Brew Tea

Green tea should not be brewed with boiling water at 100°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea that retains the natural components and green hue of the fresh leaves. Using boiling water can cause an overly rich release of nutrients from the green tea, potentially destroying some of these nutrients, and diminish its value for drinking. What is the Suitable Water Temperature for Brewing Green Tea? The water temperature for brewing green tea should be controlled between 80 to 85°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea made by picking tender buds and leaves, then undergoing processes such as fixation, shaping, and drying. This preserves the natural substances and green hue of the fresh leaves, which are delicate in nature. If the water temperature is too high during the brewing process, it can destroy the nutrients in the green tea, causing the flavor to become excessively bitter and astringent. Additionally, this may result in a too concentrated tea infusion, which could be burdensome for the body after consumption. Green tea can be brewed both hot and cold. When cold-brewing green tea, the water temperature should be around 4°C (ambient temperature), and the tea should be refrigerated for 6 to 8 hours…

The method for brewing ripened tea depends on whether it's compressed (such as cake tea), loose leaf, or a tea nugget. Raw Pu'er is not recommended for boiling, while ripened Pu'er can be brewed or boiled. Loose leaf teas vary in their durability for multiple infusions. Loose leaves release their flavor quickly and are less durable compared to compressed and tea nuggets. Thus, they can be brewed in larger cups, pots, or gaiwans. However, avoid steeping them for too long; instead, try to pour out the infusion quickly. Compressed teas, typically cakes, bricks, or tuos, are rarely made from a single grade of leaves but rather have a core and a surface layer. When brewing, it's best to break off pieces by hand for a more balanced taste, ensuring you get layers from the surface, middle, and bottom. For the first few infusions, you can allow a short steeping time to fully saturate the leaves. After rinsing and waking the tea, avoid steeping it further. Start with normal pouring after about three infusions, and ensure you empty all the water from the pot without leaving any of the previous infusion. Brewing Method for Pu'er Ripened Tea 1. Prepare and Warm…

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.…

To brew pu'er ripened tea, it is best to use fully boiled water. The first infusion of pu'er ripened tea can be discarded. The second infusion can be consumed, but should be steeped for 10 to 20 seconds. The third infusion should be longer than the second by 30 to 40 seconds, and so on. As the tea becomes less concentrated with each infusion, the steeping time should be increased accordingly. Brewing Steps 1. Place pu'er tea leaves in a filter cup, approximately 8 to 10 grams (enough to cover the bottom of the cup slightly higher). 2. Pour fully boiled water into the filter cup, covering the tea leaves. 3. After a short while, remove the filter cup and discard the first infusion. 4. Pour boiling water again, covering the tea leaves, and cover the cup. Let it steep for about 10 to 20 seconds. 5. Open the cup lid and invert it, remove the filter cup, and let it drip slightly. Place it inside the cup lid. 6. Now you have brewed a fragrant and mellow pu'er tea. 7. After enjoying your first cup of pu'er tea, repeat steps 2 to 4, but extend the steeping time by…

Spring is a season of vitality and growth. As the weather gradually warms, people who have grown accustomed to the cold may start to feel fatigued and drowsy. No matter how much sleep one gets, it never seems enough, leaving them listless throughout the day. This is what we commonly refer to as "spring drowsiness." "Spring drowsiness" is not a disease, but it could be an early sign of suboptimal health. Persistent "spring drowsiness" might lead to conditions such as lung yin deficiency, lung dryness and heat, phlegm dampness, hyperactivity of liver yang, or liver and kidney yin deficiency. While "spring drowsiness" is not a serious ailment, it should not be underestimated. How can one alleviate "spring drowsiness"? A cup of tea to revitalize the mind. Spring is the perfect time for drinking tea. Tea enthusiasts generally know that this season calls for more tea consumption to invigorate and refresh the mind. In traditional Chinese medicine, drinking green tea in spring is believed to dispel the cold and dampness accumulated in the body during winter. The subtle aroma of tea not only clears the mind but also promotes the generation of yang qi in the body, which can help eliminate…

