Brew Tea

The challenge in brewing Pu'er tea lies in its vast variety and ever-changing characteristics. Each time you brew Pu'er, the shape, age, and features seem different. This is the nature of Pu'er tea. To brew it well, you need to understand these factors: Newly Produced Sheng Pu'er (Raw) In terms of nature, newly produced Sheng Pu'er is similar to green tea. When brewing, avoid a cooked or over-steeped flavor by using slightly lower water temperature and a quick pour-off. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the tea tree variety, region, age of the trees, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors require slightly cooler water and shorter steeping times, while those with lighter flavors are the opposite. Newly Produced Shou Pu'er (Ripe) Compared to older teas, new Shou Pu'er often has some less desirable qualities, like a murky infusion, an impure aroma, and a less refined taste, along with off-flavors like the "pile" smell and strong bitterness. Since the water-soluble compounds in new Shou Pu'er dissolve quickly, you should aim to highlight its strengths and minimize its weaknesses by using high-temperature rinses to remove unwanted flavors, slightly cooler water for brewing,…

In recent years, Anhua dark tea has been widely pursued and favored by consumers due to its remarkable effects. Brewing Anhua dark tea is a simple yet somewhat challenging art; if not careful, the brewed tea may have a light taste, weak aroma, and thin mouthfeel. Even worse, well-stored aged dark tea can produce a drying and slightly astringent tea soup in the throat. So how can we make Anhua dark tea taste better?   Step 1: Place the Tea Control the tea-to-water ratio to lay a foundation for the concentration. For a 100ml teapot with a lid, use 10 grams of tea. This amount generally ensures a balanced ratio, which you can adjust according to personal taste. Also, adjust the steeping time accordingly. For example, if brewing several infusions, increase the amount of tea used and try to pour out the water quickly during the initial few steeps. Step 2: Rinse the Tea Moisten the tea leaves and clean the surface. From this rinsing step onward, pour the water gently. You can pour in a circular motion or in a steady stream, but the water flow must be calm and stable. Avoid making the tea leaves tumble violently. If…

Black tea and milk can indeed be enjoyed together—think of the classic combination in milk tea. Some people say that milk should not be consumed with tea, as the calcium in milk can bind with oxalic acid in the tea, making it unabsorbable. This theory doesn’t hold up. Compared to vegetables, tea is not a major source of oxalic acid. A teabag contains 4-6 mg of oxalic acid per gram, and each molecule of oxalic acid can bind with two calcium ions. The molecular weight of oxalic acid and the atomic weight of two calcium ions are roughly in a 1:1 ratio. Brewing a cup of tea typically requires 1-2 grams of tea (for most people), which would contain no more than 12 mg of oxalic acid, resulting in a loss of only 12 mg of calcium. However, half a cup of milk (100 grams) contains 100-120 mg of calcium, so even if 12 mg were lost, it would only be one-tenth of the total, not something to worry about, and certainly not leading to osteoporosis. Can I Add Milk Directly to Black Tea? Milk can be added directly to black tea. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, and other…

Hello everyone! Today, we're going to talk about how to brew Pu'er ripened tea. As a tea with a long history, Pu'er tea is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its unique aged fragrance and rich flavor. Pu'er ripened tea, with its warm and mellow characteristics, is suitable for drinking all year round. So, how do you brew a perfect cup of Pu'er ripened tea? Let me guide you step by step. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Pu'er Ripened Tea To brew a great cup of Pu'er ripened tea, the first step is to choose a high-quality tea. Good Pu'er ripened tea has a dark and lustrous appearance, a pure aroma, and notes of aged or ginseng-like fragrance. The surface of the tea leaves should be clean, without impurities or fragments. You can choose reputable brands or trusted tea merchants to ensure the quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing the Tea Utensils The utensils used to brew Pu'er ripened tea are also important. It is recommended to use a purple clay pot or a white porcelain gaiwan, as these utensils better retain the aroma and taste of the tea. If using a…

