Brew Tea

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 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…

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…

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…

There is a consensus in the Pu'er tea industry that drinking tea should prioritize spring tea! The benefits of spring tea need no elaboration. If you want to savor the enticingly fresh and brisk flavor of Pu'er tea to the fullest, you may try the following brewing methods. The tea-to-water ratio should be 100:7, meaning about 7 grams of tea for every 100 milliliters of water in a gaiwan. Adjust according to personal taste and the capacity of the gaiwan. A relatively standard tea-to-water ratio not only helps you better appreciate the authentic flavor of spring tea, showcasing its fresh taste, aroma, and flavor, but also reduces any potential irritation to the stomach. Loose tea does not require deliberate pre-infusion; at least one rinse is sufficient. Pre-infusion aims to activate the tea leaves and release their aroma, primarily for compressed teas. Loose tea maintains good activity in its loose state, so it only needs to be rinsed once or twice when brewing. Boiling water at 100°C is not an all-purpose choice for brewing Pu'er tea; 95°C is more suitable. For Pu'er tea, especially freshly made spring tea (especially loose tea), 100°C is not the ideal temperature. Spring tea with tender…

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…

When brewing tea, you may occasionally encounter a situation where the water taste is prominent. What causes this? It is mainly due to the impact of water on the tea brewing process. So what effects do water quality and water temperature have on tea brewing? Why does tea have a strong water taste when brewed? Here are some reasons: 1. Hard Water Quality The hardness of the water affects the solubility of compounds in the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water contains more calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, leading to lower solubility and thus a weaker tea flavor. Therefore, we should try to choose soft water and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. 2. Low Water Temperature The solubility of tea is proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature used for brewing is too low, the amount of compounds dissolved from the tea leaves will be small, leading to an insufficient tea flavor and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in tea, as the stability of vitamins in tea is relatively high, and the…

Many think that brewing green tea simply involves adding hot water, but there are actually specific techniques. When brewing green tea, should you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Those who know about tea understand that green tea has specific requirements for water temperature. However, many tea enthusiasts tend to use the bottom placement method when brewing green tea. Some may not be familiar with this term. Today, let’s learn about the three placement methods and which one is best for commonly consumed green teas. The Three Placement Methods for Brewing Tea 1. The order of placing tea matters When brewing tea, do you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour some water, add the leaves, and then pour more water? These questions might seem trivial, but different types of green tea require different placement methods. 2. Top Placement Method: Pour water first, then add the tea, letting it slowly sink This method is suitable for heavier-bodied, bud-rich teas like Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the leaves will naturally sink after being added to the water, gradually releasing their flavor components. The tea fuzz on the…

Pu'er tea cakes require the assistance of tools such as a "tea knife," "tea needle," or "tea cone" to break them apart before brewing. Pu'er tea cakes come in two types: raw and ripe, which are compressed to different degrees of tightness and therefore require appropriate tools for breaking them apart.The tea knife is primarily used for prying apart less tightly compressed raw Pu'er tea cakes with larger tea strands; while the tea cone and tea needle are mainly used for more tightly compressed ripe tea cakes, ripe tea bricks, and small compressed teas like tuo cha. However, in daily use, both can be used together according to the specific situation. Steps for Prizing Apart the Tea Cake: 1. Place the tea cake flat and slowly insert the tea knife along the side edge. 2. Gradually push the tea knife into the tea cake, once inserted to a certain depth, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to prevent breaking the tea cake into too many small pieces. 3. Slowly apply upward force with the tea knife to pry off pieces of the tea cake. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 to gradually pry apart the tea cake layer by layer. The tea cake…

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…

What is Kudzu Flower Tea? Kudzu flower tea is a type of tea made from kudzu flowers. Kudzu itself is a Chinese medicinal herb commonly used to treat various health issues. Kudzu flower tea has gained popularity among health enthusiasts in recent years due to its unique aroma and refreshing taste. Not only does it have a fresh flavor, but it is also rich in numerous nutrients and has significant health benefits. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Main Components and Benefits of Kudzu Flower Tea Kudzu flower tea contains abundant flavonoids, isoflavones, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Flavonoids have strong antioxidant effects, which can help eliminate free radicals in the body and slow down the aging process. Isoflavones help regulate female hormones, alleviate symptoms of menopause, and promote bone density. In addition, kudzu flower tea has several notable benefits: 1. Improves Blood Circulation and Metabolism The active ingredients in kudzu flower tea can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and enhance the efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery in the blood. This is very helpful for boosting metabolism, enhancing physical strength, and resistance. 2. Relieves Fatigue and Increases Stamina Long-term consumption of kudzu flower tea can effectively relieve physical…

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.…

Black tea is loved by many, and one key reason is that it belongs to the category of fully fermented teas, with a gentle nature. Black tea has a mild temperament and is generally well-received even by those who seldom drink it or are trying it for the first time. While many people enjoy drinking black tea, they often do not pay much attention to the brewing method. Below, we will explain the correct way to brew black tea. The Correct Method of Brewing Black Tea The first step is to choose suitable teaware. It's important to know that any tea requires specific utensils. For black tea, a white porcelain cup is best, as it helps to bring out its unique flavor; The second step involves using good water and ensuring the water temperature reaches around 95 degrees Celsius. High temperatures help extract polyphenols and caffeine from the black tea leaves effectively; The third step is to steep the tea. First, warm up the teaware with boiling water. Then pour hot water into the teapot or teacup and let it sit for 3-5 seconds. This allows the aroma of the tea to develop and the leaves to settle. If using…

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…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

