Brew Tea

You may have heard of cold-brew coffee, but have you ever heard of cold-brew tea? Yes, that thing exists! Cold-brew tea has actually been around for a while, but its popularity is not as high as its hot-brew counterparts. In this article, you will find out more about the history of cold-brew tea, the innovative ways of cold-brewing teas, the caffeine level of cold-brew tea, the differences between cold-brew tea and iced tea and hot-brew tea, and of course, the health benefits of cold-brew tea! Interested? Read more to find out! Traditional way of Cold-brew Cold-brew tea is not a new innovation. The Japanese have long believed that hot-brewing tea destroys the tea’s natural benefits as it burns the tea, which gave rise to the traditional way of cold-brewing teas: steeping tea in cold water for hours. However, this process may take a long time to finish – from 6 to 24 hours. Our way of Cold-brew In this fast-moving world, it is always convenient to have the instant option for our everyday necessities – and that includes cold-brew teas! If you are looking for the natural benefits and low caffeine level of cold-brew tea but steeping your tea for…

In China's culinary culture, the phrase "eat seasonally" holds great significance. These four words succinctly capture the close relationship between food and seasons. For tea culture, there are also many considerations when drinking in accordance with the time of year. According to traditional Chinese medicine: "In the midst of winter, when all life is dormant, the physiological activities of the human body are in a state of inhibition, the key to health preservation lies in keeping warm." Therefore, winter tea drinking emphasizes the concept of "warmth." Not only should the tea focus on warmth and nourishment, but the tea-drinking ritual itself should also strive to create a warm atmosphere. Snow Melting and Tea Boiling: The Poetic Warm Winter of the Ancients "The tea kettle startles at its boiling in the midnight hours, just as the snow on the bamboo outside the frosty window shines brightly." This line captures the elegant scene of the Tang Dynasty poet Sikong Tu boiling tea during winter. However, tea boiling did not begin in the Tang Dynasty; it started during the Western Han Dynasty. During the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties periods, tea was "cooked together," resulting in a thick soup that was then consumed.…

Can all teas be both steeped and boiled? Of course not. Some teas can become unpalatable when boiled. So, which teas are suitable for boiling, and which are best for steeping? Compared to steeping, boiling allows the full release of a tea’s contents, resulting in a sweeter and richer tasting tea. Which Teas Are Suitable for Boiling, and Which Are Best for Steeping? Green tea should not be boiled. It is an unfermented tea with delicate leaves. Boiling would destroy the vitamin C content and cause excessive caffeine to seep out, turning the tea yellow and making it taste bitter and astringent. Huang tea (yellow tea) should not be boiled. Yellow tea must never be boiled. Its appeal lies in its freshness. Boiling with high water temperatures would ruin the delicate green tea, causing too much caffeine to be released, resulting in a bitter and astringent flavor. Aged white tea can be boiled. New white tea cannot withstand boiling. The most suitable for boiling are aged Gongmei or Shoumei teas. White Peony and Silver Needle, especially those containing tender buds, are not recommended for boiling. Black tea can be steeped or boiled. Black tea is a fully fermented tea with…

Why does the tea you brew always taste different from that of a tea artist? It turns out that every step, from boiling water, selecting utensils, preparing the tea leaves to brewing, can affect the infusion. Brewing tea is not only a technical skill but also requires meticulous attention. The details make or break the result. Whether the tea tastes good or not depends on whether you have paid attention to these details and methods. Boiling Water Boil water this way for better-tasting tea In his book, "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty described three stages of boiling water: First Boil: When the water starts bubbling like fish eyes with a gentle sound; Second Boil: When bubbles rise like a spring of pearls; Third Boil: When the water surges and waves like a rushing tide. For modern people, boil water quickly over high heat instead of slowly over low heat. When the water continuously bubbles at the second or just into the third boil, its activity is best. If boiled too long, the oxygen content decreases, reducing its activity, which we often refer to as "over-boiled" water. This negatively impacts the infusion. If using tap water,…

