Brew Tea

Tea soothes the spirit and calms the mind, embodying the myriad facets of life and the ebb and flow of time. It is an indispensable “spiritual sustenance” in the lives of Chinese people.China has a vast array of tea types, which can be categorized into six main categories based on their degree of fermentation: Green Tea, Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong (or Qing) Tea, Black Tea (which refers to what is known as Red Tea in the West), and Dark (or Hei) Tea. Given the seasonal changes from spring's warmth, summer's heat, autumn's coolness, and winter's cold, there are specific teas that are best suited for each season according to climatic conditions. 01Seasonal Tea Drinking Spring — Flower Tea: With its slightly sweet and cool nature and fragrant aroma, flower tea helps to dispel the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promotes the circulation of qi and blood, and strengthens liver function. Common flower teas include osmanthus tea, jasmine tea, and magnolia tea. Summer — Green Tea: Slightly bitter but with a hint of sweetness and a cool nature, green tea is effective in relieving heat and thirst, clearing heat and dampness, calming the heart, and treating diarrhea and…

Brewing may seem simple, but it actually involves many techniques that require continuous learning and improvement through practice, as the saying goes, “easier said than done.” During brewing, attention should be paid to factors such as water temperature, brewing time, and the method of pouring water. In addition to these, the brewing of Pu'er tea is also influenced by various factors, including the choice of water quality and the amount of tea used. 1. Water Temperature for Brewing The temperature of the water has a significant impact on the tea infusion. The aroma and taste of the tea are greatly affected by water temperature. Generally, to brew Pu'er tea as it should be enjoyed, the temperature should be as high as possible. When brewing young sheng Pu'er, too high a water temperature can scald the tea leaves, resulting in a cooked flavor and an overly bitter and astringent infusion. A lower temperature will not sufficiently activate the qualities of aged or ripe Pu'er, preventing its aroma and taste from being fully released. For young sheng Pu'er, if the water temperature can be set, the first four infusions can be at 95°C, with subsequent infusions at 100°C; if the temperature cannot…

In general, we do not recommend taking ginseng and tea together. Ginseng should not be consumed with tea. This is recorded in many traditional Chinese medicine books. However, these records do not provide a clear explanation of why. Nor do they specify the required interval to negate any adverse effects. Thus, it's difficult to give an accurate account of their relationship. The primary component of ginseng is ginsenoside (also called ginseng saponin). Tea contains a significant amount of caffeine and tannic acid. Caffeine and tannic acid react with nutrients in our food, affecting nutrient absorption. In modern medicine, it has been observed that caffeine and tannic acid can cause the proteins in gastric protease and multienzyme tablets to coagulate, reducing or eliminating their effectiveness. Hence, modern Western medicine does not recommend drinking tea when taking medications. Therefore, we can infer that when ginseng and tea are taken together, the caffeine and tannic acid may interfere with the action of ginsenosides, reducing the efficacy of ginseng. It's not that ginseng and tea cannot be consumed together, but drinking tea after taking ginseng reduces its effectiveness. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, tea is bitter and cool in nature, classified as a…

Pu'er tea is best brewed with water at 100°C. Pu'er tea is made from Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea, with high-quality raw materials and rich internal substances. It has the distinct characteristic of improving with age. Using boiling water at 100°C not only preserves the tea's vitality but also facilitates the release of its internal qualities, flavors, and aromas. The Advantages of Brewing Pu'er with Boiling Water: It quickly extracts the tea flavor, allowing the aroma to volatilize and the effective components in the tea to steep out. For aged teas, brewing with boiling water can highlight their unique characteristics, such as the softness of Yiwu, the elegance of Bulang, or the boldness of Ban Zhang, which can be quickly discerned! Additionally, cakes, bricks, and compressed teas made from coarser leaves are also well-suited to brewing with boiling water. However, it's important to note that there can be differences in the boiling point of water in various regions, meaning that even when the water appears to be boiling, it may not reach a temperature of 100°C. The Disadvantages of Brewing Pu'er with Boiling Water: If the Pu'er being brewed is made from tender, high-grade buds, high-grade green cakes, or newer…

