Brew Tea

Pu'er tea is a distinctive type of Chinese tea, renowned for its rich flavor and unique taste, capturing the hearts of many tea enthusiasts. Pu'er tea has always been a favorite among tea lovers due to its excellent health benefits and suitability as a wellness choice. However, for those who love drinking tea, enjoying a good cup of Pu'er tea not only depends on the quality of the tea but also on mastering the art of brewing it. How can you brew raw Pu'er tea to make it even more enjoyable? Let’s explore a simple method for brewing Pu'er tea. Brewing Pu'er Tea for Optimal Flavor Pu'er tea comes in two varieties: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Raw Pu'er tea, after sun-drying, has a restrained flavor and is typically drunk as loose leaves or broken off from compressed cakes. Ripe Pu'er tea, after undergoing pile fermentation, undergoes internal changes that make its components easy to extract; it is often sold as compressed teas, such as cakes or tuos. From the processing methods, we can deduce that when brewing raw Pu'er, the focus is on releasing its aroma and flavor, while with ripe Pu'er, the aim is to allow a graceful…

   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…

Oolong tea, also known as Qingcha or semi-fermented tea, is a distinctive category among the major types of Chinese teas. Oolong tea is made through processes such as killing green, withering, shaking green, fermentation, and baking, resulting in a high-quality tea. Characteristic oolong tea has red edges on the leaves and a green center, with a yellowish-red infusion, rich flavor, and unique floral and fruity aromas that linger long after tasting. Famous oolong teas include: Fujian Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong tea, Dongding Oolong tea, and Wuyi Dahongpao. "The pot is the father of tea, water is the mother of tea, charcoal is the friend of tea," when it comes to brewing tea, the teapot is extremely important. So, what kind of purple clay pot is suitable for oolong tea? In terms of clay material: The infusion color of oolong tea is mostly orange-yellow or golden yellow. Based on this characteristic, suitable purple clay pot materials for oolong tea can be selected from duan clay, original green clay, zuni (red clay), and red clay. The taste of oolong tea is full-bodied and its aroma is rich, which is one of the most significant features of oolong tea: its high aroma. Therefore, you…

Dark tea is named for its black appearance when finished. It is one of the six major categories of tea and is a post-fermented tea. The main production areas are in Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions. Traditional dark tea is made from mature raw dark tea leaves, which are primarily used as the main ingredient for compressed teas. Can dark tea be paired with milk? Dark tea contains rich vitamins and minerals, while milk has a high content of proteins and minerals. Combining dark tea with milk is not only nutritious but also very healthy. Therefore, it is possible to brew dark tea with milk. In Northwest China, many people like to mix dark tea with milk and add a moderate amount of salt, creating a cup of milk tea with a distinctive Western Chinese flavor! It's really convenient and simple! When brewing dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this can cause the milk to curdle and reduce the nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60-80°C before adding the milk. This will…

The tea aroma is one of the many reasons people fall in love with drinking tea. In the experience of tea's color, fragrance, and taste, the fleeting and elusive nature of its aroma makes it even more enchanting. Smelling the aroma is not only an important way to identify the quality of tea leaves but also a significant aspect of appreciating the charm of tea.The composition of tea's aroma is relatively complex and can be influenced by various factors, such as variety, region, season, cultivation conditions, storage methods, fresh leaf quality, and processing techniques. Different types of tea have their own unique aromas and flavors, and these two elements are the most crucial aspects of tasting tea. Therefore, learning to smell the tea's aroma can help people better appreciate tea. What does "smelling the tea aroma" entail? The tea aroma is a mixture. So far, about 700 aroma compounds have been identified. Fresh leaves contain nearly 100 aroma compounds, and the number increases after processing. For example, green tea contains over 200 different compounds, black tea has over 400, and oolong tea has even more. These numerous aroma components form the complex and ever-changing tea aroma. When people smell the…

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…

Why does the tea you brew always taste different from that of a tea artist? It turns out that every step, from boiling water, selecting utensils, preparing the tea leaves to brewing, can affect the infusion. Brewing tea is not only a technical skill but also requires meticulous attention. The details make or break the result. Whether the tea tastes good or not depends on whether you have paid attention to these details and methods. Boiling Water Boil water this way for better-tasting tea In his book, "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty described three stages of boiling water: First Boil: When the water starts bubbling like fish eyes with a gentle sound; Second Boil: When bubbles rise like a spring of pearls; Third Boil: When the water surges and waves like a rushing tide. For modern people, boil water quickly over high heat instead of slowly over low heat. When the water continuously bubbles at the second or just into the third boil, its activity is best. If boiled too long, the oxygen content decreases, reducing its activity, which we often refer to as "over-boiled" water. This negatively impacts the infusion. If using tap water,…

