Brew Tea

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

Introduction Pu'er ripened tea is a type of dark tea that has undergone post-fermentation, renowned for its unique aged aroma and smooth, sweet taste, which is widely loved by tea enthusiasts. Understanding how to brew Pu'er ripened tea correctly not only allows you to fully experience its rich flavors but also adds to the enjoyment of drinking tea. In the following sections, I will guide you through the world of Pu'er ripened tea, step-by-step, teaching you how to brew the perfect cup of ripened tea. (Image source: network; delete if infringement occurs) Basic Knowledge of Pu'er Ripened Tea Pu'er ripened tea originates from Yunnan province and is made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea through a process of pile fermentation. The unique charm of ripened tea lies in its rich, thick taste and abundant aged aroma, along with health benefits such as warming the stomach and aiding digestion. Preparation for Brewing Pu'er Ripened Tea Selecting Teaware The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is selecting appropriate teaware. It is recommended to use a purple clay pot or a gaiwan, as these types of teaware can better bring out the aroma and taste of the tea leaves. Purple Clay Pot: Purple…

The abundance of June has arrived as scheduled, and the weather is gradually getting hotter; it’s easy for the body to become overheated without proper care. The right way to enjoy summer is no longer just about turning on the air conditioner, eating chilled watermelon, or drinking cold beverages, as these can easily upset your stomach… Brewing a suitable tea for summer, which is healthy, cooling, and timely, is the best answer to welcome the summer season. It’s not only important to choose the right tea but also quality tea, and very importantly—brew it well! A cup of tea with a fresh and rich flavor is something that no one can resist. Once your taste buds touch it, you cannot easily give it up. The extraordinary appeal of tea is probably because tea is truly remarkable! 01 Tea, Tied to National Fortune Tea was China’s largest export commodity in the 19th century. Tea originated in China. In the 19th century, Chinese tea spread almost globally, and the word for tea in Western languages is derived from the pronunciation in Fujianese and Cantonese dialects. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, tea had intricate connections with the fates of China, Britain,…

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, an ancient and popular beverage, comes in many varieties, each requiring different brewing methods. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tea enthusiast, mastering these methods will help you better enjoy the flavor and aroma of every cup. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Brewing Method for Green Tea Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has a fresh taste but can easily become bitter. To avoid this, pay attention to water temperature and steeping time. Water Temperature: 80-85°C (175-185°F) Steeping Time: 1-3 minutes Using lower temperature water and a shorter steeping time preserves the freshness and sweetness of green tea. If the leaves are steeped for too long, the tea will become bitter. Brewing Method for Black Tea Black tea has a robust flavor and is best brewed with hot water. Different types of black tea have distinct flavors, ranging from the malty taste of Assam to the fruity notes of Darjeeling. Water Temperature: 93-100°C (200-212°F) (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Steeping Time: 4-5 minutes Brewing black tea with boiling water releases its rich flavors and aromas. Be careful not to exceed the recommended time, as the tea can become overly strong. Brewing…

Aged tea is relatively difficult to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin broth, and even an unpleasant aroma. Even more puzzling is when properly stored tea is brewed into a drink that leaves the throat dry, parched, and tight. This can be quite perplexing. To make aged tea taste good, the author conducted some experiments on issues such as the vessel, water, and brewing techniques. Here are some insights gained. The general approach is as follows: First, analyze the nature of the tea and identify its characteristics; second, determine the brewing goal based on these characteristics, aiming to go with the flow and highlight strengths while mitigating weaknesses; third, consider specific means to achieve this goal; finally, further analyze, validate, and adjust through practice. Brewing Methods and Tips for Aged Pu'er Tea Before brewing aged Pu'er tea, place the clay pot or gaiwan in a tea washer, remove the lid, and pour in 100°C boiling water. Cover the pot and pour boiling water over it. Use a tea tong to pick up the teacups and place them above the tea washer, then pour boiling water over the cups to sterilize them. Next, use a tea…

