Brew Tea

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…

Raw Pu'er tea is a unique type of tea, and its brewing method differs slightly from other teas. To fully experience its rich aroma and taste, the correct brewing steps are essential. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to brew raw Pu'er tea, allowing you to easily enjoy this traditional fine tea at home. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) Preparations Before starting the brewing process, prepare the following tools and materials: Raw Pu'er tea leaves or tea cake (3-5 grams) Tea knife (for breaking apart the tea cake) Gaiwan or purple clay pot Teacup Boiling water (90-95°C) Brewing Steps 1. Preheating the Teaware Preheat the gaiwan, purple clay pot, and teacup with boiling water. Pour the boiling water into the teaware, swirl it around briefly, then discard the water. This step helps remove any odors in the teaware and enhances the aroma of the tea leaves. 2. Adding the Tea Use a tea knife to take an appropriate amount (3-5 grams) of raw Pu'er tea leaves and place them in the gaiwan or purple clay pot. If using a tea cake, break it apart first. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) 3. Rinsing the…

Understanding the Essence of Maojian Tea Maojian tea, one of China's famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its delicate buds and unique aroma. To brew a fragrant and smooth cup of Maojian tea, controlling water temperature is crucial. The right temperature not only activates the tea's fragrance but also prevents bitterness. So what is the ideal water temperature for brewing Maojian tea? Let’s delve into this question today. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Why is Water Temperature So Important for Maojian Tea? Maojian tea leaves belong to the green tea category and are tender with rich nutritional content. Too high a temperature can destroy these nutrients, making the tea bitter; too low a temperature fails to fully release the tea's aroma and flavor. Mastering the appropriate water temperature ensures that every cup of Maojian tea showcases its best flavor and mouthfeel. What is the Ideal Water Temperature? The best water temperature for brewing Maojian tea is approximately between 80°C and 85°C. This temperature range effectively releases the tea's fragrance and flavor without damaging its internal nutrients. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) How to Measure Water Temperature? There are several ways to ensure your water…

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…

    China's tea culture has a long history, and Pu'er tea is one of the most unique among all teas. It forms its own distinct category and has specific requirements for brewing techniques. So what is the method of brewing Pu'er tea? Let's explore this together. Brewing Pu'er Tea     1. New Sheng Tea     In terms of character, it is very similar to green tea. During brewing, it is essential to avoid a cooked taste, so the water temperature should be slightly lower, and the tea should be poured out quickly. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the type of tea tree, the tea region, the age of the tree, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors should use a slightly lower water temperature and have a shorter infusion time, while those with lighter flavors do the opposite.     2. New Shou (Ripe) Tea     Compared to older teas, new shou teas often have some shortcomings, such as less clear tea liquor, less pure aroma, and less mellow taste. They may also have some unpleasant characteristics like a "pile" flavor and a heavier bitterness and astringency. The water-soluble substances in new shou teas dissolve quickly,…

Each type of tea has a specific suitable water temperature for brewing; some types must be steeped directly in boiling water, while others require cooling before steeping, or they will taste unpleasant. However, many seasoned tea drinkers believe that regardless of the type of tea, it should always be steeped in boiling water to bring out its aroma. If you were to say your tea cannot be steeped in boiling water, then sorry, they would immediately assume it is not of good quality. There is indeed a saying: "Good tea isn't afraid of being scalded by boiling water." Is this really true? 01. Why Isn't Good Tea Afraid of Being Scalded by Boiling Water? Judging whether something is "good tea" is subjective for everyone. Good tea is relative, but if we are objective, good tea is determined by good raw materials and good processing methods. If these two conditions are met, the quality of the tea is generally assured. Good raw materials determine that the tea leaves contain abundant substances, are resistant to brewing and can withstand high temperatures without revealing their true colors with just one steeping; good processing ensures stable extraction rates, and if there are issues with…

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…

"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…

When brewing tea, do you ever wonder how many infusions are best? This question is not only about the taste of the tea but also impacts its nutritional content and health benefits. This article will delve into the brewing methods for different types of tea, helping you get every cup just right. The Number of Infusions Depends Closely on the Type of Tea One important point to note is that different types of tea vary significantly in their durability when infused. Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and white tea all have different levels of durability. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choices when brewing your tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea: Delicate and Fragrant, Typically Three Infusions First infusion: Aromatic and at its best flavor. Second infusion: Slightly lighter in taste but still fragrant. Third infusion: The tea's flavor noticeably diminishes but retains some fragrance. After three infusions, the tea's flavor and nutrients are largely depleted, making it unsuitable for further brewing. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Black Tea: Rich and Sweet, Four Infusions Are Ideal First infusion: Bright red color with a rich aroma. Second infusion: Sweet taste and…