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…

Since ancient times, the Chinese people have had a profound connection with tea, evolving from consuming to drinking tea, and from cultivating, picking to processing it. The industrious and wise Chinese people, based on local conditions, have utilized core techniques such as fixation, withering, yellowing, oxidation, piling, fermentation, and scenting to develop six major types of tea - green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas - along with flower-scented teas and other processed teas, totaling thousands of varieties. In this deep-rooted relationship with tea, different tea-drinking and tea-meeting customs have been formed and passed down through generations. On November 29, 2022, China's "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Customs" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This entry encompasses 44 national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects, including four traditional tea customs: Bai ethnic three-course tea, Yao ethnic oil tea, Tea Gathering Festival, and Jing Shan tea banquet. The Chinese tea culture is not only long-standing but also constantly renewed. To further enhance the recognition of Chinese tea customs and the entire Chinese tea culture, and to promote their protection, inheritance, development, and dissemination, the All-China Co-operative News·Tea Weekly has specially planned…

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…

"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…

Is drinking tea "refined" or "common"? "Refined" means elegant and sophisticated, while "common" refers to everyday, popular customs. Tea was originally common, starting from medicinal use, then culinary use, and eventually evolving into the most beloved drink of the Chinese people. In its transmission, tea became refined through the praise of people. People discovered that even among chaotic rocks, tea can take root and sprout, embodying resilience; that tea needs to be steeped in hot water to release its sweetness, with the leaves rising and sinking like life itself; and that drinking tea nourishes one, keeping the habit can make one’s thoughts sharp and mind tranquil... All these are qualities we aspire to have or enjoy experiencing, many of our better thoughts find solace in tea. Thus, monks, scholars, officials, and imperial families of ancient times all sang praises of tea, promoted it, made good tea, and brewed it well. The ritualistic aspect of tea-drinking gradually increased, making it a refined affair, giving rise to "tea culture". In the past, when social hierarchy was strictly defined, only those of high status could drink tea in a refined manner, while others would do so in a simple, mundane way. Today, in…

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.…

The scent is the most immediate aspect to greet you before drinking tea. A pleasant aroma refreshes the mind, while an off-odor is displeasing and makes the tea uncomfortable to drink. If you detect any of these unpleasant odors, be cautious. Charred Odor in Tea The charred odor is produced when leaves are carbonized during tea processing. A charred odor in tea typically occurs in two situations: First, if some old leaves are mixed in during stir-frying, or if the leaves aren’t stirred evenly, or if there’s too much leaf debris, they can easily become charred. Another common situation is with Wuyi Rock Tea where, if the roasting isn’t properly controlled, or if the roasting is intentionally overdone to mask some defects in the leaves, it can lead to carbonization. The result is a charred odor and a bitter taste. In daily life, many people don’t pay much attention to the charred odor in their tea. However, charred tea should not be consumed. Most of the nutrients in charred tea have been lost, so from both a nutritional and food hygiene perspective, charred tea leaves should not be drunk. Water-Stagnation Odor in Tea The water-stagnation odor refers to a dull…

Many people say that drinking tea at night will cause insomnia. Does drinking tea in the evening necessarily affect your sleep? Not necessarily. While it's true that tea can be invigorating, it can also have a calming effect. By adjusting the type of tea and how you drink it, you can avoid disrupting your sleep and may even improve its quality. Main reason for insomnia caused by tea: People often say that drinking tea causes insomnia because it contains caffeine, which can both energize and keep you awake. However, this is not always the case. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on many factors such as the variety of tea, growing conditions, harvest season, picking standards, processing methods, and brewing techniques. People also vary in their tolerance to caffeine based on their constitution and lifestyle. Some people find themselves tossing and turning after just a small cup of tea before bed, while others who regularly drink tea still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Here’s how to drink tea without causing insomnia: 1. Drink tea 3-5 hours before bedtime If you plan to go to bed at 11 PM, drink tea (after a meal) before 8 PM. This generally won’t…