tea knows no bounds. Each year, they travel extensively across the major tea mountains in Wuyi, familiarizing themselves with every…

Bai Mudan tea is renowned among tea enthusiasts for its unique aroma and taste. To fully experience the delightful flavors of Bai Mudan tea, the correct brewing method is crucial. This article will guide you through the proper way to brew Bai Mudan tea, ensuring that every cup delivers its best flavor. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Understanding Bai Mudan Tea Bai Mudan tea belongs to the category of Chinese white teas and is produced in the Fuding and Zhenghe regions of Fujian Province. It is made from one bud with two or three leaves, which have a white downy appearance, hence the name "Bai Mudan." This type of tea has a fresh floral fragrance and a sweet taste, with an attractive appearance. The brewed tea has a light yellow color that is clear and bright. Preparation To brew a good pot of Bai Mudan tea, preparation is very important. First, choose high-quality Bai Mudan tea leaves to ensure the best aroma and taste in the tea liquor. Suitable tea ware should also be prepared; porcelain or glass tea ware is typically recommended as it allows better observation of the tea leaves unfolding in the water and the color…

When brewing white tea, the water temperature should be controlled between 90-100°C. Fresh white tea, with its tender texture, is suitable for brewing with boiling water above 90°C. For aged white tea, it requires boiling water at 100°C to awaken its inner qualities. Brewing Water Temperature for White Tea The water temperature for brewing white tea is 100°C. As a fermented tea, the use of boiling water helps extract the inner substances from the leaves, resulting in a more fragrant and flavorful infusion. If the water temperature is too low, the tea leaves will not fully open, leading to a bland taste. When brewing white tea, it is recommended to use a lidded bowl. First, place the dry tea leaves inside, then pour in boiling water to rinse the tea. After 5 seconds, discard the water. Then add boiling water again, do not cover, and after 1-2 minutes when the tea has expanded, it can be consumed. Brewing Time for White Tea The brewing time for white tea varies according to the number of infusions. The first infusion takes about 5 minutes, the second takes around 3 minutes, and subsequent infusions should also be kept around 3 minutes. Typically, white…

Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripened varieties. Raw tea has a more stimulating flavor, while ripened tea, after pile fermentation, has a milder nature. When brewed, it produces a bright red infusion, a rich aroma, and a smooth, full-bodied taste; it is suitable for consumption by the general public. Brewing delicious ripened Pu'er tea is not difficult; simply use boiling water to bring out the characteristics of the tea. Pu'er Ripened Tea Brewing Steps 1. Waking the Tea Pu'er tea is often compressed into shapes like cakes, bricks, or tuos. For compressed teas, you can break up the cake or brick into smaller pieces of about 2 to 3 grams a week in advance and place them in a clay jar to "wake the tea." This allows the tea leaves to come into contact with more air, moisture, and oxygen, further activating their properties. However, this step is only necessary for compressed teas. If you have a less compressed cake or loose leaf ripened tea, you can skip the waking process. 2. Choosing the Utensil When brewing Pu'er tea, Yixing clay pots are generally recommended due to their good breathability and adsorption properties, which make the tea liquor…

Old white tea doesn't need to be boiled for too long, or it will become bitter and astringent, making it difficult to drink. When boiling the first pot of tea, the water doesn't need to boil for too long. After adding the tea, you can turn off the power source and use the residual heat to warm it up. Once the water stops boiling, you can pour out the tea and drink it. How Long to Boil White Tea? No Need for a Long Boil! The general boiling time for white tea is 3 to 5 minutes. Start by taking 5g of white tea and 500ml of cold water. Pour the cold water into the teapot and turn on the teapot switch, setting the temperature to 100°C. Once the water boils, remove the lid and add 5g of white tea to the pot. Boil again until it reaches boiling point, then turn off the heat. The boiling time should not be too long, generally around 3 to 5 minutes. There are two ways to boil white tea: one is to directly boil the dry tea, and the other is to first wake the tea with boiling water in a teacup…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…

Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, and the brewing method is the same for both. It consists of four steps: warming the utensils, adding the tea, brewing, and decanting the infusion. First, thoroughly rinse the teaware with boiling water. Then place the tea leaves in a gaiwan and pour 100°C water over them. After about 5 seconds, quickly decant the infusion. Finally, pour it into the teacup to drink. I. Correct Method for Brewing Pu'er Tea To begin, the process includes selecting the tea, preparing the utensils, choosing the water, adding the tea, and drinking the tea, which involves five steps. For drinking Pu'er tea, it's best to use specialized thin porcelain ware produced in places like Jingdezhen, as porcelain retains the aroma and flavor of the tea well. (1). First, prepare a purple clay pot or a gaiwan, a pitcher, several small porcelain cups, a strainer and its holder, and a drip tray. (2). In principle, soft water should be used, such as purified water, mineral water, or tap water that meets drinking standards. Mountain spring water is even better. Water temperature significantly affects the aroma and taste of the tea, so Pu'er tea requires boiling…

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…

Both cooking and infusing black tea are acceptable methods. As a fermented tea, this type is typically infused but is also suitable for boiling. In daily life, you can choose according to your preference. Infusing black tea has its own nuances; this type of tea is commonly prepared using the plain infusion method, which involves not adding any condiments to the tea infusion. This allows the flavor of the tea to be better showcased.The recommended choice for infusing black tea is a porcelain cup, or alternatively, a coffee cup. Use boiling water around 100°C, poured from a higher position into the cup. This method ensures that the tea leaves are fully expressed. Black tea can also be enhanced with various accompaniments, which can make it even more delicious. Common additions include sugar, milk, lemon, coffee, honey, or champagne in the tea infusion, creating a unique flavor profile.For the best-tasting black tea, use "soft water," which is low in calcium and magnesium, when infusing. The amount of tea used for infusing should be adjusted based on the characteristics of the tea, the number of guests, and their preferences. If you prefer a lighter tea, use less; if you prefer a stronger…

Pu'er tea cakes require the assistance of tools such as a "tea knife," "tea needle," or "tea cone" to break them apart before brewing. Pu'er tea cakes come in two types: raw and ripe, which are compressed to different degrees of tightness and therefore require appropriate tools for breaking them apart.The tea knife is primarily used for prying apart less tightly compressed raw Pu'er tea cakes with larger tea strands; while the tea cone and tea needle are mainly used for more tightly compressed ripe tea cakes, ripe tea bricks, and small compressed teas like tuo cha. However, in daily use, both can be used together according to the specific situation. Steps for Prizing Apart the Tea Cake: 1. Place the tea cake flat and slowly insert the tea knife along the side edge. 2. Gradually push the tea knife into the tea cake, once inserted to a certain depth, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to prevent breaking the tea cake into too many small pieces. 3. Slowly apply upward force with the tea knife to pry off pieces of the tea cake. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 to gradually pry apart the tea cake layer by layer. The tea cake…

Steeping tea is something everyone can do. Boil some water, warm the tea leaves with the temperature of the water, and you have a fragrant cup of tea. Tea drinkers are aware that tea cannot be steeped too many times, but some teas can be boiled. So here's the question: if tea leaves should not be steeped for too long, why can they be boiled? What’s Wrong With Steeping Tea Too Many Times? Many people only know that steeping tea too many times results in a bland taste, but they don't understand the deeper reasons. In fact, tea leaves contain beneficial substances such as polyphenols (which have anticancer properties), polysaccharides (which can lower blood sugar), caffeine (which stimulates the central nervous system), and various amino acids and vitamins. The amount of these beneficial substances that dissolve is closely related to the number of steepings. Generally, the larger the particles of the tea, the slower the release of nutrients; smaller particles release them faster. After about 8-10 steepings, most of the beneficial components have been extracted, and the tea becomes less aromatic and tastes thin, bitter, and less enjoyable. Therefore, further steeping is not particularly meaningful. Additionally, if tea is left…

