Brew Tea

The brewing temperature for Dian Hong black tea is 95-100°C. High-quality black tea contains a rich array of substances and deeply accumulated aromatic compounds that can only be fully released with water at or above 95°C. This high temperature brings out the tea's rich and varied aroma and also helps to extract its internal substances, ensuring the fullness of the tea liquor. What Temperature Water is Best for Brewing Dian Hong Black Tea? The ideal water temperature for brewing Dian Hong black tea is 95°C. Black tea is made through fermentation, and using high temperatures can fully extract polyphenols, amino acids, and other substances from the tea. Additionally, high temperatures enhance the aroma and richness of flavor. However, the 95°C refers to water that has been left to cool for about 2 minutes after boiling, not water that has not reached boiling point. For premium black teas, a water temperature around 95°C is suitable, or you can use water at 100°C for a more intense flavor. Regardless, the water must always be brought to a boil. There isn't a definitive temperature, as lower temperatures yield a smoother taste and slower extraction of substances, increasing the tea's durability, while higher temperatures…

The Laba Festival is almost here, which also means that the Spring Festival is about to kick off, with the festive atmosphere growing stronger day by day. Bid farewell to the old year with bowls of Buddha porridge and welcome the New Year with every grain of the eight treasures. During the Laba Festival, we drink Laba porridge and Laba tea to welcome the upcoming New Year. There are many customs associated with the Laba Festival, most of which revolve around food, such as Laba porridge, Laba garlic, Laba tofu, Laba noodles, and even "Laba ice." Of course, what Tea Weekly is introducing to everyone today is a cup of Laba tea with endless flavors~ Laba tea originated in the prosperous Tang Dynasty and was introduced to the northwest during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Traditionally, it is a premium beverage served by the Hui and Dongxiang ethnic groups along the ancient Silk Road to their guests. Laba tea is originally known as Eight Treasure Tea or Three-Brew Tea. In regions of Northwest China, such as Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia, there is a tradition of drinking Eight Treasure Tea. In these areas, drinking Eight Treasure Tea is a common part…

Dragon Pearl tea is a form of Pu'er, similar to cake tea, brick tea, and tuo cha, representing an external presentation style. Typically 6-8 grams in size per piece, the tea is steamed and rolled into a spherical shape before being wrapped in paper. It shares similarities with small green tangerine teas, with one pearl per serving, making it convenient for carrying. Due to its portability, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many tea makers in Yunnan producing these pearls. Dragon Pearls preserve the traditional handcrafted form of compressed Pu'er tea while also catering to the modern lifestyle's need for convenience. As their popularity grows, how should one brew Dragon Pearls? Brewing Steps for Dragon Pearl Tea 1. Prepare the tea and utensils: Get ready with one Dragon Pearl, a gaiwan, a pitcher, tasting cups, etc. 2. Warm the vessels: Rinse all tea ware with boiling water. 3. Add the tea: Unwrap the Dragon Pearl and place it in the gaiwan. 4. Pour water: Slowly pour hot water along the sides of the gaiwan (avoid pouring directly onto the Dragon Pearl). 5. Rinse the tea: Discard the first infusion and wait a moment to allow the Dragon…

The so-called tea cooking method refers to brewing and then drinking the tea. Directly placing the tea in a pot to cook it was the most common way of drinking tea in China before the Tang Dynasty. There are records about the tea cooking process in Lu Yu's The Classic of Tea. Pu'er Ripened Tea Cooking Method Steps To start cooking the tea, prepare the necessary tools. For beginners just starting with Pu'er tea, a glass teapot is recommended as it is both economical and practical, and also allows for observing changes in the color of the tea broth, which helps determine the right time to pour it out. Next, prepare 8 to 10 grams of ripened Pu'er. Rinse it first using a lidded bowl, or you can steep it a few times before cooking. Finally, begin the actual cooking process by heating the water until it is gently boiling, then add the prepared ripened tea. Once the water in the pot starts boiling completely and the tea broth darkens, you can pour it out. Note that when cooking tea, it is recommended to pour out only half or two-thirds of the first batch of tea broth to drink, leaving…

