Brew Tea

Since the weather has warmed up, the number of people engaging in outdoor activities has soared, and camping consumption has become popular. Various camping tools and leisure activities related to camping have also continued to sell well and gain popularity. The lifestyle of getting close to nature has become a trend pursued by many citizens. Setting up a tent in the mountains, placing a small table, preparing some grilled food and fruit platters, and adding a pot of cold-brewed tea and some tea snacks, the healing feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle and heading for the mountains naturally arises—it's practically a real-life version of "The Life We Aspire To." What kind of tea is suitable for camping? It must be cold-brewed tea, which is easy to prepare and refreshing. With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, why not invite a few friends or bring your family along to unlock the camping trend and experience the romance of summer mountain stream ice tea cold brew! Here are a few quick and delicious cold-brewed teas recommended for you if you're going camping: 01 Basic Cold-Brewed Tea Place the tea leaves in a container, add drinking water, and refrigerate overnight. This method…

In our daily lives, there are many techniques to brewing tea. You may notice that even with the same amount of tea leaves, water quality, and temperature, and identical brewing methods, the taste of the tea brewed each time is not exactly the same. Do you know why? First Pour Timing Generally speaking, the flavor of the tea increases with the extension of the brewing time. According to measurements, when boiling water is used to brew aged tea, vitamins, amino acids, caffeine, and other compounds are first released. Around the 3-minute mark, the concentration of substances extracted from the tea leaves reaches its optimal level. Therefore, for teas where the release of elements is slower, a pouring out point around 3 minutes for the first infusion is ideal, which can make the tea taste fresh, smooth, and mellow. However, there are exceptions, such as Oolong tea, where the first infusion should be around 1 minute. Second Pour Timing After making a comprehensive evaluation of the tea infused during the first pour, we can analyze the timing for the second pour. Since the tea leaves have already expanded somewhat after the first infusion, the second pour does not require much longer,…

Tea, by nature, is cold and can help clear the mind and soothe the spirit. Different people have different constitutions, which means they should drink different types of tea. Therefore, choosing the right tea and drinking it well starts with understanding the nature of the tea and the suitable groups of people for each type. Nature of Teas 01 Green Tea: The core process is "fixation," making its nature cold. People with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, or abundant energy can benefit from drinking green tea, as it has great effects in clearing heat, refreshing the mind, and boosting alertness. Green tea also has excellent radiation protection benefits, making it ideal for those who work on computers. White Tea: The core process involves "withering and sun drying" followed by natural storage, which transforms the tea's nature from cold to cool and then to mild. Fresh white teas share many properties with green tea, but the most significant difference is that while aged green tea becomes like grass, aged white tea becomes even more precious. As it ages, old white tea becomes even milder, making it suitable for a wider range of people. Oolong Tea (Blue Tea): The core process…

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…

During cold weather, boiling tea always feels warmer than steeping it. As the tea is added to the water, bubbling sounds fill the air, steam rises from the spout, and the fragrance of tea permeates, warming the surroundings. The brewed tea broth gently steams, red and richly warm; a large sip spreads warmth throughout the body, relaxing one's limbs and dispelling the chill, lifting the mood. What Kind of Tea Is Suitable for Boiling? High-Quality Tea Boiling tea is a process that magnifies both its strengths and weaknesses. The tea used for boiling must be enjoyable when steeped, as poor-quality tea would yield a terrible result: all bitterness, odd flavors, and astringency would be fully extracted, making the tea unpalatable and unhealthy. In theory, all aged Pu'er can be boiled, as long as it has rich internal qualities. Such teas can withstand continuous high-temperature brewing, producing a thick, viscous broth. Tea with Age For new aged Pu'er, we generally recommend steeping over boiling. This is because new aged Pu'er, having been made recently, still contains fermentation odors and slight impurities that have not yet dissipated. Boiling would incorporate these flavors into the broth, resulting in an unpleasant drinking experience compared…

Pu'er tea is a fairly common type of tea that we often drink in our daily lives because of its sweet and clear taste, which suits the palates of younger drinkers; it isn't bitter. However, it's important to know that after several infusions, the color of the Pu'er tea will fade and lose much of its flavor. Therefore, Pu'er tea can be continuously infused about 15 times before needing to be replaced. It's also important to note that the water temperature for brewing should be between 95 to 100 degrees Celsius. How Many Times Is Best to Infuse Pu'er Ripened Tea? Pu'er tea is more durable than most other types of tea and can typically be continuously infused over 10 times until the infusion becomes very light. Pu'er tea is usually brewed with boiling water at 95-100°C. High temperatures help release the aroma and facilitate the quick extraction of the tea's flavors. When boiling pure or mountain spring water, avoid excessive boiling to prevent a lack of oxygen in the water, which could affect the tea's activity. To ensure a purer aroma, a preliminary rinse, known as "water washing the face," may be necessary where the first infusion of boiling…