The amount of tea used when brewing Pu'er tea depends on the capacity of your teapot and personal taste. Generally, for 3-5 people, use 6-9 grams of tea; for 6-10 people, use 10-13 grams of tea, adjusting according to the number of participants; if you prefer a stronger tea, you can add more. Appropriate Brewing Ratio for Pu'er Ripened Tea For a 5-gram packet of Pu'er tea, typically add it to a small 180-milliliter teapot. For brewing 4-5 grams of Pu'er tea (at a water temperature above 95 degrees Celsius), under normal circumstances, the tea-to-water ratio is generally 1:50, meaning 1 gram of tea per 50 milliliters of water. A common practice is to use 3 grams of tea with 150 milliliters of water, allowing it to steep for 5 minutes for evaluation. When boiling Pu'er tea, the tea-to-water ratio is usually 1:80, or 1 gram of tea per 80 milliliters of water. Typically, 5 grams of tea are used with 400 milliliters of water. The tea-to-water ratio for aged raw Pu'er tea using a gaiwan is around 1:20. For an 180-milliliter gaiwan, a recommended amount of tea would be about 8 grams. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you…

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.…

The ideal brewing water temperature for green tea is around 80°C. The brewing time can vary depending on the type of tea and the purpose of brewing. For brewing where the tea leaves are separated from the water, we recommend steeping for 15 seconds for the first infusion, 20 seconds for the second, 30 seconds for the third, and 40 seconds for the fourth. This method results in a better-tasting tea without compromising the nutritional value of the leaves. What is the Suitable Brewing Temperature for Green Tea? 1. The water temperature for brewing varies with the type of tea. For high-quality green teas, especially those with fine and tender buds, use boiling water that has cooled to around 80-85°C. Higher temperatures can destroy vitamin C in the tea and cause caffeine to leach out, making the tea yellow and more bitter. 2. If you are selling tea and want to showcase its aroma, flavor, and appearance to customers immediately, you should use boiling water at 100°C. 3. When enjoying tea with friends, use water at 80-85°C to bring out the unique strong aroma and fresh, smooth taste, along with a light green color. Take your time to appreciate the…

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

The Spring Festival is over. I wonder how all you tea enthusiasts spent your holidays? I bet you enjoyed a lot of great food and drinks. However, during the Spring Festival, indulging in feasts, staying up all night, and other activities might have put quite a strain on your body. If you learn to brew some health-promoting teas, they can help you better adjust after the holiday period. Therefore, that first cup of tea after the festival is very important for us. 01 Say Goodbye to Gastrointestinal Stress Pu'er tea has the effects of nourishing the stomach, regulating the intestines, clearing turbidity, and removing greasiness. Mature Pu'er tea or aged raw tea has a relatively mild nature, which can nourish and protect the stomach, especially for people with stomach problems. After the three festivals, consuming a large amount of high-calorie foods can lead to indigestion. At this time, it's even more important to take care of your stomach. 02 Banish Spring Drowsiness and Fatigue Spring is a good season for health preservation. During spring, people often drink more floral teas, which can help improve physical fitness and enhance the constitution. If one takes good care of their body in spring,…

Brewing a perfect cup of black tea not only brings delicious enjoyment but can also energize your day. Whether you're a newcomer to black tea or an experienced tea enthusiast, this article will guide you through the simple and precise steps to brew a delicious cup of black tea. (Image source from the internet; please delete if infringement occurs) Select High-Quality Tea Leaves First, choosing high-quality black tea is the foundation of brewing a good cup of tea. There are many types of black tea on the market, including Assam, Darjeeling, and Ceylon teas. You can choose the suitable leaves based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a robust flavor, you can choose Assam tea; for a lighter taste, try Darjeeling tea. Use Suitable Water Quality The quality of water greatly affects the taste of tea. Using purified water, filtered water, or spring water is the best choice, avoiding distilled water and tap water as they can affect the natural flavor of the tea. Heat the water to 212°F (100°C), which is the optimal temperature for brewing black tea. (Image source from the internet; please delete if infringement occurs) Prepare the Correct Tea-to-Water Ratio To achieve the best flavor,…

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…

Slight Cold, the twenty-third solar term of the year. From today onwards, we enter the coldest period of the year. Slight Cold marks the lowest temperatures, with only a few historical instances where Great Cold was colder than Slight Cold. Now that it's cold, brewing tea is probably what tea lovers look forward to every autumn and winter. In the freezing cold, gathering around a stove to brew tea with a few friends, whether discussing poetry and philosophy or not, the sound of boiling water and swirling tea leaves brings out the words that float from the teapot mouth. These are the words brewed by the tea maker all winter long. A gentle fire burns away to bring forth the next spring. Drinking tea, regardless of social status or wealth, is always part of people's leisure lives. Drinking Tea Selecting the right tea to drink should be based on the season and environment. Warming and heat-repelling fermented teas are typically black tea, dark tea, ripe Pu'er, Liubao tea, and aged white tea. Warming and Heat-Repelling Fermented Teas As a fully fermented tea, black tea undergoes enzymatic oxidation due to the action of oxidase on tea polyphenols, converting much of it…

