Brew Tea

During spring, a person's liver qi tends to become excessively active, which can have adverse effects on the spleen and stomach. Spring is also the season when yang energy rises, making it a time when various pathogens and microorganisms thrive and reproduce. As such, diseases tend to be more prevalent during this period, making spring health preservation particularly important. Tea is described in "Compendium of Materia Medica" as: “Ming, bitter tea. Ming, bitter in taste, slightly cold, non-toxic. It is primarily used for acne, promotes urination, clears phlegm, and quenches thirst. It also helps with sleeplessness and is best harvested in autumn. Bitter tea is used to regulate qi, eliminate food residue from the previous day, and when made into a drink, it can include ingredients like mountain hawthorn, green onions, and ginger.” Here, tea is characterized by its nature and taste as “slightly cold” and “bitter.” According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, sweetness is considered nourishing, while bitterness has a purgative effect, so tea possesses both nourishing and purgative properties. Thus, there is the saying that “tea is a remedy for all illnesses.” Many historical records in China mention the benefits of Pu'er tea, suggesting that “Pu'er tea…

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…

Enshi selenium-rich tea is cherished for its unique geographical environment and abundant selenium content, making it a precious type of tea. Selenium-rich tea not only has a distinctive taste but also offers various benefits and effects. Let's explore together how to brew a perfect cup of Enshi selenium-rich tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select High-Quality Enshi Selenium-Rich Tea The key to brewing tea lies in the quality of the tea leaves themselves. Choose high-quality Enshi selenium-rich tea, which can be purchased at tea markets or online platforms to ensure authenticity. Prepare Clean Water The quality of water significantly impacts the taste of the tea. It's best to use mineral water or filtered water. Chlorine and other impurities in tap water may spoil the taste of the tea. Control Water Temperature The optimal brewing temperature for Enshi selenium-rich tea is between 80°C and 85°C. Too high a temperature can cause the loss of the tea's aroma and nutrients, while too low a temperature will not fully release the tea's fragrance. A thermometer can be used to precisely control the water temperature. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Warm the Teaware and Rinse the Tea Before officially brewing the tea,…

How can Pu'er shengcha be brewed to taste better? Today, we will demonstrate using this example of Banshan Pu'er shengcha from old trees. This Banshan tea is made from old tree leaves and originates from a tea region in Ning'er County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. During the Qing Dynasty, the Banshan tea region was a royal tribute tea garden. The overall ecological environment here is excellent, with high mountains and dense forests, making the tea rich in internal substances. This tea is produced almost every year and has a very good taste-to-price ratio. A significant feature is that it is pressed by hand using a stone mill. Pu'er tea cakes pressed by hand with a stone mill are moderately tight, have beautiful tea strands, and are conducive to aging. The most prominent taste characteristic of Banshan Pu'er tea is its clarity and sweetness, smoothness, and distinct floral and fruity aromas. We can use a conventional brewing method for this tea. We'll brew it in a gaiwan. Before brewing, we'll warm the cup, which significantly enhances the aroma of the tea. Next, add the tea. The tea strands of this tea are relatively intact. We're using 8 grams of tea. The…

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…

How much do you know about Yunnan white tea? Today, let's take a look at how to brew Shou Mei from a large elephant.This Shou Mei is made from large-leafed trees in Yunnan, crafted using traditional techniques with additional specific processes. The tea cake consists of whole leaves, one bud and two leaves, using high-grade materials. The color is an ancient copper hue with visible downy tips. Now, let's brew it together: First, take 8 grams of tea. After taking the tea, we can see that some of the tea has a dark streak, which indicates that when pressing the cake, we used material that was six to seven years old. Start by warming the cup, then add the tea. For the first infusion, we will wake the tea, pouring the water slowly so as not to rush the process. Let the tea rest for 10 seconds after adding the water before decanting, allowing it to fully absorb the water. Brew according to personal preference, adjusting the time for each decant based on the taste or color of the tea. The infused tea has a rich floral and fruity aroma, a golden color with downy tips, a fresh and smooth…