Chenpi, or tangerine peel, is widely used in daily life. It can be combined with various teas, adjust flavors in dishes, and even harmonize different medicines. In Guangdong Province, its importance is even more pronounced as it is commonly used for infusing water, making tea, and preparing soups. As the saying goes, “An ounce of chenpi is worth an ounce of gold.” When purchasing chenpi, do you know how to properly infuse it? After all, only by using the correct method can its full benefits be released, allowing us to better appreciate its taste. Here, we will share a few detailed methods for infusing chenpi, which are very simple: Infusing Tea Method For chenpi aged less than five years, this method is suitable. Once the water boils, rinse the tea utensils first to increase their temperature. Then place the chenpi into a lidded bowl and pour boiling water over it. The first infusion should last three minutes to allow the aroma of the chenpi to permeate the tea. The subsequent infusions can be for one minute each, and then 30 seconds thereafter. Remember to cover the bowl while infusing to retain the aroma and ensure a sweet and smooth flavor.…

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…

The 7-day Spring Festival holiday has come to an end, and I hope everyone had a pleasant and fulfilling break! Many of you are returning to work today to start the new year. However, after seven consecutive days of feasting and revelry, many people feel uncomfortable on their first day back at work. How can you properly address post-holiday syndrome and greet work and daily chores with the best possible attitude? Here are some tips to help you shake off the fatigue. Three Teas to Alleviate Post-Holiday Syndrome 1. Red Tea for Digestion and Stomach Health After the holiday, the most common feeling is a lack of appetite and discomfort in the stomach. Drinking red tea can aid digestion and regulate the digestive system. It's best to drink red tea after meals. Adding 10 grams of dried hawthorn to red tea enhances its digestive properties; or you can make a rice tea by adding some roasted rice, which increases its stomach-soothing effects. Red tea combined with roasted barley or red tea with dried tangerine peel are also excellent choices. 2. Oolong Tea to Reduce Fat and Remove Grease Oolong tea has a significant fat-lowering and weight-loss effect. The polyphenols in…

Introduction Pu'er ripened tea is a type of dark tea that has undergone post-fermentation, renowned for its unique aged aroma and smooth, sweet taste, which is widely loved by tea enthusiasts. Understanding how to brew Pu'er ripened tea correctly not only allows you to fully experience its rich flavors but also adds to the enjoyment of drinking tea. In the following sections, I will guide you through the world of Pu'er ripened tea, step-by-step, teaching you how to brew the perfect cup of ripened tea. (Image source: network; delete if infringement occurs) Basic Knowledge of Pu'er Ripened Tea Pu'er ripened tea originates from Yunnan province and is made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea through a process of pile fermentation. The unique charm of ripened tea lies in its rich, thick taste and abundant aged aroma, along with health benefits such as warming the stomach and aiding digestion. Preparation for Brewing Pu'er Ripened Tea Selecting Teaware The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is selecting appropriate teaware. It is recommended to use a purple clay pot or a gaiwan, as these types of teaware can better bring out the aroma and taste of the tea leaves. Purple Clay Pot: Purple…

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…

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 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…

Ripe tea is relatively challenging to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, and even an unpleasant aroma. Even more frustratingly, a tea that has been stored well can produce a drying, harsh sensation in the throat when brewed. This can be quite perplexing. Brewing a great cup of Pu'er ripe tea requires just one simple trick. The first infusion is for washing the tea. The first infusion of ripe Pu'er is crucial. Pour the water slowly, directly onto the leaves without stirring them. Wait about ten to fifteen seconds (add ten seconds for aged teas). Since it's a compressed tea, this allows the tea cake to absorb water internally. Otherwise, the first few infusions will have a light color, while subsequent infusions will resemble soy sauce. Discard the first infusion. Starting from the second infusion, pour water low and directly over one spot, allowing the tea to flow down the side of the cup. Here's the key: tilt the pitcher so the tea flows along the side. This stabilizes the tea's contents and ensures a smooth thickness. Empty the pitcher completely after each infusion. For the first six to seven infusions, brew immediately and…