"Great is the abundance, and thus the snow reaches its peak." Today marks the third solar term of winter – Heavy Snow. Heavy Snow has officially arrived. The pages on the calendar are dwindling down. A sharp chill always greets you at dawn. Opening the window reveals a bleak and desolate landscape. Hot water is being heated on the stove. A teapot sits on the table. Draw the warmest future imaginable on the windowpane. This is the ritual of Heavy Snow in winter. During the "Heavy Snow" season in the north, snow and tea whisper to each other. You come quietly with a pot of hot tea. Wear a cotton jacket and have a snowball fight. Step into the snow and listen to the crunching sounds. When tired, retreat indoors. The fire crackles and pops. Heavy Snow is silent. The stories buried by the snow melt away in the warmth of tea. A snowfall, a cup of tea. You are in the heavy snow of a cold northern night. I am basking in the warmth under the bright southern sun. Brew a good pot of tea and enjoy the warmth of winter. After enjoying the sun during the day, the…

Tea, this ancient beverage, not only carries profound cultural significance but its brewing process is also a remarkable journey of chemistry and sensory experience. This article will take you into the world of tea brewing, revealing the scientific principles behind it and how brewing techniques can enhance the quality and flavor of tea. The Chemical Composition of Tea The chemical composition of tea is very complex, containing various compounds that influence the color, aroma, and taste of the tea infusion. Among these, polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, and sugars are key factors affecting the quality of the tea infusion. Changes During the Brewing Process When tea meets hot water, the curtain rises on a series of chemical reactions. Polyphenols begin to oxidize under the influence of hot water, forming theaflavins and thearubigins, which directly affect the color of the tea infusion. At the same time, caffeine and amino acids gradually dissolve in the water, adding bitterness and umami to the tea infusion. In addition, sugars in the tea dissolve in the hot water, providing sweetness to the tea infusion. The aromatic substances in tea, such as terpenoids, release their captivating aromas when stimulated by hot water. Sensory Experience The chemical changes…

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

Brewing 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…

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…

Brewing tea is a skillful task. The purpose of paying attention to brewing methods is to avoid the disadvantages of the tea and highlight its advantages, which can be described as making the most of its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. If we pay attention to the brewing method, even if the green tea is of average quality, we can still optimize its taste; however, if we don't pay attention to the brewing method, even high-quality green tea will not deliver the taste that justifies its price. Brewing Methods for Green Tea 1. Top-Down Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup (teabowl), pour in hot water up to seven-tenths full at once, then wait until the water temperature is suitable before adding the tea leaves. This method is often used for finely processed green teas (such as Special Grade Biluochun, Special Grade Xinyang Maojian, and Mount Meng Ganlu). It is essential to control the water temperature accurately; the finer the tea, the lower the required water temperature. Some teas may need to be added when the water cools down to 70°C. Additionally, any tea brewed using this method can also be prepared using an ice-brewing method. 2. Middle-Down Method: After…

Drinking tea benefits health, especially when consumed consistently over time. However, it should be based on the principle of "drinking tea reasonably." To truly enjoy good tea, there are certain rules to follow, which vary depending on the person, the time, and the occasion. 1. Choose Your Tea Based on Personal Constitution The value of tea lies in its suitability for you. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, human constitutions can be categorized as hot or cold. Therefore, choosing the right tea according to one's constitution is essential. Generally, individuals with a normal constitution can drink most types of tea without concern, but for specific groups, selecting the right type of tea can make a difference. Those who smoke or drink alcohol regularly, tend to get overheated easily, have a fiery disposition, or are overweight usually have a heaty constitution and should opt for green tea, new white tea, or lightly fermented oolong tea; Seniors, those with a cold and weak digestive system, or people with a generally weak constitution typically have a cold constitution and are particularly suited to drinking black tea and ripe Pu'er. 2. Adjust Your Tea Based on the Time of Year Generally, the types of tea consumed…