A critically important chapter in the history of human civilization has been written by fragrances. Those invisible scents have established the closest and most mysterious connection between humans and nature. Humans, relying on this marvelous relationship, have experienced significant enhancement and progress in every aspect, from the material to the spiritual, from the sensory to the mental, from religion to politics, and from science to art. However, contemporary people, living in an extremely realistic yet virtual society, are constantly exposed to all kinds of informational "stimuli," making our inner space seem increasingly "powerful." Simultaneously, with our daily indulgence in flavorful foods and spicy drinks, our tastes seem to have become increasingly bold. Over time, many people have realized that their senses have regressed significantly, and there is a certain barrier between their sense of smell and fragrances… Nowadays, with the revival of Puer tea at the beginning of the new century, the era of Puer tea consumption is dawning, and identifying and appreciating its aroma has been elevated to unparalleled heights. Even in general tea evaluation, aroma alone accounts for 30% to 40% of the total score, demonstrating the crucial role and significance of smelling in the enjoyment of tea.…

Black tea, with its mild nature, is suitable for all ages and is loved by many tea enthusiasts. However, some enthusiasts complain that the tea they brew has a sour and astringent taste, not as pleasant as they imagined. Is it because the tea isn't good? Or is it the way you're brewing it? Even the most mild-mannered person can lose their temper sometimes, and similarly, while black tea is easy to brew, when done incorrectly, it can result in an unpleasantly sour, bitter, and astringent taste. To enjoy a good cup of tea, having high-quality tea leaves alone is not enough; one must also use the correct brewing method to properly bring out the aroma and flavor. Now, let's share the method for brewing black tea. The Correct Method for Brewing Black Tea Warm the teaware: Before brewing black tea, pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups to warm them up. This increases the temperature and ensures cleanliness. Add tea: Using a tea measure, add 5g of tea leaves to the warmed teacup, adjusting the amount based on the number of people and the size of the cup. Brew: Gently pour freshly boiled water into the teacup until…

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

The brewing method for aged Pu'er tea differs significantly from that of new tea. With new teas, there are many varieties, and the focus during brewing is often on identifying any shortcomings. For aged teas, however, quality is high and quantity is limited, so the goal when brewing is to highlight its strengths and minimize its weaknesses, doing justice to this precious aged tea. Brewing Pu'er tea requires skill and attention to detail. As the saying goes: "The devil is in the details." Brewing tea is not only a technical skill but also a meticulous one. Here are four key phrases to remember. How to brew aged Pu'er tea for the best flavor? Catchphrase 1: Awaken the tea before brewing. Aged Pu'er tea is stored in an environment with low oxygen, dryness, and no light, which keeps its internal substances in a state of low activity. Without awakening the tea, the flavor will be flat and unappealing. Therefore, before brewing aged tea, it's necessary to awaken its qualities, quickly elevating them to a higher standard. The process of awakening the tea can be done dry or wet. Dry awakening involves opening the packaging of the stored aged Pu'er tea and…

Bai Mudan tea, originating from Fujian Province in China, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique floral fragrance and gentle taste. To brew a perfect cup of Bai Mudan tea, you need not only high-quality leaves but also the right brewing methods. In this article, we will detail the steps and techniques for brewing Bai Mudan tea, helping you enjoy this delicious beverage at home. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Understanding Bai Mudan Tea Bai Mudan tea is a type of white tea, which belongs to the minimally processed teas. It is made from the buds and leaves of the Da Bai (big white) or Shuixian (water nymph) tea plants, harvested when they are one bud and one leaf or one bud and two leaves. The appearance of Bai Mudan tea resembles petals, with silver-white buds interspersed with green leaves. The brewed tea has a clear and bright color, a distinctive aroma, and notes of floral and subtle fruity fragrances. Selecting High-Quality Bai Mudan Tea Leaves To brew a great-tasting cup of Bai Mudan tea, start by choosing quality leaves. High-quality Bai Mudan tea leaves have vibrant colors, intact buds and leaves, and carry a natural floral scent.…