White tea is primarily known for its properties of cooling and moistening the lungs. The "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" states: "The lungs govern the skin and hair, and are associated with the skin. They are responsible for the dispersion and solemn descent; pulse energy flows through the meridians, which return to the lungs. The lungs receive the energy from all the meridians and transport essence to the skin and hair." Aged white tea, the fragrance of time For tea enthusiasts who are devoted to white tea, aged white tea is a tea product that holds memories. As a tea that looks back, aged white tea is imbued with the secret fragrance of time. In its rich and mellow taste, it stores the weight of time. After experiencing the dust of time and the vicissitudes of fate, aged white tea becomes mature and dignified. Drinking them is like reading history and forgotten past events. Mature fragrance and medicinal aroma, with a sweet and mellow taste The mature fragrance typically appears in aged white tea. It is a clean, refreshing, and natural scent, but unlike the downy aroma, floral fragrance, or medicinal aroma, it does not have a specific reference…

Many tea enthusiasts have encountered an issue where, when brewing a particular serving of tea, the first few infusions already exhibit a heavy water taste, giving the impression of separate tea and water. Why does this happen during tea brewing? Here are some possible reasons: Hard Water Quality The hardness of water affects the solubility of compounds within the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water, which contains higher levels of calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, has a lower solubility, leading to a milder tea taste. Therefore, we should choose soft water whenever possible and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. Insufficient Water Temperature The solubility of tea is directly proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature for brewing is too low, the solubility of the compounds in the tea leaves will be reduced, resulting in a weaker tea taste and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in the tea, as the vitamins in tea are relatively stable, and their loss at high temperatures is actually quite limited. Weather Conditions During Tea Processing Spring tea…

The suitable water temperature for brewing aged Pu'er tea is 100°C. Aged Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan sun-dried green tea, which undergoes fermentation, pile-fermentation, and pressing. Its rich internal components and pectin require boiling water (100°C) to facilitate the release of its internal substances and aromas. Brewing utensils such as a purple clay pot or a lidded bowl are recommended. Water Temperature for Brewing Aged Pu'er Tea Aged Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan green tea that has undergone pile-fermentation. It contains abundant and full-bodied substances and is best brewed at 100°C to fully express its smooth, silky, sweet, fragrant, and mellow characteristics. However, the brewing time should not be too long to avoid bitterness. The principle is to infuse and pour out quickly. Secondly, it's important to preheat the brewing vessel before steeping the aged tea. Preheating ensures the vessel is warm, enhancing the aroma of the Pu'er tea during actual brewing and improving the lingering fragrance in the cup. Aged Pu'er can be brewed with 100°C water, adjusting based on specific teas and local boiling points. For example, teas made from finer leaves may be brewed at around 95°C, while aged teas require high-temperature brewing,…

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…

Oolong tea, also known as Qingcha or semi-fermented tea, is a distinctive category among the major types of Chinese teas. Oolong tea is made through processes such as killing green, withering, shaking green, fermentation, and baking, resulting in a high-quality tea. Characteristic oolong tea has red edges on the leaves and a green center, with a yellowish-red infusion, rich flavor, and unique floral and fruity aromas that linger long after tasting. Famous oolong teas include: Fujian Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong tea, Dongding Oolong tea, and Wuyi Dahongpao. "The pot is the father of tea, water is the mother of tea, charcoal is the friend of tea," when it comes to brewing tea, the teapot is extremely important. So, what kind of purple clay pot is suitable for oolong tea? In terms of clay material: The infusion color of oolong tea is mostly orange-yellow or golden yellow. Based on this characteristic, suitable purple clay pot materials for oolong tea can be selected from duan clay, original green clay, zuni (red clay), and red clay. The taste of oolong tea is full-bodied and its aroma is rich, which is one of the most significant features of oolong tea: its high aroma. Therefore, you…