Theoretically, to ensure a good taste, it's best to keep the tea and water separate. For example, when using a lidded bowl to steep tea, the first few infusions should be poured out quickly. Once the tea comes into contact with hot water, it begins to release compounds continuously. To avoid an excess of bitter substances that can affect the taste, it's important to control the brewing time and keep the tea and water separate. Why is it important to infuse and drink tea in separate steps, keeping the tea leaves and water separate? 1. Leaving tea steeping for too long can spoil the leaves, diminish their aroma, affect the taste, and cause oxidation of nutrients, resulting in a less enjoyable drinking experience. Separating the tea from the water helps to better realize the value of the tea. 2. The rate at which the internal compounds in tea are released varies. Prolonged steeping can lead to excessive release of caffeine, making the tea strong, bitter, and astringent. It can also become contaminated by environmental pollutants or even spoil, which is detrimental to health. 3. Keeping the tea and water separate allows for better control over the infusion time, preserving the…

Ripened Pu'er Tea If the first life of ripened tea comes from the raw materials picked from the branches; then its second life is given through the pile-fermentation process; and its third life is during the brewing. From dehydration to rehydration, then drying again and rehydrating, a piece of ripened tea completes three rounds of tempering, revealing the most splendid part of its existence. Its mildness, richness, and sweetness bring warmth and health to people. Ripened tea can be said to be the mildest among all types of tea, due to its highest fermentation degree (excluding aged naturally fermented teas). In fully fermented teas, it has a higher fermentation time and degree than black tea, Anhua dark tea, and others. Thus, the brewing requirements for ripened tea are relatively low. As long as the quality is excellent, it can be brewed to a suitable strength and will taste good no matter how you brew it. For example, the popular method of brewing with an insulated cup in the tea community is usually reserved for ripened tea. Of course, some brewing techniques can enhance the flavor of ripened tea and also mask certain defects in its processing. Quick Brewing Methods for…

Old Bingdao tea, a precious Pu'er tea from Yunnan Province, has captured the hearts of countless tea enthusiasts with its unique aroma and rich flavor. While many have heard of its reputation, few truly understand and master its brewing method. Today, let's unveil the mysteries of Old Bingdao tea together and learn how to brew it correctly to fully appreciate its distinctive charm. (Image source: Internet, delete upon infringement) Preparation: Choosing Suitable Teaware Choosing suitable teaware is crucial when brewing Old Bingdao tea. Gaiwans or purple clay pots are recommended as they better restore the tea's aroma and taste. Gaiwans are suitable for beginners and transparent glass gaiwans allow you to admire the color of the tea liquor. Purple clay pots are more suited to tea enthusiasts with some experience in tea art, as they enhance the tea's taste profile, but note that new purple clay pots need to be seasoned before use. Water Quality and Temperature Selection In the art of tea, "water is the mother of tea," and good water quality can greatly enhance the quality of the tea. When brewing Old Bingdao tea, it is recommended to use soft water such as mineral water or purified water,…

Brewing tea is a skillful task. The purpose of paying attention to brewing methods is to avoid the disadvantages of the tea and highlight its advantages, which can be described as making the most of its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. If we pay attention to the brewing method, even if the green tea is of average quality, we can still optimize its taste; however, if we don't pay attention to the brewing method, even high-quality green tea will not deliver the taste that justifies its price. Brewing Methods for Green Tea 1. Top-Down Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup (teabowl), pour in hot water up to seven-tenths full at once, then wait until the water temperature is suitable before adding the tea leaves. This method is often used for finely processed green teas (such as Special Grade Biluochun, Special Grade Xinyang Maojian, and Mount Meng Ganlu). It is essential to control the water temperature accurately; the finer the tea, the lower the required water temperature. Some teas may need to be added when the water cools down to 70°C. Additionally, any tea brewed using this method can also be prepared using an ice-brewing method. 2. Middle-Down Method: After…