Intelligence is a gift, kindness is a choice, and drinking tea is an investment. Some might argue that buying and storing tea is the real investment. To many, tea only holds investment value when it's traded as a commodity, and drinking tea is just a consumption process. In fact, storing tea can be an investment, but drinking tea is an even higher-level investment! Life is short, and the best investment you can make is in yourself. Drinking tea is one such investment that can increase your worth. Once you've been drinking tea for years and tasted its benefits, you'll truly understand. 1. Drinking tea increases our health value. Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, encountering seventy-two poisons in a day, which were cured by tea. Tea, a miraculous leaf gifted to humanity by nature, has always been beneficial to human health. From its earliest use as medicine by Shennong to today’s various health supplements made from tea's unique components, the connection between tea and health is increasingly recognized. Tea provides undeniable health benefits. Regular tea drinking keeps us looking younger. The active ingredients in tea, such as polyphenols and theanine, have anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Regular tea drinking reduces illness. The…

Pu'er tea cake is a traditional type of tea with a long history. Its unique flavor and health benefits have attracted many tea enthusiasts. The correct brewing method not only enhances the taste of the tea but also fully releases the distinctive aroma and nutritional components of Pu'er tea. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to correctly brew Pu'er tea cake, allowing you to enjoy a rich cup of Pu'er tea at home. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparation Before starting to brew Pu'er tea, you need to prepare the following tools and materials: Pu'er tea cake Tea knife or tea needle Teapot (Yixing clay pot or gaiwan recommended) Teacup Sieve (optional) Kettle for boiling water Water (mountain spring water or purified water recommended) Step One: Loosening the Tea First, use a tea knife or tea needle to gently loosen the tea cake. When loosening the tea, be mindful of the force applied to avoid breaking the tea leaves. Start from the edge of the tea cake and slowly loosen it along the texture of the leaves, removing an appropriate amount of tea. Typically, 5-8 grams of tea per brewing is sufficient. Step Two:…

Aged Pu'er tea is best brewed with water at 100 degrees Celsius. This type of tea, made through a process of pile fermentation, has a mild character, rich flavor, and an intense aroma. Its substantial internal quality and high durability in brewing necessitate a water temperature that isn't too low, to ensure the full release of its taste. What is the Best Water Temperature for Brewing Aged Pu'er Tea? Generally, aged Pu'er tea should be brewed with boiling water, but it's advisable not to use water that is too hot as it can make the tea taste bitter and destroy its health-promoting components. Here are some temperature recommendations for brewing aged Pu'er tea: 1. Commonly, water between 95°C and 100°C is recommended for brewing aged Pu'er tea to enhance its aroma and flavor. 2. For aged tea heads or well-aged Pu'er tea, you may reduce the water temperature slightly, typically between 85°C and 95°C, to avoid bitterness. 3. If you find the aged Pu'er tea too bitter, you can lower the water temperature (usually between 90°C and 95°C) and decrease the brewing time (recommended 1-2 minutes). It is important to note that the specific temperature and brewing time for aged…

Puer tea is a type of Chinese tea and a fermented tea. When boiling the tea, some people prefer a rich and thick Puer tea, but for beginners, brewing good Puer tea isn’t easy. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare a rich and thick Puer tea: If you want to boil a rich and thick Puer tea, choosing high-quality Puer tea is very important. How do you select good Puer tea? Firstly, choose well-known brands and avoid purchasing overly cheap Puer tea. Secondly, observe the appearance of the Puer tea; generally, high-quality Puer tea has a neat shape, even color, and a glossy surface; low-quality Puer tea may have withered leaves or stains, an uneven surface, and uneven coloring. Lastly, opt for new or young tea, which will result in a richer and thicker brew. To prepare good Puer tea, selecting suitable teaware is also essential. Porcelain and purple clay teapots are generally suitable for boiling Puer tea. Additionally, the spout of the teapot should be relatively thin, allowing for a slow pour along the edge of the cup, which makes the tea liquor richer and thicker. The water temperature when boiling Puer tea is also crucial. Generally,…