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,…

Flower tea is primarily made using black tea, green tea, or oolong tea as the base, complemented with fragrant flowers that can imbue their scent. It is produced through a process called scenting. Its aroma is rich and the tea liquor is dark in color, possessing benefits such as beautifying the skin, aiding digestion, and more. However, improper consumption of tea can also harm the body; therefore, it is important to drink tea in a healthy manner. Benefits of Drinking Flower Tea Long-Term 1. Improves Vision and Reduces Internal Heat Drinking flower teas like Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum, wild chrysanthemum, and Hangbai chrysanthemum can effectively alleviate dizziness and blurred vision caused by internal heat. 2. Nourishes the Stomach and Protects the Liver Flower teas made from calendula, osmanthus, luo han kuo, jasmine, and hibiscus have the effects of clearing and nourishing the liver, as well as strengthening and nurturing the stomach. 3. Lowers Blood Pressure and Lipids Drinking flower teas like ginkgo, notoginseng, and ginseng can soften blood vessel walls and improve circulation, helping to control blood pressure and regulate lipids. 4. Clears and Moistens the Lungs Flower teas made from violets, lilies, and other flowers have expectorant and lung-moistening properties,…

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…

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…

Raw Pu'er tea and ripe Pu'er tea are the two types of Pu'er. It is best to store raw Pu'er for a period before brewing, as this will make its taste smoother. A purple clay pot is recommended for brewing raw Pu'er. Two rinses are required when brewing, followed by a third steeping of 10 seconds. Afterward, pour the tea into a filter cup to remove the leaves, then evenly distribute it into small cups for serving. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea The last step that influences the quality of the tea before tasting is the brewing process. Each type of tea has its own brewing techniques, and each specific variety has its own nuances. Today, we'll introduce you to the key points of brewing raw Pu'er tea, hoping to provide some useful guidance. Choice of Tea Utensils 1. Main Brewing Vessels Covered Bowl (Porcelain Pot): The first choice for younger Pu'er teas or those with loose leaves. Purple Clay Pot/Silver Pot: The first choice for aged Pu'er with tightly compressed leaves. Pros and Cons: A covered bowl makes it easier to control the water flow and speed, effectively avoiding oversteeping, and allows for direct observation of the tea…

Water pouring is the only step in tea brewing that requires complete manual control. The speed of pouring, the intensity of the water flow, the direction, height, and thickness of the water stream are all manually controlled but have a significant impact on the quality of the tea. Common methods of water pouring include: spiral pouring, circular pouring, single-point pouring on one side, and central point pouring. Common techniques for pouring water include: high pouring, high suspension, low pouring, and low suspension. Let’s take a look at these four methods and techniques to see how they work and what their characteristics are. The Four Methods of Water Pouring in Tea Brewing 01. Spiral Pouring This method ensures that the edges and the surface of the tea leaves in the gaiwan come into direct contact with the poured water, increasing the blend of tea and water at the moment of pouring. This pouring technique is suitable for black tea, green tea, and white tea. Or, when brewing later infusions where the flavor has become lighter, using spiral pouring can help the tea essence to release more quickly. 02. Circular Pouring As the name suggests, this involves pouring water in a circle…

Black tea is a common type of tea in daily life, being a fully fermented tea. It has a dark brown and lustrous appearance with a rich, sweet fragrance, hence the name black tea. We recommend brewing black tea using a white porcelain gaiwan with water at 90 degrees Celsius, suitable for most types of black tea. Below, ChaYou Network introduces the brewing method. Steps for Brewing Black Tea 01 - Choice of Teaware White porcelain gaiwans can brew out the fresh and elegant flavor of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The white porcelain beautifully complements the red hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the tea. It's simply beautiful. 02 - Tea-to-Water Ratio When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience. Using too much tea is the main reason for overly bitter or astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the amount of tea should be around 4 grams. If too little tea is used, even with less water, it will not fully bring out the fragrant and mellow flavor of the black tea. If you prefer a…