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

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,…

Maojian tea is one of the famous green teas in China, with the main varieties including:Taihu Maojian: Produced around Tai Lake in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, it is one of the representative varieties of Maojian tea. Its leaves are slender and emerald green, with a fresh aroma and a refreshing taste. Anji Bai Maojian: Grown in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, this is a type of white-hairy Maojian tea. The leaves are slender and light green, with an elegant, fresh fragrance and a sweet, refreshing taste. Yan Tea Maojian: Cultivated in Wuyi City, Fujian Province, this is a type of rock tea. The leaves are flat and dark green, with a unique aroma that includes notes of charcoal and fruit, and a rich flavor. A common method for brewing Maojian tea is as follows: Prepare the tea utensils: It's recommended to use a glass cup or a transparent covered bowl when brewing Maojian tea, so you can observe the unfolding of the leaves and the change in color of the infusion. You will also need the tea leaves, a strainer, and hot water. Water temperature and water quality: The brewing water temperature for Maojian tea is generally between 70°C and 80°C.…

The first infusion of brewed tea doesn’t need to be discarded. Firstly, the volume of water used in brewing tea is usually quite large, and discarding the brew would be wasteful. Secondly, when brewing tea, the tea is added after the water has boiled, and once it boils again, the tea can be poured out and consumed; there's no need for a rinse. Thirdly, the tea broth from brewing is sweet, mellow, full-bodied, and smooth. Discarding it would result in the loss of its flavors and prevent you from tasting its true essence. Should the First Infusion of Brewed Tea Be Discarded? Whether to discard the first infusion of tea depends on the type of tea, and one should not blindly decide whether to discard or keep it. 1. If the tea is light in flavor, it’s not recommended to discard the first infusion; it’s best to taste it as it is. 2. If the tea is rich in flavor, it’s recommended to discard the first infusion since it doesn't fully represent the tea's taste. 3. For aged teas, it is advisable to discard the first infusion. This serves two purposes: cleaning off any dust and waking up the tea.…

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…

In autumn, dryness prevails and can easily deplete body fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry cough without phlegm or difficulty coughing up thick phlegm, dry eyes, mouth, and nose, tight and wrinkled skin, and irritability with difficulty sleeping. Dr. Tan Tao, Director of the Cervical and Lumbar Injuries Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommends several health teas suitable for consumption during autumn. Chrysanthemum Tea Place four to five chrysanthemum flowers in boiling water and steep for two to three minutes. This tea has effects of dispersing wind-heat, suppressing liver yang, and clearing the liver and brightening the eyes. Chrysanthemum tea can also enhance the elasticity of micro-vessels, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This tea is suitable for those with dry eyes, high blood pressure, and those prone to getting heat-induced oral ulcers. There are many types of chrysanthemums, each with slightly different effects. However, no type of chrysanthemum should be consumed continuously over a long period. Those who usually feel cold, have a cold constitution in the spleen and stomach, or experience diarrhea easily, those with wind-cold common cold, and women during menstruation should avoid drinking this tea. Tangerine Red…

Dian Hong is a type of black tea produced in Yunnan Province, commonly abbreviated as “Dian Hong” and classified within the black tea category. It is cultivated in areas such as Lincang, Baoshan, Fengqing, Xishuangbanna, and Dehong in southern and southwestern Yunnan. Dian Hong is blended from large-leaf red broken tea. The standardized products include leaf tea, broken tea, fannings, and dust in four categories with eleven different grades. Each has its own specific shape and appearance, characterized by a solid texture and harmonious color. When brewed, the tea yields a bright red infusion with a prominent golden ring, a fresh and fragrant aroma, and a strong, stimulating taste. The leaves at the bottom of the cup are uniformly red and bright. Even when milk is added, the tea retains a robust flavor, presenting a brown, pink, or ginger-yellow hue that is bright and vivid. Its defining characteristics are its strength, intensity, and freshness. The production of Dian Hong involves using fresh leaves from high-quality large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, processed through withering, rolling or cutting, fermentation, and baking to create the finished tea product. Brewing Methods for Dian Hong Tea Warm the teaware: Add an appropriate amount of cold…