Bai Mudan Tea Introduction Bai Mudan tea is a type of white tea that is native to Fujian Province, China. It is named for its flower-like appearance and delicate fragrance. The tea is made from the tender buds and one or two young leaves of the tea plant, which undergo natural withering and slight fermentation. Bai Mudan tea boasts a fresh and sweet taste and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing numerous health benefits. Today, we will delve into how to properly brew a perfect cup of Bai Mudan tea, allowing you to easily enjoy this tranquility and beauty at home. (Image source: Internet - to be deleted upon infringement) Preparation Selecting High-Quality Tea Leaves To brew a good cup of tea, start with high-quality tea leaves. When purchasing Bai Mudan tea, choose leaves that are bright green, reveal silver down, and have intact leaves. High-quality Bai Mudan tea has a fresh aroma, a pale yellow liquor, and a thick, sweet taste. Selecting Suitable Water The water used for brewing significantly affects the taste of the tea. It is best to use mineral water or purified water, avoiding tap water because the chlorine in it can affect the flavor…

Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages. From ancient times to the present, tea brewing has been regarded as both an art and a culture. For tea enthusiasts, mastering the correct brewing method not only allows you to savor the best flavor of the leaves but also brings tranquility and joy during the brewing process. This article will guide you through the general tea brewing process, enabling you to easily master tea-making skills and enjoy every cup of good tea. (Image source: Internet. Please contact us for removal if it infringes on your rights.) Selecting Suitable Tea Leaves The first step in brewing tea is selecting appropriate tea leaves. Different types of tea, such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, etc., have varying brewing methods. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh and high-quality leaves. The quality of the tea directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea liquor. Preparing Tea Utensils Prepare a set of suitable tea utensils. These typically include a teapot, teacups, a fairness cup (used to evenly distribute the tea), and a tea strainer. If possible, you can also prepare a tea tray and tea cloth to keep the tea…

White tea is beloved for its fresh, delicate flavor and rich antioxidant content. Understanding how to brew white tea correctly can help you better enjoy this precious tea. This article will detail the brewing method of white tea, including selecting teaware, controlling water temperature, steeping time, and more. (Image source from the Internet, delete upon infringement) Understanding White Tea White tea is made from the tender buds and young leaves of the tea plant and is not fermented. The production process involves simple sun-drying and light rolling, preserving the natural form and nutritional components of the leaves. Common types of white tea include Silver Needle, White Peony, Gongmei, and Shoumei. Preparation The preparation before brewing white tea is crucial as it directly affects the quality of the final tea infusion. Here are some key steps: Selecting Suitable Water Quality Water quality greatly impacts the tea infusion. Fresh mountain spring water or filtered water is the best choice. If these options are unavailable, at least avoid using chlorinated tap water, as it can spoil the delicate flavor of the tea. (Image source from the Internet, delete upon infringement) Selecting Appropriate Teaware White tea is best brewed with glass or porcelain teaware,…

1. The lemon, chopping board, knife, airtight jar, hands, and utensils used when taking out the lemon should all be free of water and oil. 2. The sugar-preserved lemon is not prone to spoilage but should be refrigerated and consumed within a week. 3. When using, take an appropriate amount of lemon slices along with the juice produced during preservation for better taste. 4. White granulated sugar is used instead of honey because honey does not react well to high temperatures, resulting in a sour taste after being steeped in hot water. 5. If using tea bags, pour the water first before adding the tea to prevent overly concentrated tea, which significantly affects the taste. Four Tips to Solve the Bitterness Issue in Hand-Made Lemon Tea! The reason why lemon tea becomes "bitter and astringent" is due to a phenomenon known as "delayed bitterness." So, how can we minimize the bitter taste in the lemon tea during preparation? Here are some tips: Choice of Lemon Variety Yellow lemons become bitter faster than green lemons and fragrant lemons when hand-beaten, so yellow lemons are suitable for Hong Kong-style lemon black tea, where only acidity enhancement is needed without the need for…