As is known to all, boiling tea, steaming tea, and infusing tea are three different ways of enjoying tea. Boiling tea is a form of tea art. During the prosperous Tang and Song dynasties, Chinese people used to drink boiled tea. Infusing tea is also an art. As the saying goes: "Use boiling water for aged tea and hot water for tender tea." Boiling refers to using freshly boiled water, while infusing means using water from a thermos. Steaming tea, however, is quite rare. In Liubao Town, Cangwu County, Guangxi, there is another popular way of enjoying tea: braising. Braising is a commonly used cooking method in southern cuisine. In southeastern Guangxi, there is a unique custom where serving tea is a way of hospitality for locals. Guests are welcomed with tea as if it were wine, and the tea remains warm even after guests leave. This is a tradition among the people of Liubao. "No tea to taste" implies that the host is either indifferent or lazy by nature. If you visit someone and "do not even taste the tea," it suggests disrespect towards the host. The reason why locals choose to braise their tea might be due to…

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…

Once Laba arrives, the New Year isn't far behind. This day was traditionally a time for ancient people to honor their ancestors and deities and pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. Ancient customs such as drinking Laba porridge and soaking garlic in vinegar are still widely practiced today. After Laba, it's the New Year Laba 2022/12/30 Today is Laba There’s a saying: On the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, your jaw can freeze off. The weather during Laba remains bitterly cold, so it's important to stay protected from the wind and keep warm. A cup of hot, fragrant tea not only helps warm the body but also boosts immunity. So, what kind of tea is suitable for Laba Festival? Ripe Pu'er Ripe Pu'er has a sweet and warm nature, promoting yang energy, generating warmth, and warming the abdomen. In winter, when the weather is dry and cold, drinking ripe Pu'er regularly can warm the stomach and intestines, regulate internal circulation, and enhance the body's resistance. Modern research confirms that ripe Pu'er is particularly effective for nourishing and protecting the stomach, making it suitable for those who are weak or older. In the depths of…

Hello everyone! Today, we're going to talk about one of the specialties of Guangdong — preserved tangerine peel tea. This tea not only has a pleasant aroma but also offers many health benefits. So, how do you brew preserved tangerine peel tea? Let's take a look together. (Image source: Internet; please delete if infringement occurs) Benefits and Effects of Preserved Tangerine Peel Tea Before we get into brewing, let's understand the benefits of preserved tangerine peel tea. Preserved tangerine peel is made from tangerine peels that have been aged for years and has the effects of regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, as well as dissolving phlegm and relieving coughs. Regular consumption can aid digestion, alleviate bloating, enhance immunity, and help the body detoxify. Selecting High-Quality Preserved Tangerine Peel To brew a good cup of tea, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. There are many types of preserved tangerine peel available on the market, but high-quality ones generally have a darker color, a natural luster, and a strong citrus scent. The older the preserved tangerine peel, the higher its medicinal value; it is recommended to choose those aged for over ten years. Brewing Method for Preserved Tangerine Peel Tea Now,…

Brewing the same Pu'er tea using different techniques often yields different experiences. If you're frustrated by not being able to bring out the true essence of the tea, try varying your brewing technique in response to its strengths and weaknesses. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover along the way. Six Ways to Brew Pu'er Tea 1. Gung Fu Brewing Method: This method is similar to how oolong tea is brewed, with all the tea liquor drained from each infusion, leaving no residue. This allows for a good appreciation of the changes in the water path of a tea, checking its durability and experiencing the changes in color, aroma, and taste with each infusion. 2. Root-Left Brewing Method: After rinsing the tea, always leave some of the infused tea liquor in the teapot, not completely emptying it. Typically, this involves leaving 20% and pouring out 80%, or sometimes leaving half and pouring out half. After pouring out the tea, add more water until the tea becomes light in flavor—then, you can steep it for longer periods. The root-left brewing method helps regulate the taste of the tea from start to finish, making the changes between infusions less abrupt.…

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…

Many tea lovers may wonder when brewing tea, "Should I leave the lid on or off after pouring the infusion from a teapot or gaiwan?" In fact, whether it's a gaiwan or a teapot, whenever the question arises about leaving the lid off or on, there are typically two schools of thought: the "Lid-Off School" and the "Lid-On School." Members of each school often have strong opinions and can get into heated debates. 1. Reasons for Keeping the Lid On To Prevent Loss of Aroma Putting the lid on is to prevent the excessive dispersion of the tea's aroma. With the lid and gaiwan in a relatively closed state, it helps to gather the tea's aroma within the gaiwan, making it easier to appreciate the lid's aroma. 2. As the Saying Goes, "Good Tea Can Withstand Stewing" If the quality of the tea is good enough, covering it with a lid won't affect it. This can also be a way to test the quality of the tea. If the taste isn't affected, it suggests that it's a good tea. 3. Facilitates Faster Release of Inner Substances When brewing aged teas or coarser leaves, keeping the lid on helps maintain the…

Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and sweet aftertaste. However, to truly bring out the deliciousness of Biluochun, it's crucial to master the correct brewing method. Today, we'll discuss how to brew a cup of fragrant and rich Biluochun tea using the simplest methods. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Biluochun Tea? Biluochun tea is produced in Dongting Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This tea is named for its early picking time, tender leaves, and slender curled shape. Biluochun tea is known as "Terrifyingly Fragrant" because of the intense aroma it emits during the stir-frying process, which is intoxicating. Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Tea To brew good tea, you must first choose good tea leaves. High-quality Biluochun tea has tightly twisted, fine strands with visible white down and a bright green color. It should have a noticeable floral and fruity fragrance, and the tea liquor should be clear and bright. Purchasing from reputable brands and channels ensures the freshness and quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing Tools and Water The tools for brewing tea can include glass cups, white…