Huangjinya tea was accidentally discovered in Yuyao, Zhejiang province in the 1990s and then developed over a period of more than ten years. Huangjinya is a light-sensitive yellow variant cultivar, a marvel in the family of tea plant varieties, with its golden hue when exposed to sunlight and green leaves under shade. Huangjinya has a very high amino acid content, giving it a rich aroma and a fresh, mellow taste. Huangjinya has thin leaves and short buds. The dry tea is bright yellow with a slender, tight shape, and natural bud set. It has a clear, pale yellow infusion with a fragrant, lingering aroma and a fresh, full-bodied flavor. After drinking, it leaves a sweet aftertaste. So what is the tea-to-water ratio for brewing Huangjinya? The general tea-to-water ratio for Huangjinya is 1:50, but it varies depending on the brewing vessel. Glass cup: For a 300ml glass cup, use 5-6 grams of tea. Covered bowl: For a 120ml covered bowl, use 3-4 grams of tea. Teapot: For a 500ml teapot, use 5-7 grams of tea. Huangjinya is the only yellow variant tea in China, originally produced in Anji, Zhejiang. It has since been introduced to the precious and rare tea…

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,…

Pu'er tea Lao Cha Tou is the clumped tea that forms during the fermentation process of Pu'er tea. Its appearance consists of lumps and nodules, produced through artificial pile fermentation. Lao Cha Tou is rich in gelatinous substances and sugars, offering a thick, smooth mouthfeel and is tightly packed, making it highly durable for brewing. Here’s how to brew Lao Cha Tou: Lao Cha Tou is highly durable and can typically withstand about 30 infusions. However, some pieces remain unopened even after 30 infusions, although the infusion color fades at this point. In such cases, you can switch to cooking the tea in a pot. Below, we introduce how to cook Lao Cha Tou: Brewing Methods for Pu'er Tea Lao Cha Tou 1. Brew using a lidded bowl or a clay teapot with boiling water. Because the tea is tightly packed, do not immediately pour out the rinse water; instead, let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds before discarding. When brewing with boiling water, allow a slightly longer steeping time, adjusting as needed based on your taste preferences. 2. Cook the tea using a vessel, optionally rinsing with boiling water beforehand. Place the tea in cold water and bring…

When it comes to tea, one often thinks of the complex flavors brought about by various manufacturing processes: green tea requires fixation, black tea needs fermentation, and Pu'er tea must undergo maturation before it can be consumed... But there is a type of tea that closely captures the natural taste of the leaves themselves: white tea. White tea is one of the six major types of tea and is renowned for its fresh, unroasted, and unrubbed character. If we liken tea production to cooking, some green teas would be stir-fried, black teas would be braised, while white tea would be blanched, preserving the most basic and original flavor of the tea. It's like human relationships – they don't need to be dramatic, just consistently warm and sincere. Some people say that white tea should not be brewed in a purple clay pot. They believe that white tea is delicate and easily spoiled by the heat retention of a purple clay pot; its fragrant aroma can also be partially absorbed by the dual-pore structure of the pot, affecting the overall flavor. Is this really the case? Can white tea be brewed using a purple clay pot? Absolutely. The distinctive feature of…

Yixing purple clay pots are renowned traditional tea brewing vessels in China. A purple clay pot enhances the color of the tea without overpowering its aroma, maximizing the release of its flavor. Here are several points to consider when brewing tea with a purple clay pot. 1. Warming the Pot The pot and cups should be heated with hot water both inside and out. This not only cleans the pot but also warms it, enhancing the awakening of flavors. Soaking both the interior and exterior can prevent the buildup of residue from previous brews. After warming the pot, pour the water into the fair cup and tea cups to rinse them. 2. Warming the Cups ① Warming the cups serves to clean the tea utensils. Even when left on the tea tray, they can collect dust. Before brewing, rinsing them with boiling water effectively removes any grime. ② Warming the cups helps better release the tea's aroma. Different aromas have different boiling points and can be affected by heat. When the room temperature is low, the cups will also be cooler, which can affect the water temperature during brewing and thus the flavor. Warm cups also prevent the tea from…

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…