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…

Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripened varieties. Raw tea has a more stimulating flavor, while ripened tea, after pile fermentation, has a milder nature. When brewed, it produces a bright red infusion, a rich aroma, and a smooth, full-bodied taste; it is suitable for consumption by the general public. Brewing delicious ripened Pu'er tea is not difficult; simply use boiling water to bring out the characteristics of the tea. Pu'er Ripened Tea Brewing Steps 1. Waking the Tea Pu'er tea is often compressed into shapes like cakes, bricks, or tuos. For compressed teas, you can break up the cake or brick into smaller pieces of about 2 to 3 grams a week in advance and place them in a clay jar to "wake the tea." This allows the tea leaves to come into contact with more air, moisture, and oxygen, further activating their properties. However, this step is only necessary for compressed teas. If you have a less compressed cake or loose leaf ripened tea, you can skip the waking process. 2. Choosing the Utensil When brewing Pu'er tea, Yixing clay pots are generally recommended due to their good breathability and adsorption properties, which make the tea liquor…

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…

Water is the mother of tea, and the vessel is its father. To brew a good cup of tea, both the choice of water and the brewing vessel are crucial. What kind of tea ware should you choose when brewing Pu'er tea to best present its characteristics?A fine cup of tea is the result of a harmonious interplay between the tea, water, and vessel. When selecting tea ware, practicality should be the primary consideration, followed by aesthetics and overall coordination. There are various types of tea brewing vessels, made from materials such as porcelain, clay, and glass, in different shapes, including teapots and covered bowls. Today, we will introduce some commonly used tea wares for brewing Pu'er tea. 1. Covered Bowl (Gaiwan) A covered bowl, also known as a gaiwan, is a three-piece tea ware set consisting of a lid, bowl, and saucer. Mr. Lu Xun once said, “To enjoy good tea, one should use a covered bowl.” Gaiwans are widely used and are often referred to as "versatile tea wares," suitable for brewing almost any type of tea. White porcelain gaiwans do not absorb the aroma of the tea, have good heat dissipation, are easy to control and clean,…

Green tea is one of the major types of tea in China, classified as an unfermented tea. It is made from fresh tea leaves through processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying. Some well-known varieties of green tea include Biluochun, Zhaopo tea, West Lake Longjing, Lushan Cloud Mist, Dawu Green Tea, and Jingu Lu-millimeter. The Best Way to Brew Green Tea 1. Warming the Cup To prepare for brewing green tea, place the glass cup in a tea washing basin and pour boiling water over it to clean and warm it up. Alternatively, you can place the glass cup in a glass tea washing basin filled with tap water and heat it on an electric stove to disinfect it at high temperatures. 2. Rinsing the Tea Next, remove the glass cup and use a tea spoon to add 3 to 5 grams of green tea leaves. Pour water at a temperature of 80 to 85°C (176 to 185°F) into the cup and stir the tea briskly with a tea spoon for three seconds before discarding the rinse water. This step cleanses the tea leaves. 3. Brewing the Tea Continue by pouring hot water into the glass cup. After waiting patiently…

In our busy lives, a fragrant cup of tea can bring moments of tranquility and relief. To brew a good cup of tea, it's essential to master some techniques and tips. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced tea enthusiast, this article will provide you with practical guidelines for brewing tea. (Image source from the internet, delete on infringement) Selecting High-Quality Tea Leaves To brew a great cup of tea, start by selecting high-quality tea leaves. The quality of the leaves, whether green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or Pu'er tea, directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea infusion. It is recommended to choose fresh, impurity-free leaves and avoid using tea that has been stored for a long time as it loses its original aroma and flavor over time. Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water has a significant impact on tea brewing; it is best to use mineral water or filtered water. Water temperature is also a critical factor, and different types of tea require different temperatures for brewing. For example: Green tea: water temperature between 158°F - 176°F (70°C - 80°C). Black tea: water temperature between 185°F - 203°F (85°C - 95°C). Oolong tea: water…

