Brew Tea

The Spring Festival is over. I wonder how all you tea enthusiasts spent your holidays? I bet you enjoyed a lot of great food and drinks. However, during the Spring Festival, indulging in feasts, staying up all night, and other activities might have put quite a strain on your body. If you learn to brew some health-promoting teas, they can help you better adjust after the holiday period. Therefore, that first cup of tea after the festival is very important for us. 01 Say Goodbye to Gastrointestinal Stress Pu'er tea has the effects of nourishing the stomach, regulating the intestines, clearing turbidity, and removing greasiness. Mature Pu'er tea or aged raw tea has a relatively mild nature, which can nourish and protect the stomach, especially for people with stomach problems. After the three festivals, consuming a large amount of high-calorie foods can lead to indigestion. At this time, it's even more important to take care of your stomach. 02 Banish Spring Drowsiness and Fatigue Spring is a good season for health preservation. During spring, people often drink more floral teas, which can help improve physical fitness and enhance the constitution. If one takes good care of their body in spring,…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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:…

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…

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…

Ancient warriors all had their unique weapons that, when revealed, made it clear who they were and how powerful. Today, while we no longer live in a world of sword fights and storms, having a unique tool can still give you an edge in modern life. A photography app can instantly enhance your beauty; a kitchen gadget makes chopping and mixing easy... And tea drinking is no different. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our tea lives. However, with so many types of tea kettles available on the market and differing preferences, let's explore how these magical kettles can become our brewing tools. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our…

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…

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…

Bai Mudan tea, originating from Fujian Province in China, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique floral fragrance and gentle taste. To brew a perfect cup of Bai Mudan tea, you need not only high-quality leaves but also the right brewing methods. In this article, we will detail the steps and techniques for brewing Bai Mudan tea, helping you enjoy this delicious beverage at home. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Understanding Bai Mudan Tea Bai Mudan tea is a type of white tea, which belongs to the minimally processed teas. It is made from the buds and leaves of the Da Bai (big white) or Shuixian (water nymph) tea plants, harvested when they are one bud and one leaf or one bud and two leaves. The appearance of Bai Mudan tea resembles petals, with silver-white buds interspersed with green leaves. The brewed tea has a clear and bright color, a distinctive aroma, and notes of floral and subtle fruity fragrances. Selecting High-Quality Bai Mudan Tea Leaves To brew a great-tasting cup of Bai Mudan tea, start by choosing quality leaves. High-quality Bai Mudan tea leaves have vibrant colors, intact buds and leaves, and carry a natural floral scent.…

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…

Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures. Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures, which creates a conflict. Green Tea Brewing Techniques 1. Water Temperature: Generally recommended between 80°C to 85°C. If the exact temperature is difficult to gauge, you can boil the water (1-2L) and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. 2. Pouring Water: Use a hanging water method to pour along the side of the cup, avoiding direct impact on…

China is the birthplace of tea, and our ancestors have been discovering and utilizing tea for thousands of years. This ancient beverage has evolved from its earliest form as steamed green tea to the six major categories we know today, over a development period spanning more than two millennia. Throughout this long history, countless Chinese tea enthusiasts have contributed their wisdom and hard work, creating a profound tea culture. Today, let's discuss several "minor issues" related to tea. 1. Must the water used for brewing tea be boiled to 100 degrees Celsius? It is necessary to boil water to 100 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature of the water used for brewing should primarily depend on the type of tea being brewed. For green teas, it is generally not advisable to use boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius. Instead, water between 80 to 90 degrees Celsius (after boiling and cooling to the desired temperature) is preferred. The greener and more delicate the tea leaves, the lower the water temperature should be, which will result in a fresher, brighter, and more flavorful infusion with less destruction of vitamin C. At higher temperatures, the tea infusion becomes darker in color, vitamin C is…

    China's tea culture has a long history, and Pu'er tea is one of the most unique among all teas. It forms its own distinct category and has specific requirements for brewing techniques. So what is the method of brewing Pu'er tea? Let's explore this together. Brewing Pu'er Tea     1. New Sheng Tea     In terms of character, it is very similar to green tea. During brewing, it is essential to avoid a cooked taste, so the water temperature should be slightly lower, and the tea should be poured out quickly. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the type of tea tree, the tea region, the age of the tree, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors should use a slightly lower water temperature and have a shorter infusion time, while those with lighter flavors do the opposite.     2. New Shou (Ripe) Tea     Compared to older teas, new shou teas often have some shortcomings, such as less clear tea liquor, less pure aroma, and less mellow taste. They may also have some unpleasant characteristics like a "pile" flavor and a heavier bitterness and astringency. The water-soluble substances in new shou teas dissolve quickly,…

Spring returns to the land, bringing with it the distant fragrance of tea, awakening the dormant tea trees. The tea freely stretches itself in boiling water, releasing the beauty stored throughout the winter. A refreshing cup of spring tea encapsulates the essence of the entire season. 01 Spring is for drinking spring tea Spring tea aligns with the concept of “spring growth,” meeting human needs. Spring is when life force is most vigorous within the body, and metabolism begins to thrive. The basic principle of health preservation is to align with the opportunity for “spring growth,” allowing the body and mind to relax, letting vitality flourish. Spring tea carries a vibrant life force and the freshness of spring. Drinking spring tea in moderation can help the body purge old energy and absorb fresh qi. 02 Spring tea combats spring fatigue Flowers come alive through their scent, while tea gains its value from its aroma. Because early spring temperatures are not high, the environment for preserving aromatic compounds is ideal. Thus, the aroma of spring tea is unparalleled by tea from other seasons. The spring breeze brings renewal and the rise of yang energy, giving all things new life, but people…

Fuding white tea, due to its unique growing environment and exquisite production techniques, is considered a treasure among white teas. Its clear and bright infusion, elegant aroma, and sweet, rich flavor also offer health benefits. So, how should one properly enjoy Fuding white tea? Brewing Steps for Fuding White Tea 1. Prepare the Tea Utensils For brewing Fuding white tea, you can choose white porcelain bowls with lids, purple clay pots, or glass cups as your tea utensils. White porcelain bowls better showcase the color and aroma of the white tea; purple clay pots absorb the tea's fragrance, making the infusion richer; while glass cups allow you to appreciate the shape and color of the white tea. 2. Clean the Tea Utensils Rinse the inside and outside of the tea utensils with boiling water to remove dust and impurities, and to preheat the utensils. 3. Measure the Tea Leaves Based on the size of your tea utensil and personal preference, take an appropriate amount of Fuding white tea. Generally, for every 500 milliliters of water, use 8-10 grams of white tea. 4. Brew the Tea Pour boiling water into the utensil to quickly moisten the tea leaves. For the first…

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