In the long history of Chinese tea culture, both pointing tea and brewing hold significant positions. Pointing tea is a unique form of tea art from the Song Dynasty, while brewing represents modern tea art. Let's explore these two forms of tea art together and appreciate the beauty of traditional and contemporary tea arts. (Image source: Internet, to be deleted upon request) What is Pointing Tea? Pointing tea, also known as "Tea Hundred Games," is an exquisite form of tea art that originated in the Song Dynasty. Emperor Huizong described the process of pointing tea in detail in "Da Guan Tea Treatise." This form of tea art, with its intricate techniques and unique cultural background, became a symbol of Song Dynasty tea culture. The basic procedure for pointing tea involves grinding tea cakes into fine powder, using a tea whisk (a bamboo tea brush) to mix the tea powder with hot water, stirring quickly to create a thick tea soup, and finally forming a delicate foam on the surface of the tea soup. The finer and longer-lasting the foam, the more skilled the pointing tea technique. Historical Background of Pointing Tea The Song Dynasty was an era that valued governance…

There are many options for brewing Pu'er tea. You can use a lidded bowl, a purple clay pot, a leisure cup, and more. Among these, the leisure cup is the most convenient, but Pu'er tea brewed in a leisure cup isn't as good as that brewed in a purple clay pot; the taste may not be as harmonious. If you choose to brew with a purple clay pot, you can better control the entire brewing rhythm, and the taste and flavor will be richer. The steps to brew Pu'er tea with a purple clay pot: 1. Warm the pot (cup) and rinse the cups: First, scald the tea utensils with boiling water. This primarily serves to warm the pot and cups, and also cleans the utensils. 2. Add tea: Place the tea into the lidded bowl or purple clay pot. The amount of tea used depends on the size of the brewing utensil. Generally, for a 120cc lidded bowl, the amount of tea is 7-9 grams. 3. Awaken the tea: Place the tea in the cup and let it sit for a while so that its inner substances can contact the air. This makes the tea broth more mellow when…

Ripened Pu'er tea can be tricky to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, and sometimes an unpleasant aroma. Even well-stored teas can produce a drying, tight sensation in the throat, which is quite perplexing. So how can we brew ripened Pu'er tea for a better taste? 1. Analyze the Tea's Nature In terms of aroma, new ripened teas have a piling smell, but good teas will develop floral and honey-like aromas or even aged scents as they are brewed. Older ripened teas may have storage and dried leaf aromas, but good old teas will exhibit excellent aged or medicinal aromas as they are brewed. In terms of flavor, new ripened teas are not very astringent or stimulating, but they do have a better mouthfeel. When brewed properly, they can present a smooth and sandy texture similar to red bean soup. Older ripened teas have a clearer broth and milder flavor, but they can achieve a high level of smoothness and oiliness when brewed properly, even reaching a state of "melting." Generally speaking, ripened teas are not very complex and tend not to hold up through many infusions. 2. Establish Goals Based on the Tea's…

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.…

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…

The dog days of 2023 are already halfway through, and there can't be many people who don't know about the benefits of drinking hot tea during this period. Today, I'll explain it to you in detail. The specific schedule for the dog days of 2023 is as follows: Early Dog Days: July 11, 2023 - July 20, 2023, a total of 10 days; Middle Dog Days: July 21, 2023 - August 9, 2023, a total of 20 days; Late Dog Days: August 10, 2023 - August 19, 2023, a total of 10 days. According to traditional wisdom, the "fu" in "dog days" refers to "latent evil," specifically the heat evil among the so-called "six evils." After the onset of the dog days, people often feel irritable, tired, and have poor appetites due to the scorching weather. A cup of hot tea can promote blood circulation, open up the skin's pores, help sweat evaporate, and achieve the effect of dissipating heat and dispelling summer heat. Tea contains large amounts of vitamins and mineral elements, as well as caffeine, tea polyphenols, and aromatic substances that blend into the tea infusion. These components are beneficial for regulating body temperature via the central nervous…