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…

The ideal brewing water temperature for green tea is around 80°C. The brewing time can vary depending on the type of tea and the purpose of brewing. For brewing where the tea leaves are separated from the water, we recommend steeping for 15 seconds for the first infusion, 20 seconds for the second, 30 seconds for the third, and 40 seconds for the fourth. This method results in a better-tasting tea without compromising the nutritional value of the leaves. What is the Suitable Brewing Temperature for Green Tea? 1. The water temperature for brewing varies with the type of tea. For high-quality green teas, especially those with fine and tender buds, use boiling water that has cooled to around 80-85°C. Higher temperatures can destroy vitamin C in the tea and cause caffeine to leach out, making the tea yellow and more bitter. 2. If you are selling tea and want to showcase its aroma, flavor, and appearance to customers immediately, you should use boiling water at 100°C. 3. When enjoying tea with friends, use water at 80-85°C to bring out the unique strong aroma and fresh, smooth taste, along with a light green color. Take your time to appreciate the…

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

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,…

Tea brewing is both an art and a science. Whether you are new to tea or a seasoned enthusiast, mastering the right brewing techniques can significantly enhance the taste and aroma of your tea. In this article, we will detail key points in tea brewing training, helping you to easily brew the perfect cup at home. (Image source from the internet; delete if infringement occurs) Selection and Storage of Tea Leaves Good quality tea leaves are the foundation of successful brewing. When choosing tea, try to purchase fresh and high-quality leaves. You can smell the leaves when purchasing; fresh tea usually has a rich fragrance. Storing tea is equally important; it is recommended to keep tea in a dry, dark, and sealed container to avoid moisture and unwanted odors. The Importance of Water Quality Water is an essential element in tea brewing. Good water enhances the flavor of the tea, while poor water can ruin it. Generally, it is suggested to use purified or mineral water, avoiding tap water because the chlorine in tap water can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also critical, with different types of tea requiring different temperatures; green tea is best brewed…

New white tea does not require rinsing, while aged white tea does. New white tea is processed through withering and drying, preserving natural substances that are delicate and fragrant. Rinsing would remove the core components of the tea, affecting its taste and aroma. On the other hand, aged white tea, having matured over time, has a more stable and mellow aroma and content. Rinsing helps to activate these qualities, allowing the flavor and aroma to be expressed to their fullest extent. The Correct Method for Brewing White Tea To brew white tea properly: 1. Cup brewing method. This is the simplest and quickest method. First, prepare a suitable clear glass cup. Before brewing, rinse the tea with boiling water. Once you can smell the warm fragrance, place it in the glass cup and directly pour boiling water over it. Note that you should not use too much tea, as overly concentrated white tea is not ideal. 2. Gaiwan method. This method is a bit more complicated. Place the tea in the gaiwan and rinse it, then brew using the Gongfu tea method. The first infusion should be about half a minute, with subsequent infusions decreasing in time. This method produces…

As the saying goes: "People cherish life; at every seasonal change, one should focus on self-care, with the two solstices being particularly crucial." These two solstices refer to the summer and winter solstices, both of which are vital periods for health preservation. After the summer solstice, most regions in our country enter the peak of summer, the most challenging period of heat. Since human metabolism is at its most active during this time, there is a significant increase in consumption, often leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, excessive sweating, and difficulty sleeping. Those who understand the principles of health preservation will have their own secrets: drinking tea. Summer: Green Tea There's a tradition of adjusting tea choices according to the seasons, with the saying: "Spring for floral teas, summer for green, autumn for oolong, and winter for black." After the summer solstice, adjustments should be made to one's tea-drinking habits. Generally, after the summer solstice, one should drink green tea. Green tea has a bitter taste. Due to the ease of getting overheated after the summer solstice, drinking green tea has a cooling effect that can help reduce internal heat and continuously replenish lost fluids. It…

Everything has its time, and so does tea drinking. Throughout the day, different times call for different tea-drinking techniques, such as avoiding overly strong teas in the morning or unfermented teas in the evening, which may affect your sleep. Let's take a closer look at how to plan your daily tea sessions. Morning: Jasmine Tea After a night of rest, the body has consumed a significant amount of water. A cup of light tea water can quickly replenish fluids, cleanse the intestines and stomach, lower blood pressure, dilute the blood, refresh the mind, detoxify the body, and combat fatigue. The ideal choice for the morning is flower tea. After secondary processing, flower tea blends the rich aroma of flowers with the delicate fragrance of tea, which can refresh the mind and awaken the senses. However, those who suffer from insomnia should avoid drinking flower tea, as it may cause more severe sleep disorders. People with allergies should also refrain from drinking flower tea. It's important to note that one should not drink overly strong tea in the morning and should avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach. Otherwise, the excessive absorption of caffeine by the gastrointestinal tract could result in…