Raw Pu'er tea should be rinsed once. Made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea in Yunnan, raw Pu'er tea is characterized by its rich and strong flavor, full tea aroma, distinct throat resonance, and intense fragrance. Rinsing the tea helps to better activate the tea's vitality, facilitating the release of its aroma and taste substances. However, the number of rinses should not be excessive; generally, one rinse is sufficient. The True Purpose of Rinsing the Tea The true function of rinsing the tea lies in moistening the leaves to allow them to fully expand, also known as "moistening the tea" or "waking up the tea." This process helps to induce the tea's aroma and flavors, which will be better presented after the leaves have expanded, almost as if they are awakened. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea 1. Selecting the Utensil The first step in brewing raw Pu'er tea involves choosing the right utensils. Commonly used vessels for raw Pu'er include gaiwans and purple clay pots. Newer raw Pu'er is recommended to be brewed in a gaiwan, while older raw Pu'er is best suited for a purple clay pot. 2. Tea-to-Water Ratio To achieve a good taste, the tea-to-water ratio is…

Litchi, also known as lychee, is loved for its sweet and fragrant flesh. The entire fruit is a treasure trove of medicinal value. For instance, litchi seeds can help regulate qi flow, dispel cold and stagnation, and relieve pain. Litchi shells are known to alleviate heatiness in the body to some extent. A lady's laughter through a cloud of red dust; none would know it was due to litchis coming—Du Mu, "Passing by Huaqing Palace (Three Quatrains, First)" Eat three hundred litchis daily, I would not mind being a southerner forever—Su Shi, "Eating Litchis" In May in the south, litchis are as red as cinnabar, each one round like a dragon's pearl—Liu Zuman, "Litchi" Many tea enthusiasts also love litchis but may wonder which teas pair well with them. In fact, litchis have a strong compatibility and can be paired with many foods, producing unique effects. With tea, you can try pairing litchis with black, white, or green tea—all of which work well. Here are the benefits of combining litchis with tea: Litchi Black Tea—Beauty and Detoxification Litchis contain vitamins A, B1, and C, as well as pectin, free amino acids, proteins, and elements such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium.…

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,…

The 22nd World Cup Football Championship will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, welcoming the quadrennial football feast for fans, who will stay up late watching matches, posing a challenge to both their physical and mental stamina. In many fans' eyes, this World Cup is truly "the twilight of the gods": Messi is 35 years old, Ronaldo is 37, Pepe is 39... even Neymar, the youngest among them, says that this might be his last World Cup. During every World Cup, many fans prepare beer and late-night snacks to stay up and watch the games. However, it's well known that staying up late is detrimental to liver detoxification and overall health. Consuming alcohol and meat while staying up late can exacerbate these effects! If you want to indulge fully during the World Cup, drinking tea may be the best companion. Passionate World Cup, Healthy with a Teacup While tea drinking cannot completely offset the toll of staying up late, its invigorating and detoxifying effects are certainly beneficial while watching the games. Here are our tea recommendations for different phases: 9:00 PM Match - Raw Tea to Energize and Get into the Zone The 9 PM match…

The method for brewing white tea cake: 1. Pry the tea – pry as much as you need; 2. Add tea – use 5g of tea with a 110 ml white porcelain gaiwan; 3. Brew the tea – pour boiling water at 90-100 degrees Celsius over the tea, the first infusion is for rinsing the tea, and subsequent infusions up to the fourth should be quick, starting from the fifth infusion gradually increase the steeping time. How to Brew White Tea Cake 1. Pry the tea Prepare tea prying tools such as a tea knife. After opening the packaged white tea cake, insert the tea knife from the side edge of the tea cake, apply a little force and gently push it into the tea cake, then lift upward. Note that you should insert along the gaps between the tea leaves to ensure that the tea cake is pried layer by layer. 2. Add tea Pry as much tea as you intend to drink, avoiding prying too much. Typically, use 5g of tea. Choose an 110 ml white porcelain gaiwan for brewing. Warm the cup, add the tea, and pour in hot water at 90-100 degrees Celsius. The first rinse…

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…