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 Cake Tea Basics Pu'er cake tea, a name that sounds full of mystery. It is not just a type of tea but also a symbol of culture. For beginners, brewing Pu'er cake tea correctly may seem like quite a challenge. Don't worry, I'll guide you step by step through this art so you can brew a good cup of tea at home. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Pu'er Cake Tea? Pu'er cake tea is a type of tea that has undergone fermentation and been pressed into a cake shape. It originates from Yunnan Province in China and is renowned for its unique flavor and aging potential. Pu'er tea comes in raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) varieties, with the former having a fresh taste and the latter being richer and more robust. Preparation Before Brewing Pu'er Cake Tea Selecting the Right Pu'er Cake Tea Pu'er cake tea comes in different vintages and types. Beginners might choose some basic tea cakes to try. Pay attention to the appearance and aroma of the leaves; high-quality Pu'er cake tea should have an even color and a natural tea fragrance. Selecting the Right Teaware It's best to use a purple clay…

Pu'er tea Lao Cha Tou is the clumped tea that forms during the fermentation process of Pu'er tea. Its appearance consists of lumps and nodules, produced through artificial pile fermentation. Lao Cha Tou is rich in gelatinous substances and sugars, offering a thick, smooth mouthfeel and is tightly packed, making it highly durable for brewing. Here’s how to brew Lao Cha Tou: Lao Cha Tou is highly durable and can typically withstand about 30 infusions. However, some pieces remain unopened even after 30 infusions, although the infusion color fades at this point. In such cases, you can switch to cooking the tea in a pot. Below, we introduce how to cook Lao Cha Tou: Brewing Methods for Pu'er Tea Lao Cha Tou 1. Brew using a lidded bowl or a clay teapot with boiling water. Because the tea is tightly packed, do not immediately pour out the rinse water; instead, let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds before discarding. When brewing with boiling water, allow a slightly longer steeping time, adjusting as needed based on your taste preferences. 2. Cook the tea using a vessel, optionally rinsing with boiling water beforehand. Place the tea in cold water and bring…

Summer is scorching hot, and you may crave a cup of warm tea. Many tea enthusiasts wonder what kind of tea they should drink during the summer months. Based on different scenarios, we recommend the following teas.Prevent Heatstroke—Drink White Tea Hot weather can easily cause heatstroke, especially for those who work or play outdoors frequently. In this case, white tea is your go-to choice. White tea is lightly fermented without roasting or kneading, making it cool in nature. It contains abundant amino acids that help reduce heat and eliminate summer heat, effectively preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with cold stomachs should drink less and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. Boost Energy and Nourish Stomach—Drink Black Tea During summer, people tend to feel listless and drowsy. The caffeine-rich black tea stimulates the central nervous system, accelerates blood circulation, promotes metabolism, thus helping to boost energy and alleviate fatigue. In summer, we often consume icy foods or cold drinks to cool down. However, doing so can easily harm our delicate digestive system. As black tea is warm in nature, it has the effect of warming and protecting the stomach. Therefore, summer…

Brown Mountain ancient tree ripe tea is characterized by its high aroma, rich flavor, bright red infusion color, and high durability when brewed. The brewing method for Brown Mountain Pu'er ripe tea is simple and can generally follow the normal brewing method for ripe tea. How to Brew Brown Mountain Ripe Tea 1. Warm the teapot and clean the utensils 2. Use a ratio of 1:40 (for a 100 ml small teapot, use 2.5 grams, and adjust according to personal taste) 3. Rinse the tea with boiling water for 5 seconds and discard the rinse water 4. For the first five infusions, pour boiling water and immediately decant the tea 5. After the fifth infusion, extend the steeping time as needed 6. You can also add osmanthus or dried tangerine peel to enhance the flavor Ripe Pu'er tea itself has the effects of warming, nourishing, and strengthening the stomach. Firstly, it aids digestion, so its primary benefit is enhancing appetite and promoting digestion. It is suitable for those with cold stomachs, discomfort in the stomach, and works very well for warming, nourishing the stomach, and relieving indigestion.

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…

Black tea is the most consumed type of tea worldwide, known for its gentle, mellow flavor that warms from throat to stomach. However, brewing a high-quality cup of black tea can be challenging for many beginners. Many tea enthusiasts often encounter a bitter and astringent taste when brewing black tea. How can we avoid these pitfalls? Today, Chaye Dan (Tea Egg) will share some tips on how to brew a delicious cup of black tea. 1. **Choice of Teaware** A white porcelain gaiwan brings out the fresh and elegant flavors of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The translucent white porcelain complements the reddish hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the liquor, which is truly a beautiful sight. 2. **Ratio of Tea to Water** When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience, but using too much tea is the primary cause of overly bitter and astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the recommended amount of tea is about 4 grams. If you use too little tea, even with less water, you won't fully bring out the rich flavor…