Transparent glass cups, leisure cups, and white porcelain bowls with lids are ideal for brewing green tea. For green tea, you can choose a transparent, patternless glass cup or white, light blue, or blue-and-white porcelain cups without lids. A patternless glass cup is best as it allows for better appreciation of the green tea's shape and color. What Kind of Tea Ware Is Best for Green Tea? 1. Porcelain Cups Porcelain cups are suitable for brewing mid-to-high-grade green teas, such as stir-fried green teas (grades one and two), pearl green teas, baked green teas, sun-dried green teas, etc., where the focus is on taste, flavor, or quenching thirst. Typically, observe the tea’s color, aroma, and shape before brewing. The "middle infusion method" can be used, pouring near-boiling water at 95–100°C over the tea, and covering the cup to retain the aroma and maintain the water temperature, which helps the tea leaves to unfurl and sink to the bottom of the cup. After 3–5 minutes, remove the lid, smell the aroma, taste the tea, and judge the strength of the tea soup. Drink up to three infusions. This brewing method is convenient for serving guests or drinking tea during office hours.…

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.…

Tea has a multitude of health benefits. While drinking tea regularly is generally good for your health, choosing the right type of tea according to your body's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, as a special group, often have times when their bodies are not at their best, so they need to be more mindful than men when drinking tea. Let’s take a closer look~ 01 How to Choose Your Tea? When drinking tea, you can choose the type based on your own constitution and the nature of the tea. Chinese teas are divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (red in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Black tea (red in China) is warm in nature and suitable for those who suffer from cold hands and feet, are weak, or are older. Green tea is cool in nature and is appropriate for those with a hot constitution or high energy levels, as well as people who work in front of computers frequently. Yellow tea is similar to green tea in terms of properties. Oolong tea is neutral in nature, fragrant, and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for most people. Dark tea is warm…

North America Canada Canada is the northernmost country in North America, with a land area of 9.98 million square kilometers, ranking second in the world. Canada is known as the "Land of Maple Leaves," and its capital is Ottawa. Benefiting from abundant natural resources and highly advanced technology, Canada has become one of the countries in the world with the highest quality of life, most prosperous society, and most developed economy, and is also one of the largest and most important diamond-producing countries in the world. Canadian Tea Culture Tea Drinking in Canada (image for reference) The first country in the Americas to drink tea was the United States, which also has a high consumption volume; Canada follows closely behind, being a well-known tea-drinking country in the Western Hemisphere. In Canada, the primary type of tea consumed is traditional high-quality British-style hot black tea. However, as awareness of the health benefits of green tea has increased, the habit of drinking black tea is gradually being replaced by green tea, jasmine tea, oolong tea, and other specialty teas. With the development of society, a tea culture that reflects Canada's multicultural identity has also evolved. Maple Syrup Maple Syrup Tea Maple syrup,…

Jasmine tea is characterized by its compact, solid, and uniform appearance; its fragrant aroma; rich flavor; bright yellow liquor; and plump leaves. It is one of the top ten famous teas in China, made by blending freshly picked jasmine flowers with tea leaves, resulting in a floral tea that carries the scent of spring blossoms and the fresh essence of tea. It is a popular and sweet-tasting floral tea. Regular consumption of jasmine tea can not only beautify the skin and lighten complexion for women but also combat aging. Additionally, it helps clear the bowels, regulate qi, clear the mind, lower blood pressure and lipids, and has antibacterial properties. So, how should you properly enjoy jasmine tea? How to Properly Enjoy Jasmine Tea? 1. Brewing To enjoy high-quality jasmine tea, a transparent glass cup is typically used, and water at around 90°C is poured over the tea. The brewing time is about 3-5 minutes, and the tea can be brewed 2-3 times. Through the glass cup, you can admire the exquisite shape of the tea leaves. The gaiwan brewing method is commonly used by people in Sichuan to drink floral tea. A set of tea ware includes a tea bowl,…