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.…

There is an old saying: "Preserved tangerine peel of a hundred years is like ginseng of a thousand years," meaning that the longer the tangerine peel is preserved, the more valuable it becomes. Runyuanchang's pure dry warehouse for Newhui preserved tangerine peel strictly categorizes and stores the peels according to their origin, age, and grade. The warehouse maintains constant temperature and humidity, and conducts regular inspections, ensuring the high quality of Runyuanchang and its brand Ganrentang's Newhui preserved tangerine peel, which stands out for its clean and sweet flavor compared to other preserved tangerine peels on the market. Nowadays, many people have the habit of using preserved tangerine peel in their cooking. Whether it's in soups or stir-fries, some recipes opt to use tangerine peel instead of scallions and ginger to avoid being too spicy, as it not only detoxifies fish and shrimp but also adds a unique aroma and removes fishy odors. Adding some to mutton or beef soup can help cut through the fat and make the meat cook faster. When cooked with rice porridge, it not only enhances the fragrance but also warms the stomach. Many recipes for using tangerine peel in cooking have been discovered. 1.…

No matter what kind of tea you drink, it should be appropriate for the occasion, time, and person. Drinking the right type of tea can maximize its effects and provide excellent health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that people have different constitutions, being either hot or cold in nature. Teas, after undergoing various processing methods, also have cool and warm properties. Therefore, it is important to consider one's constitution when choosing a tea to drink. A chart showing the properties of the six types of tea. What is your constitution? Which type of tea suits you best? A table matching the nine constitutions with the six types of tea. Cool green tea Dragon Well from West Lake, Anji White Tea, Biluochun from Dongting, Lu'an Guapian, etc. Suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. Drinking this tea on a hot day or when feeling agitated provides a refreshing and cooling sensation. Green tea has good radiation protection effects, making it very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. Contraindications: People with liver disease should avoid drinking green tea, as caffeine is metabolized by the liver, and excessive tea consumption can damage liver function. Pregnant…

You may be aware that drinking floral tea has certain benefits for health preservation, beauty, and complexion, but you may not know that the consumption of floral tea should align with your constitution. There are five major taboos to drinking floral teas: 1. Avoid Random Combinations Floral teas are often combined to achieve better health benefits, but if you do not consider their effects and properties, and instead mix them according to personal preference, it can have adverse effects on your body. Generally, it is best not to combine more than three types of floral teas, and ensure that their properties do not conflict. 2. Avoid Drinking Floral Teas Without Consideration When drinking floral teas, do not do so casually. There are many varieties of floral teas, each with different effects and functions. Before drinking, understand the effects of the specific floral tea and choose one that suits your needs. 3. Avoid Excessive Consumption of Floral Teas The petals, leaves, and other parts of the plants used in floral teas have their own flavors and medicinal effects. Drinking them in accordance with your constitution can help maintain health. However, this does not mean they can be consumed excessively over a…

Tea enthusiasts enjoy brewing tea to a certain level, making each session a delight in their daily lives. Brewing a good cup of tea requires more than just the right teaware and water quality; the brewing method is equally important. When brewing tea, there are two methods: dry brewing and wet brewing. Do you know what dry brewing and wet brewing mean? Wet Brewing The so-called wet brewing method is the most familiar way of brewing tea in everyday life. Washing the teaware and tea leaves on the tea table, pouring hot water over the teaware, and letting the water directly spill onto the tea table—this is known as wet brewing. The most direct way to determine if the wet brewing method is being used is whether the tea table has a large surface area or if water can be poured directly onto it. A large tea table serves the purpose of allowing the rinse water from cleaning teaware and tea leaves, as well as excess tea water, to be poured directly onto it. As a result, the tea table appears damp, hence the term "wet brewing." The modern wet brewing tea tray originated from Chaozhou Gongfu tea, where hot…

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,…

Hello everyone! Today, let’s talk about how to brew Bulang ancient tree tea. Bulang ancient tree tea is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its unique aroma and taste. However, to fully appreciate the best flavor of Bulang ancient tree tea, the brewing method is crucial. In the following, I will introduce in detail the brewing method of Bulang ancient tree tea, hoping to help every tea enthusiast. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Bulang Ancient Tree Tea? Bulang ancient tree tea is a type of Pu'er tea, produced in Bulang Mountain, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The ancient tea trees here have a long history, with most being several hundred years old. The leaves of Bulang ancient tree tea are thick and glossy, with a high aroma and rich taste that lingers pleasantly, making it much loved by tea enthusiasts. Preparation of Tools for Brewing Bulang Ancient Tree Tea Before brewing Bulang ancient tree tea, we need to prepare some tools: Teapot or Gaiwan: It is recommended to use a clay teapot or white porcelain Gaiwan, as these can better bring out the aroma of the tea leaves. Teacups: Choose white porcelain teacups, which allow you to better…