Pu'er tea brewing is very particular; even the same tea can taste different depending on who brews it. We emphasize "brewing according to the tea," which means choosing a brewing method based on understanding the nature of the tea, a process that involves continuous learning and practice. This process is long and challenging. However, during this journey, we can start by learning about common mistakes to make the tea more enjoyable. Six Mistakes in Brewing Pu'er Tea 1. High and Fast Water Pouring The high and fast water pouring technique is suitable for Oolong tea, as it enhances its aroma. However, this method is not suitable for Pu'er tea. The rich contents of Pu'er tea can lead to an overly bitter and astringent initial infusion if the water is poured too quickly, resulting in a light and thin later infusion. The desired taste for Pu'er tea is characterized by a stable fragrance, soft and full-bodied flavor, and strong layering. The correct method is to pour water slowly and precisely, ensuring better coordination between the flavors of the early and later infusions. 2. Brutal Tea Cake Breaking If the tea cake is broken into pieces that are too small, too large,…

Bai Mudan tea, named for its plump buds and greenish-white leaves that resemble blooming peony flowers, is one of the six major types of Chinese white teas. Not only does Bai Mudan tea have a fresh and sweet taste, but it also offers many benefits. Below, we will introduce you to the detailed steps of brewing Bai Mudan tea so you can enjoy its delicate aroma at home. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Preparations Before you start brewing, you need to prepare the necessary tools and tea leaves. A transparent glass pot or a white porcelain pot is recommended, as they allow you to better observe the leaves as they unfurl in the water. Choose high-quality Bai Mudan tea leaves, as the quality of the leaves directly affects the taste and mouthfeel of the tea. Warming the Cups and Washing the Tea The first step is warming the cups, which helps to better stimulate the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups, swirl it around briefly, then discard the water. Next, wash the tea by placing an appropriate amount of Bai Mudan tea in the pot, pouring a small amount of boiling water…

When we savor Puer tea, we often hear the term “Aged Charm.” What is “Aged Charm”? It is a complex sensation that is more pronounced in aged Puer teas. The Aged Charm comprises the woody aroma sensed through the nostrils and the rich taste experienced by the palate, among other sensory perceptions. This charm requires a tranquil mind to appreciate fully, from its fragrance to its flavor. Over time, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Aged Charm. Puer teas that exhibit Aged Charm are typically the result of good raw materials, craftsmanship, and storage conditions working together. Well-made ripe teas generally undergo aging at a rate of about two to three years per cycle. In the first transformation phase, ripe teas may have a slight "watery" feel and "heap scent," but the tea flavor is clear, the heap scent is clean, and the tea soup appears slightly turbid, with a brownish-red or dark red color. There is noticeable aftertaste and a sense of charm. In the second transformation phase, the "heap scent" fades, and the tea and water become more integrated. The ripe aroma and gradually fuller aged aroma become apparent. The tea soup turns deep red, the…

"Nourish Yang in spring and summer, and Yin in autumn and winter." According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), once we enter spring and summer, it's the time for our body's Yang energy to rise. While "purging fire," we also need "clearing and tonifying." It's okay to have some cold food during hot weather, but we shouldn't overindulge as it can deplete our Yang energy. In the height of summer to beat the heat, it is advisable to "use heat to counteract heat." Hot tea is the best beverage to cool down on a hot day. Today, I'm sharing 11 teas that help you beat the summer heat, reduce dampness, and are perfect for summertime: 1/ Honey Pomelo Tea Honey pomelo tea combines the benefits of pomelo, honey, and black or green tea. Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, which helps alleviate melanin buildup. Its peel acts as a natural fragrance, refreshing the air. A cup of honey pomelo tea can lift your mood and relax your body and mind. 2/ Jasmine Tea Jasmine tea is great for calming the nerves. A cup in the drowsy afternoon can invigorate the spirit, clear heat and relieve summer heat, strengthen the spleen and…

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…

The correct seven steps of tea brewing: boiling water, washing cups, placing tea, infusing, pouring tea, serving tea, savoring tea, drinking tea. The first step is to boil the water for brewing tea. The second step is to rinse the teaware with boiling water. The third step is to place the tea in the cup. The fourth step is to pour water into the cup to infuse the tea... 1. Warming the Cups First, boil a pot of water and then use the boiling water to rinse the teaware once. This not only serves the purpose of hygiene and cleanliness but also preheats the teaware so that the tea flavor is enhanced. Pour the boiling water into the fairness cup, tea cups, and aroma cups, and then discard it. 2. Placing the Tea Tea is divided into six categories, and there are even more varieties of tea. However, the amount of tea used varies greatly between each type. (Using an example of a 110ml gaiwan): To brew white tea, use 5 grams; To brew black tea, use 5 grams; To brew rock tea, use 8 grams; To brew raw pu-erh, use 8 grams. Place the tea you wish to brew…

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…