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

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…

Hello everyone! Today, we're going to talk about tea brewing temperatures. Many tea enthusiasts may wonder why the same tea leaves can taste different when brewed by different people. One key factor is the water temperature. So, what is the optimal water temperature? (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Green Tea: Low Temperature for Freshness Green tea is loved for its fresh and refreshing taste. To preserve the delicate aroma and freshness of green tea, the brewing temperature is crucial. Generally, the best brewing temperature for green tea is between 75°C and 85°C. Higher temperatures can destroy vitamin C and amino acids in the tea, turning the tea yellow and making it more bitter. Black Tea: High Temperature for Aroma Black tea requires a higher temperature to fully release its aroma and flavor. The ideal water temperature for black tea is between 90°C and 100°C. This high temperature helps to bring out the polyphenols and caffeine in the tea, making the brew richer and sweeter. Oolong Tea: Moderate Temperature for Complex Flavors Oolong tea lies between green and black tea, combining the freshness of green tea with the richness of black tea. The optimal brewing temperature for oolong tea…

Brewing a good pot of tea is not just a simple process; it’s a way to enjoy life. Pu'er Tuocha (ripe) is particularly loved for its unique fermentation process and rich taste. So, how can you brew a fragrant pot of Pu'er Tuocha (ripe)? Let’s explore together! (Image source: internet, delete if infringing) What is Pu'er Tuocha (Ripe)? Before understanding how to brew Pu'er Tuocha (ripe), let's first get to know what it is. Pu'er Tuocha is a special form of Yunnan Pu'er tea, named after its shape. Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, with ripe Pu'er being processed through a piling fermentation technique, resulting in a mellow flavor, a red and rich infusion color, and a gentle nature that suits most people. Preparation Before Brewing To brew a good pot of Pu'er Tuocha (ripe), some preparations are necessary. (Image source: internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Tea Good tea leaves are the foundation of brewing good tea. When choosing Pu'er Tuocha (ripe), select leaves that are neatly arranged and have a dark luster. The longer the tea has aged, the richer the flavor will be. Water Quality The quality of water used for brewing is equally…

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…

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…

The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) states that "the lungs govern the skin and hair." With each breath we take, the lungs, through their function of dispersion, distribute vital energy and body fluids throughout the body to nourish the skin and hair, maintaining normal skin metabolism. If there are issues with the lungs, they often manifest through our skin. For example, dull skin without luster, roughness, and enlarged pores... To nourish the lungs and beautify the skin, according to the principle of "five colors correspond to five organs," there is a saying that "white nourishes the lungs." Mentioning white, tea enthusiasts immediately think of white tea. Silver Needle White Tea, made from tea buds, stands out among all white teas as particularly charming. Some describe it as "green snow bud" and call it the beauty among teas. Besides its high aesthetic value, Silver Needle is also rich in nutrients, with amino acid content reaching up to 9%. Its polyphenol content is also high, and after being stored for a year, it becomes richer in flavonoids. Silver Needle is not only widely recognized and consumed by the general public; its components' effects have been researched by countries…

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,…

Unique Ways to Prepare Pu'er Tea In the world of Pu'er, there are these unique tea-making methods. Let's explore how many you've tried. Bamboo-Flavored Tea The Bamboo-Flavored Tea is a distinctive method used by the Dai and Lahu people. It gets its name from the bamboo fragrance infused into the tea leaves. ① Soak glutinous rice for two hours, then spread it at the bottom of a steamer. Place dried tea leaves on top and steam them. ② Once the tea leaves have softened and absorbed the aroma of the rice, pack them tightly into a bamboo tube. ❸ Seal the opening with sweet bamboo leaves and slowly roast the bamboo tube over charcoal until it turns yellow and the tea inside is completely dry. ❹ To consume, split open the bamboo tube, portion out some tea leaves into a bowl, and pour boiling water over them to drink. Roasted Tea Roasted tea is one of the drinking methods used by the Lahu people. The preparation process is relatively simple. ① Directly roast fresh tea (one bud and five leaves) over fire until it turns golden brown. ❷ Place the roasted tea into a preheated clay pot, add water, and…

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…

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…

China's tea culture has a long and rich history, with the six types of tea being its essence. Understanding the brewing methods and characteristics of each type not only enhances the joy of tasting tea but also allows you to better appreciate the unique charm of the leaves. Today, we will discuss the brewing methods and characteristics of the six major types of tea: green tea, black tea (known as red tea in the West), oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Green Tea Green tea is unfermented tea that retains more natural substances and nutrients, resulting in a fresh color and a delicate aroma after brewing. Characteristics: Green tea leaves are tender and green, the infusion is yellowish-green, the taste is fresh and refreshing, often with floral or chestnut-like aromas. Brewing Method: The most suitable water temperature for brewing green tea is 80-85°C. Take about 3 grams of tea leaves, place them in a glass cup, pour hot water over them, and steep for 1-2 minutes. You can refill the cup up to three times, ensuring that each infusion fully releases the tea's aroma. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Black…