Dark brick tea, one of China's traditional compressed teas, attracts more and more tea enthusiasts with its unique flavor and health benefits. For those new to dark brick tea, brewing it correctly might seem like a minor challenge. However, once you grasp the basics, you can easily enjoy a delicious cup of dark brick tea. This article will detail the brewing method for dark brick tea, allowing you to experience authentic tea aroma at home. (Image source: network; delete if infringement) Understanding the Characteristics of Dark Brick Tea Dark brick tea is a type of dark tea that undergoes fermentation, rolling, compression, and other processes. Its leaves are tightly pressed into a brick shape, hence the name. Dark brick tea is known for its rich aged aroma, full-bodied taste, and durability when brewed. Long-term consumption benefits the digestive system and can help reduce fat, regulate blood sugar, and act as an antioxidant. Understanding these characteristics helps in better brewing the tea. Preparing Tools for Brewing Dark Brick Tea Brewing dark brick tea requires some basic tools, including a teapot, teacups, tea tongs, a tea needle or tea knife, a tea tray, and a strainer. If you prefer traditional tea ceremony,…

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…

White tea is the simplest type of tea. It doesn’t require any fixation or stir-frying, it only needs to be naturally air-dried. Even for storage, white tea has low requirements; it just needs to be kept at a constant temperature in a dry and odorless environment. Without complex processes and minimal human intervention, white tea presents a taste that is closest to nature, a fresh and sweet flavor. Coupled with the full-bodied "sunny taste" produced by sun-drying, white tea embodies minimalism in Chinese teas. White tea, one of the six major types of tea, is renowned for its fresh and unprocessed character. If we compare tea-making to cooking, some green teas would be stir-fried dishes, black teas would be braised dishes, while this white tea would be like blanched vegetables, preserving the most basic flavors of the tea leaves. Just like relationships between people, it doesn’t need to be dramatic, as long as there is consistent warmth and sincerity. White tea is cool in nature and has effects similar to those of rhinoceros horn. The reputation of white tea dates back a long time, with early records found in "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "The Classic of Tea." "Compendium of…

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

Tea, seemingly just a small drink to quench one's thirst, but upon closer appreciation, one can uncover its charm. For those who enjoy tea, drinking alone is enjoyable, as is inviting a few close friends to share a cup. Whether on a journey, in the park, or on the grass, brewing a cup of tea adds a unique pleasure to these moments. Beautiful appearances are all the same, but interesting souls find joy in tea. Those who love tea can glimpse into the past and future through the minutiae of daily life, and they can also encounter another version of themselves in the aroma of tea. When everyday life serves as the vessel, the tea's fragrance lingers far and wide; when the tea's aroma nourishes us, the world shares in its delight. The charm of tea is like that of a dancing plant; while many flowers are beautiful and captivating, only this one can move to a dance. To truly love tea, one must first understand it. I have interviewed several "tea enthusiasts" and "tea fanatics," whose deep affection for tea knows no bounds. Each year, they travel extensively across the major tea mountains in Wuyi, familiarizing themselves with every…

Understanding Your Tea Drinking tea is not just a daily habit, but also an art of living. Whether you are new to tea or have some experience, the right brewing method can enhance your enjoyment of its aroma and flavor. Today, let's explore how to brew tea correctly, from selecting the tea to the final savoring, with each step being crucial. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea Green tea is unfermented, preserving the natural components of the tea leaves. Representative green teas include Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. The tea liquor brewed from green tea is clear, with a fresh and refreshing taste and a light, delicate fragrance. Black Tea Black tea is fully fermented, with a darker color, bright red liquor, and a rich taste. Common black teas include Keemun, Darjeeling, and Assam. Oolong Tea Oolong tea lies between green and black tea, as it is partially fermented. There are many types of oolong tea, such as Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, and Wuyi Rock Tea. The tea liquor is golden yellow, fragrant, and has a rich taste. White Tea White tea is the least fermented, with a simple production process involving only withering and drying. Representative white teas include…

Brewing a pot of your favorite tea and watching the leaves unfold in hot water is a pleasure. Drinking a cup of tea during leisure time is even more delightful.It feels like one's soul merges with the tea, enjoying an indescribable natural beauty. In fact, every leaf of tea experiences the fusion of nature and human intention. Today, let’s talk about aged white tea. First, what is aged white tea? Aged white tea, much like raw Pu'er tea, becomes richer and more fragrant over time if stored properly. Its character changes from originally cool to warm, enhancing its value for consumption. We refer to white tea that has been stored for many years within its proper shelf life as aged white tea, also known as silver tea. What precautions should we take when storing aged white tea? Many aged white teas are sold as compressed cakes, which should be kept in their original packaging and stored in a cool, dark place while maintaining dry conditions. If the environment is too warm, the active components in aged white tea can evaporate quickly, accelerating its aging process, but this may cause it to lose its original nutritional value and character. If you…