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…

Water is the mother of tea, and the vessel is its father. To brew a good cup of tea, both the choice of water and the brewing vessel are crucial. What kind of tea ware should you choose when brewing Pu'er tea to best present its characteristics?A fine cup of tea is the result of a harmonious interplay between the tea, water, and vessel. When selecting tea ware, practicality should be the primary consideration, followed by aesthetics and overall coordination. There are various types of tea brewing vessels, made from materials such as porcelain, clay, and glass, in different shapes, including teapots and covered bowls. Today, we will introduce some commonly used tea wares for brewing Pu'er tea. 1. Covered Bowl (Gaiwan) A covered bowl, also known as a gaiwan, is a three-piece tea ware set consisting of a lid, bowl, and saucer. Mr. Lu Xun once said, “To enjoy good tea, one should use a covered bowl.” Gaiwans are widely used and are often referred to as "versatile tea wares," suitable for brewing almost any type of tea. White porcelain gaiwans do not absorb the aroma of the tea, have good heat dissipation, are easy to control and clean,…

In the scorching summer heat, drinking green tea is a great choice. Those who understand tea know that there are specific nuances to brewing green tea. Beyond the requirement for water temperature, the order in which the tea leaves are added is also very important. Let's explore the three different methods of adding tea leaves. I. The Three Methods of Adding Tea Leaves 1. There’s an Art to the Order of Adding Tea Leaves When you brew tea, do you put the tea leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour half the water before adding the leaves? These questions might seem trivial, but using green tea as an example, different types of green tea have different methods of adding the leaves. 2. Top Addition Method: Pour the water first, then add the tea leaves, allowing them to sink slowly. The top addition method is suitable for tea leaves that are heavy and covered with fine down, such as Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the tea leaves will naturally sink when placed in the water, gradually releasing their internal substances. The down on the surface will also slowly disperse in the water, resulting…

Yixing purple clay pots are renowned traditional tea brewing vessels in China. A purple clay pot enhances the color of the tea without overpowering its aroma, maximizing the release of its flavor. Here are several points to consider when brewing tea with a purple clay pot. 1. Warming the Pot The pot and cups should be heated with hot water both inside and out. This not only cleans the pot but also warms it, enhancing the awakening of flavors. Soaking both the interior and exterior can prevent the buildup of residue from previous brews. After warming the pot, pour the water into the fair cup and tea cups to rinse them. 2. Warming the Cups ① Warming the cups serves to clean the tea utensils. Even when left on the tea tray, they can collect dust. Before brewing, rinsing them with boiling water effectively removes any grime. ② Warming the cups helps better release the tea's aroma. Different aromas have different boiling points and can be affected by heat. When the room temperature is low, the cups will also be cooler, which can affect the water temperature during brewing and thus the flavor. Warm cups also prevent the tea from…

Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and sweet aftertaste. However, to truly bring out the deliciousness of Biluochun, it's crucial to master the correct brewing method. Today, we'll discuss how to brew a cup of fragrant and rich Biluochun tea using the simplest methods. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Biluochun Tea? Biluochun tea is produced in Dongting Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This tea is named for its early picking time, tender leaves, and slender curled shape. Biluochun tea is known as "Terrifyingly Fragrant" because of the intense aroma it emits during the stir-frying process, which is intoxicating. Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Tea To brew good tea, you must first choose good tea leaves. High-quality Biluochun tea has tightly twisted, fine strands with visible white down and a bright green color. It should have a noticeable floral and fruity fragrance, and the tea liquor should be clear and bright. Purchasing from reputable brands and channels ensures the freshness and quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing Tools and Water The tools for brewing tea can include glass cups, white…

We believe that there is a certain standard for tea infusion, and this standard represents the "objective quality" of the tea. This standard is defined as the preferred taste by over 80 out of 100 tea connoisseurs. This standard is within a specific range, not at a single fixed point. If we further discuss the appreciation of the tea infusion, treating it as a piece of work, it should first be brewed to the aforementioned standard concentration. Under such standard concentration, differences in personal preferences for aroma and aesthetic appreciation will arise. Once we enter the realm of appreciation, might some people suddenly think that the tea should present itself one way, then another way? It shouldn't be so. Whether they are the tea brewer or the taster, if their appreciation lacks a consistent standard, saying that one presentation is good at one moment and another is good the next, it indicates an unclear understanding of the tea's quality characteristics. From the perspective of the tea brewer, it means they have yet to effectively grasp the tea's quality characteristics through brewing. It is incorrect to regard occasional presentations as the quality characteristics of the tea. Just like a painting, the…

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,…