Autumn has arrived, and winter is not far behind. With the coolness of autumn mornings and evenings, it's time to consider enjoying a cup of black tea, which can warm your body better than anything else. For those who love and wish to learn more about black tea, these seven questions should prove quite helpful. 01. Does the saying "high mountains produce good tea amidst clouds and mist" apply to black tea as well? Yes, it does. Tea plants prefer diffused light and are best grown under the shade of larger trees or amid clouds and mist, where sunlight is sparse and less intense. Under such conditions, tea plants find it easier to synthesize theanine. Tea plants grown at high altitudes tend to have richer theanine content, resulting in a fresher and more refreshing flavor. 02. What causes the sweetness when drinking black tea? The sweetness in black tea comes from the presence of sugars and amino acids. During fermentation, very complex chemical reactions occur centered around the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols. The chemical composition of fresh tea leaves changes significantly, with over 90% of polyphenols reduced and new components like theaflavins and thearubigins produced. The aroma compounds increase markedly.…

Summer has arrived in the blink of an eye, and the hot weather can easily bring about symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, poor appetite, and even heatstroke. So how do you deal with them? You can do so by drinking tea, but it's important to drink the right kind of tea to avoid overdoing it and harming your health.Drink White Tea to Prevent Heatstroke Hot weather makes one prone to heatstroke, especially for those who often work or play outdoors. What you need to have on hand is white tea. White tea is a lightly fermented tea that goes through processes such as blanching and drying. It has a cool nature and contains abundant amino acids that have the effects of cooling and relieving summer heat, thus preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos: New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with a cold stomach should drink it in moderation and not on an empty stomach. They should choose aged tea at least five years old. Vine tea has a sweet and bland taste and a cool nature. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing summer heat and stimulating saliva production, removing rheumatism, strengthening muscles and bones,…

Many people love Xiao Qing Gan not only for its adorable appearance but also for its health benefits. So, how should you infuse Xiao Qing Gan to make it tasty? How long can one Xiao Qing Gan last? How to Infuse Xiao Qing Gan for the Best Taste? Generally speaking, an authentic Xiao Qing Gan can be infused throughout the day. For instance, with “Shi Tian Yi Xiao Qing Gan,” a single piece can be infused at least 20 times while still producing a bright red and rich infusion that tastes of thick tangerine peel. Therefore, to enjoy the best taste, you must use genuine Xiao Qing Gan tea before infusing. Only genuine Xiao Qing Gan has the health benefits for your body. Additionally, there are other two methods to infuse Xiao Qing Gan besides using one per infusion, which are as follows: (1) Fragmented Peel Infusion Method: 1. Use a tea scoop to transfer the tea leaves into a gaiwan (lidded bowl). 2. Take an appropriate amount of tangerine peel. 3. Pour in boiling water (100°C). 4. Rinse the tea once or twice quickly, then proceed with the infusion. 5. The infusion time is approximately 1 to 2 seconds…

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…

Ancient sage Confucius proposed that there are six realms in life: "At fifteen, I set my heart on learning; at thirty, I stood firm; at forty, I had no more doubts; at fifty, I knew what was the will of Heaven; at sixty, I could hear everything with equanimity; and at seventy, I could follow my heart's desire without overstepping any bounds." There are also six realms of tea drinking, and the experience can vary with different times and moods. Realm Beyond the Realm When starting to drink tea, many people find all teas taste the same — bitter. This is because their taste buds have not yet developed enough to discern the nuances of sweetness, astringency, and other flavors in the tea, leading to a feeling that all teas taste alike. At this stage, the "taste of tea" has not been fully appreciated, hence it is called the "Realm Beyond the Realm." The First Realm After drinking tea for some time and gaining more knowledge about it, one begins to distinguish between different types of tea. The ability to taste bitterness, astringency, and sweetness emerges. Although still unable to fully appreciate the subtleties of tea flavors, one starts to…