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…

Dried tangerine peel can be paired with both ripe and raw Pu'er, but relatively speaking, ripe Pu'er is better. When paired with raw tea, the dried tangerine peel can alleviate the bitterness of the tea and moderate its strong taste and nature; when paired with ripe tea, the taste is smooth and aged with a rich aroma, complementing each other perfectly. Brewing ripe Pu'er together with dried tangerine peel results in a smoother and silkier flavor, catering to the drinking needs of most people. How to brew and cook Pu'er tea with dried tangerine peel; A cup of dried tangerine peel Pu'er not only clears the lungs and moisturizes but also provides a delightful afternoon experience. First, take a small teapot with a capacity of 200 ml, 2 grams of dried tangerine peel, and 8 grams of ripe Pu'er tea. Break the dried tangerine peel into small pieces, as smaller pieces will fully release the aromatic oils from the peel. When cooking dried tangerine peel Pu'er, it is important to maintain a balance between the two ingredients; too much peel can overpower the taste and lose the individual flavors. Place the dried tangerine peel and Pu'er tea together in the…

The 7-day Spring Festival holiday has come to an end, and I hope everyone had a pleasant and fulfilling break! Many of you are returning to work today to start the new year. However, after seven consecutive days of feasting and revelry, many people feel uncomfortable on their first day back at work. How can you properly address post-holiday syndrome and greet work and daily chores with the best possible attitude? Here are some tips to help you shake off the fatigue. Three Teas to Alleviate Post-Holiday Syndrome 1. Red Tea for Digestion and Stomach Health After the holiday, the most common feeling is a lack of appetite and discomfort in the stomach. Drinking red tea can aid digestion and regulate the digestive system. It's best to drink red tea after meals. Adding 10 grams of dried hawthorn to red tea enhances its digestive properties; or you can make a rice tea by adding some roasted rice, which increases its stomach-soothing effects. Red tea combined with roasted barley or red tea with dried tangerine peel are also excellent choices. 2. Oolong Tea to Reduce Fat and Remove Grease Oolong tea has a significant fat-lowering and weight-loss effect. The polyphenols in…

Longjing tea, with its emerald green color, elegant aroma, and fresh, pure taste, is often referred to as the "National Tea," deeply loved by people around the world. Brewing a cup of Longjing tea not only allows you to savor its unique fragrance and flavor but also provides an elegant experience of appreciating life and cultivating one's character. So, how exactly should Longjing tea be brewed? Preparations To brew Longjing tea, first, prepare the following items: Longjing tea leaves: Choose fresh, high-quality Longjing tea leaves, such as West Lake Longjing or Mingqian (pre-Qingming) Longjing. Teaware: You can opt for glass cups, porcelain pots, or covered bowls, preferably materials that fully showcase the tea’s color and aroma. Water: It is recommended to use mountain spring water or purified water, avoiding tap water. Brewing Steps Warm the Teaware and Awaken the Tea: Pour boiling water into the teacup or teapot to rinse the walls, warming up the teaware while awakening the tea’s aroma. Place the Tea Leaves: Based on the size of your teaware and personal preference, add an appropriate amount of tea leaves to the cup. Generally, each gram of tea can brew about 50 milliliters of water. Brew the Tea:…

Tea is a common beverage in our daily lives, but many people are unsure about how many times tea should be brewed. Some believe that tea can be brewed repeatedly, while others think once is enough. So, how many times is best to brew tea? Let's delve into this topic today. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) Types of Tea and Brewing Cycles Different types of tea have varying ideal brewing cycles. Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and others will differ in their optimal number of brews due to their unique characteristics. Green Tea Green tea is unfermented and rich in various vitamins and antioxidants. Generally, the first brewing extracts 70%-80% of its nutritional components, making the first brew particularly important. The second brewing still offers good taste and aroma, but by the third brew, the flavor significantly diminishes. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) Black Tea Black tea is fully fermented, with a bright red infusion and a rich flavor. Black tea can generally be brewed 2-3 times, with the first and second brews offering the best aroma and taste, while the third is somewhat lighter. Oolong Tea Oolong tea is semi-fermented, falling between green and…