Brewing tea is not only a pleasure but also an art. To brew the perfect cup of leaf tea, you need good quality tea leaves and the right brewing techniques. Today, we will discuss how to brew the best leaf tea at home so that every sip is filled with warmth and comfort. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Right Tea Leaves Before brewing, selecting the right tea leaves is crucial. There are many types of teas available on the market, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea. Different types of tea have different characteristics and brewing methods. Green tea has a fresh fragrance, black tea is rich and full-bodied, oolong tea lies between these two in terms of flavor, white tea is more delicate, while Pu'er tea requires long-term aging. Preparing Necessary Utensils (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Brewing tea requires some basic utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, thermometer, and timer. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature and brewing time, so these utensils help you better control the brewing process and ensure each cup of tea achieves its optimal taste. Mastering the Correct Water Temperature Water temperature…

Before brewing ripened Pu'er tea, first place a purple clay pot or a gaiwan in a tea washer. Remove the lid and pour 100°C boiling water into it, then cover and pour boiling water over the exterior. Use a tea tong to pick up teacups, placing them above the tea washer, and pour boiling water over them to sterilize. Next, use a tea knife or needle to pry about 6-8 grams of tea from a ripened Pu'er cake, with a tea-to-water ratio of 1:15 or 1:20. Place the tea on a tea scale, then use a tea spoon to transfer the tea leaves into the gaiwan or purple clay pot, pouring boiling water over them. Rinse new teas once, and older teas twice! Brew at 95-100 degrees Celsius to increase the smoothness of the tea liquor. When the flavor becomes lighter, you can increase the water temperature. Finally, you can even cook the tea leaves. Pu'er tea is a great health tea, rich in trace elements. Drinking Pu'er tea regularly not only replenishes necessary organic compounds but also boosts the immune system. Drinking this tea aids digestion and absorption and is particularly suitable for women. Pu'er tea is a post-fermented…

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…

Jasmine tea is characterized by its compact, solid, and uniform appearance; its fragrant aroma; rich flavor; bright yellow liquor; and plump leaves. It is one of the top ten famous teas in China, made by blending freshly picked jasmine flowers with tea leaves, resulting in a floral tea that carries the scent of spring blossoms and the fresh essence of tea. It is a popular and sweet-tasting floral tea. Regular consumption of jasmine tea can not only beautify the skin and lighten complexion for women but also combat aging. Additionally, it helps clear the bowels, regulate qi, clear the mind, lower blood pressure and lipids, and has antibacterial properties. So, how should you properly enjoy jasmine tea? How to Properly Enjoy Jasmine Tea? 1. Brewing To enjoy high-quality jasmine tea, a transparent glass cup is typically used, and water at around 90°C is poured over the tea. The brewing time is about 3-5 minutes, and the tea can be brewed 2-3 times. Through the glass cup, you can admire the exquisite shape of the tea leaves. The gaiwan brewing method is commonly used by people in Sichuan to drink floral tea. A set of tea ware includes a tea bowl,…

Drinking tea is a common practice for adults. However, in daily life, we rarely see children drinking tea. Many parents allow their children to drink regular soft drinks and carbonated beverages but seldom permit them to drink tea. Zhu Haiyan, Director of the Horticultural Culture Research and Dissemination Center at the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Hunan Agricultural University, explains that there are two main reasons why we seldom see children drinking tea in everyday life. Firstly, children do not like the bitter taste of tea. More importantly, people believe that tea has a certain stimulating effect which may be detrimental to children's growth and development, potentially harming their spleen and stomach. In fact, these views are one-sided. "Scientifically speaking, drinking safe and hygienic tea, without consuming it too strong, can bring many benefits to children," Zhu Haiyan says. Firstly, moderate tea consumption helps to reduce fat and promote weight loss. According to relevant surveys, more than one-fifth of school-aged children in major cities in China suffer from varying degrees of nutritional excess, leading to numerous cases of obese children and those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, severely affecting their physical and mental development. The…