Pu'er raw tea is a traditional tea with a long history, beloved for its unique aroma and taste. Understanding the correct way to enjoy Pu'er raw tea not only enhances your appreciation of its fragrance but also maximizes its benefits. This article will detail the proper method for brewing Pu'er raw tea so you can savor a great cup at home. (Image source: Internet. Please contact us if you wish to remove it.) Selecting Pu'er Raw Tea Before enjoying Pu'er raw tea, choosing a high-quality variety is crucial. High-quality Pu'er raw tea has bright color, tightly bound leaves, and a distinctive floral and fruity aroma. When purchasing, opt for reputable tea brands or specialty shops to ensure quality. Water Quality for Brewing The water quality used for brewing significantly affects the taste of the tea. Generally, it's best to use mineral water or mountain spring water, as these are pure and can better bring out the aroma and flavor of the tea. If unavailable, filtered tap water can be used as an alternative. Selecting Tea Utensils There are many options for utensils when brewing Pu'er raw tea, including purple clay pots, glass pots, and porcelain tea sets. Purple clay pots…

The highest praise for a cup of tea is perhaps its ability to bring about a sweet aftertaste, turning initial bitterness into lasting sweetness. But what exactly is this “sweet aftertaste”? Let me explain the intricacies of this phenomenon. What is Sweet Aftertaste? The term "sweet aftertaste" refers to the specific taste experience that results from an initial bitterness followed by a sweet sensation in the throat. When tea touches the tongue, it brings a clear yet slightly bitter taste that lingers in the mouth, gradually evolving over time as the sweetness overtakes the bitterness, culminating in a sweet finish. This stark contrast and comparison within a single sip of tea creates a remarkable impact on the palate. A strong and enduring sweet aftertaste is often used as a key criterion for evaluating high-quality tea. This transformation from bitterness to sweetness is more dramatic than immediate sweetness, giving the tea a richer character and depth. How to Identify High-Quality Tea Through Sweet Aftertaste However, the intensity of the sweet aftertaste is not an absolute indicator of a tea's quality. For example, lower-quality teas with excessively bitter flavors can produce a strong sweet aftertaste due to the contrast. Additionally, some teas…

1. Do we feel joy when drinking tea? Dopamine, a term we are all familiar with, is a central neurotransmitter that activates brain nerve cells and its physiological activity is closely related to one's emotional state. Scientific experiments have proven that L-theanine in tea can significantly promote the release of dopamine in the brain’s central nervous system, enhancing the physiological activity of dopamine within the brain. (Reference: China National Knowledge Infrastructure - "Research on the Performance and Synthesis of L-Theanine" by Chen Yinxia) It must be admitted that tea is a very charming beverage. 2. Flower + Tea = Happiness > 2 Jasmine + Green Tea: Jasmine has a fresh and vivid aroma while green tea is refreshing. Through the skilled craftsmanship of tea artisans, the scent of jasmine is infused into the tea. The result is a jasmine green tea that is subtle yet fragrant, not too light nor too heavy. Sipping it releases the full fragrance of summer between your lips and teeth. Osmanthus + Black Tea: Osmanthus has a rich and intense fragrance, while black tea is sweet and mellow. The osmanthus black tea produced through this process has a soft and sweet liquor, with the scent…

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…

To seriously enjoy a session of tea, you can describe your experience through the following seven steps, commonly referred to as the “four smells and three sips.” Here, the four smells do not refer to the typical hot smell, warm smell, and cold smell. Instead, when the tea is brewed, you can appreciate the aroma from these four aspects, carefully sensing the differences in each. 【First Smell: Lid Aroma】 When tea meets high-temperature brewing, it releases its aromatic compounds. When using a gaiwan, the inner lid comes into direct contact with the tea soup, making the lid aroma particularly prominent. For example, when drinking Yancha (rock tea), we can easily detect floral and fruity aromas. 【Second Smell: Leaf Base Aroma】 After shaking the leaves, you can smell the dry leaf base aroma, and after brewing, you can also smell the aroma of the infused leaf base. There are subtle differences between the two. For example, a high-grade Bai Mudan that is four to five years old will have a distinct honey aroma when dry, but after brewing, the leaf base aroma transforms into a floral one. These subtle differences are worth exploring. 【Third Smell: Aroma on the Fairness Cup’s Bottom】…