Recently, some tea enthusiasts have been asking me if it’s best to brew tea using a purple clay pot? What are the best brewing tools for green tea, black tea, and Pu'er tea? Before I address these questions, I should clarify that I’m pretty much a novice when it comes to purple clay pots. I only know a little about them, even though I have quite a few here and have used several of them, so I do have some practical experience. However, I don’t know much about their cultural history. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts with you. Let’s start by categorizing teas. First, there is green tea, which is most commonly brewed in a teacup, be it porcelain or glass. Every tea drinker knows that this is the simplest, most common, and most practical method. However, some also use gaiwans, purple clay pots, Jian ware, or porcelain kettles. But brewing tea in paper cups is not recommended; it's merely for convenience! If you use a paper cup for more expensive teas, you’re essentially wasting it. Additionally, brewing in multiple infusions can enhance the layers of flavor in the tea. Each infusion brings a slightly different experience, avoiding…

Pu'er tea is a famous Chinese tea, divided into raw and ripened varieties. Ripened tea, having undergone fermentation, possesses a unique aged aroma and rich flavor. Many people enjoy its robust taste, but brewing a good pot of Pu'er ripened tea requires some skill. Today, we will share a detailed guide on how to perfectly brew Pu'er ripened tea. (Image source: internet, for deletion upon infringement) Preparation The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is to prepare all the necessary tools and materials. This includes teaware, tea leaves, and water. Teaware: A teapot or gaiwan, a fairness cup, several tea cups, a tea strainer, and tea tongs. Tea Leaves: High-quality Pu'er ripened tea; it is recommended to choose leaves that have been stored for a long time, as their flavor will be richer and smoother. Water: Use mineral water or purified water, and ensure the water temperature reaches 95-100 degrees Celsius. Warming Cups and Washing the Tea Before officially brewing the tea, we need to warm the cups and wash the tea. This is to remove impurities and dust from the leaves and also to awaken their aroma. Warming Cups: Pour boiling water into the teapot, fairness cup, and…

Cordyceps, also known as "Caterpillar Fungus," is a precious medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, offering various health benefits. Brewing Cordyceps into tea not only allows you to enjoy its unique flavor but also makes the most of its medicinal value. This article will detail how to brew Cordyceps tea and explore its many benefits and effects. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Brewing Method for Cordyceps Tea The brewing method for Cordyceps tea is actually quite simple, requiring just a few steps to complete. Required Ingredients - 3-5 grams dried Cordyceps - 250 milliliters of water - Honey or lemon (optional) Steps 1. Take 3-5 grams of dried Cordyceps and rinse it clean with water. 2. Pour 250 milliliters of water into a pot and heat it over medium heat until boiling. 3. Add the washed Cordyceps to the boiling water and continue boiling for 10 minutes. 4. Turn off the heat and let the tea sit for 5 minutes to fully release the effective components of the Cordyceps. 5. If desired, add honey or lemon for flavoring. 6. Strain the tea through a filter and it's ready to enjoy. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Benefits…

In daily life, drinking Puer tea in moderation can have excellent health benefits. It can refresh and invigorate, as well as aid in weight loss. When drinking Puer tea, it's important to understand the appropriate methods and timing. Drinking improperly or excessively can have adverse effects on health. Drinking a little Puer tea in the morning can help energize and clear the intestines. Drinking some in the afternoon can boost immunity and improve work efficiency. When is the best time to drink Puer tea during the day? 1. Drinking Puer Tea in the Morning After a night's sleep, the body has lost a lot of water. Drinking a cup of light tea in the morning can quickly replenish the body's water needs, cleanse the intestines, lower blood pressure, and be highly beneficial for overall health. In the morning, it is advisable to drink black tea, as it promotes circulation and removes coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the brain. It can also be consumed with milk. When drinking tea in the morning, two points should be noted: First, drink only after breakfast. Second, avoid strong tea; opt for a lighter brew instead. 2. Drinking Puer Tea in…