In the scorching summer heat, drinking green tea is a great choice. Those who understand tea know that there are specific nuances to brewing green tea. Beyond the requirement for water temperature, the order in which the tea leaves are added is also very important. Let's explore the three different methods of adding tea leaves. I. The Three Methods of Adding Tea Leaves 1. There’s an Art to the Order of Adding Tea Leaves When you brew tea, do you put the tea leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour half the water before adding the leaves? These questions might seem trivial, but using green tea as an example, different types of green tea have different methods of adding the leaves. 2. Top Addition Method: Pour the water first, then add the tea leaves, allowing them to sink slowly. The top addition method is suitable for tea leaves that are heavy and covered with fine down, such as Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the tea leaves will naturally sink when placed in the water, gradually releasing their internal substances. The down on the surface will also slowly disperse in the water, resulting…

Green tea is a widely popular beverage both domestically and internationally, known for its unique fragrance and fresh, refreshing taste. When brewing green tea, use water at an appropriate temperature — not too high — to fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Additionally, do not steep the tea for too long to avoid bitterness from over-infusion. Drinking green tea in moderation not only provides a pleasant taste but also benefits health. How to Brew Green Tea Best To brew green tea best: 1) Warm the cup by placing the glass cup into a tea washer and pouring boiling water over it to clean and warm the cup; 2) Rinse the tea by adding 3-5g of green tea with a tea spoon into the glass cup and infusing it with water at 80-85°C, stirring the tea quickly and discarding the infusion after 3 seconds; 3) Steep the tea by continuing to pour hot water into the cup and waiting patiently for 1-2 minutes before drinking. 1) Warm the cup Before brewing green tea, place the glass cup into a tea washer and pour boiling water over it to clean and warm the cup. Alternatively, you can place…

Tea brewing can be simple or complex, and in daily life, we often opt for simplicity. In everyday settings like home or the office, we often want a good cup of tea that is both convenient and quick. Today, I will share with you a method of brewing tea in a cup to enjoy a great cup of tea in just one minute—the cup brewing method. Cup Brewing Method The cup brewing method is commonly used in daily life due to its simplicity. Simply add an appropriate amount of tea leaves and pour in hot water, let it steep for a certain period, and then you can drink directly from the cup. If using a transparent glass cup, you can clearly see the elegant appearance of the tea leaves in the water. While the cup brewing method seems simple, to quickly brew a cup of tea with good taste and temperature, you can use a two-step brewing method with "hot water + room temperature water" and pay attention to the following points: Firstly, the ratio of tea to water. Taking Dafolongjing tea as an example, when using a straight cylindrical glass cup with a capacity of 200 mL, generally, a…

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,…

Pu'er tea is a specialty of Yunnan Province, made from sun-dried large-leaf tea from Yunnan and processed through specific fermentation methods. Pu'er tea boasts a unique aged aroma and rich flavor, earning it the title "King of Teas." The Brewing Method for Pu'er Tea: Teaware: Choose ceramic or glass teaware, with a transparent glass cup or a lidded bowl being ideal. Water: Use purified water or soft water, with a temperature controlled around 90°C (194°F). Amount of Tea: Generally, use 3-5 grams of tea, adjusting according to personal taste. Brewing Time: The first infusion is typically around 30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing by about 30 seconds, not exceeding 3 minutes. Tasting: The tea liquor of Pu'er tea is orange-yellow and thick, with a sharp and lasting fragrance. It has a rich and mellow taste and can be steeped many times. The Benefits of Pu'er Tea: Weight Loss: Pu'er tea contains abundant polyphenols and caffeine, which can help break down fat and achieve weight loss. Lowering Lipid Levels: The polyphenols and amino acids in Pu'er tea can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, aiding in lowering lipid levels. Stomach Protection: The caffeine and polyphenols in Pu'er tea can…