Brew 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…

After allowing the tea connoisseurs to appreciate the appearance of the tea, the tea brewer stands up and places the tea leaves into the pot, pours hot water over them from a kettle, covers the pot, and starts a timer. The tea brewer stops all other movements, placing their heart into the pot as they stand, accompanying the tea while it steeps in the hot water. Seeing this action from the tea brewer, the other tea connoisseurs also focus intently on the teapot. Thirty seconds pass, and the tea brewer remains standing still; another thirty seconds pass, and the tea brewer is still motionless. After a while, the tea brewer glances at the timer, then lifts the teapot to pour the tea into a pitcher. The other connoisseurs think about their questions: Why does it need to steep for so long? What will the tea infusion look like? The tea brewer is very focused on brewing the tea—. Why does the tea brewer stand while brewing the tea? Perhaps the chair isn't high enough, or perhaps he believes that standing emphasizes his role in accompanying the tea while it steeps in the pot. The tea leaves are plucked from the…

"Washing the tea" is more accurately referred to as "awakening the tea." This process is meant to awaken the tea leaves and stimulate their aroma, ensuring they are at their best for brewing so that the taster can experience the best possible fragrance and taste. Some aged Pu'er teas require two rounds of "awakening." Green tea, being a non-fermented tea, retains rich vitamins and amino acids, with the first infusion containing the highest nutritional value. Why Don't We Wash Green Tea? In fact, green tea does not need to be washed due to its distinct production process compared to other types of tea. During the making of green tea, the freshly picked young leaves undergo processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying, which intensify the flavor and aroma of the tea. Other teas, however, require fermentation and thus benefit from an initial rinse with hot water to remove any off-flavors. As for green tea, since it is not fermented, it has not been exposed to air or moisture during production, making a rinse unnecessary. If you enjoy drinking green tea, you can simply pour boiling water over it in your brewing vessel. However, if you want to better appreciate the…

Due to the frequent temperature changes in spring, various physiological functions of the human body tend to decline, and resistance weakens, making it easier for the body to be attacked by viruses. Here are some teas that can help maintain health. Black Tea 1. Keep Warm and Protect the Stomach The winter climate is in a low humidity state, and the human body is inevitably invaded by dampness and cold, causing discomfort in the stomach. Black tea has a sweet and gentle nature, nourishing the body's yang energy, enhancing its ability to resist the cold, and having the benefits of warming and protecting the stomach. 2. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases and Protect Elderly Health Winter is a high-risk period for heart disease and stroke, with cardiovascular activity weakened due to factors such as temperature, which can trigger cardiovascular diseases. American medical research has found that heart disease patients who drink four cups of black tea daily see their blood vessel dilation increase from 6% to 10%. After brewing, 70% of potassium in black tea dissolves in the tea water, which helps enhance cardiac circulation. In the cold winter, the elderly can drink more black tea to combat the cold and prevent…

Intelligence is a gift, kindness is a choice, and drinking tea is an investment. Some might argue that buying and storing tea is the real investment. To many, tea only holds investment value when it's traded as a commodity, and drinking tea is just a consumption process. In fact, storing tea can be an investment, but drinking tea is an even higher-level investment! Life is short, and the best investment you can make is in yourself. Drinking tea is one such investment that can increase your worth. Once you've been drinking tea for years and tasted its benefits, you'll truly understand. 1. Drinking tea increases our health value. Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, encountering seventy-two poisons in a day, which were cured by tea. Tea, a miraculous leaf gifted to humanity by nature, has always been beneficial to human health. From its earliest use as medicine by Shennong to today’s various health supplements made from tea's unique components, the connection between tea and health is increasingly recognized. Tea provides undeniable health benefits. Regular tea drinking keeps us looking younger. The active ingredients in tea, such as polyphenols and theanine, have anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Regular tea drinking reduces illness. The…

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:…

Bai Mudan tea, named for its plump buds and greenish-white leaves that resemble blooming peony flowers, is one of the six major types of Chinese white teas. Not only does Bai Mudan tea have a fresh and sweet taste, but it also offers many benefits. Below, we will introduce you to the detailed steps of brewing Bai Mudan tea so you can enjoy its delicate aroma at home. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Preparations Before you start brewing, you need to prepare the necessary tools and tea leaves. A transparent glass pot or a white porcelain pot is recommended, as they allow you to better observe the leaves as they unfurl in the water. Choose high-quality Bai Mudan tea leaves, as the quality of the leaves directly affects the taste and mouthfeel of the tea. Warming the Cups and Washing the Tea The first step is warming the cups, which helps to better stimulate the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups, swirl it around briefly, then discard the water. Next, wash the tea by placing an appropriate amount of Bai Mudan tea in the pot, pouring a small amount of boiling water…

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,…

White tea can typically be boiled, and by doing so with clear water, the nutrients within the leaves are released, making them easier for the body to absorb. Drinking white tea can also help in managing blood pressure and sugar levels, so it is beneficial to consume it in moderation as part of your daily routine. Is White Tea Best Enjoyed Boiled? White tea is a slightly fermented tea and a traditional type of Chinese tea, rich in nutrients such as polyphenols and vitamins. Boiling white tea is relatively simple; take an appropriate amount of white tea leaves and place them in a glass container. Then, use clear water to brew and boil the leaves for about three minutes before drinking. Moderate consumption can promote blood circulation and help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which is beneficial for controlling blood pressure. Additionally, white tea contains active enzymes that can aid in fat metabolism when consumed in moderation, helping with the breakdown of sugars and assisting in regulating blood sugar levels. It can also help with lowering blood sugar. Furthermore, white tea contains flavonoids, which can assist in eliminating free radicals from the body. However, it is recommended to drink…

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…

In the long history of Chinese tea culture, both pointing tea and brewing hold significant positions. Pointing tea is a unique form of tea art from the Song Dynasty, while brewing represents modern tea art. Let's explore these two forms of tea art together and appreciate the beauty of traditional and contemporary tea arts. (Image source: Internet, to be deleted upon request) What is Pointing Tea? Pointing tea, also known as "Tea Hundred Games," is an exquisite form of tea art that originated in the Song Dynasty. Emperor Huizong described the process of pointing tea in detail in "Da Guan Tea Treatise." This form of tea art, with its intricate techniques and unique cultural background, became a symbol of Song Dynasty tea culture. The basic procedure for pointing tea involves grinding tea cakes into fine powder, using a tea whisk (a bamboo tea brush) to mix the tea powder with hot water, stirring quickly to create a thick tea soup, and finally forming a delicate foam on the surface of the tea soup. The finer and longer-lasting the foam, the more skilled the pointing tea technique. Historical Background of Pointing Tea The Song Dynasty was an era that valued governance…

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…

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

After the onset of autumn, the body's physiological activities change in accordance with the natural environment. Particular attention should be paid to regulating clothing, diet, living conditions, and physical activity. Clothing refers to the principle of “spring covering and autumn cooling.” Although it gets cooler in autumn, do not rush to add more clothes; allow your body to adapt within reasonable limits. Living conditions should include a reasonable sleep schedule. During the autumn, when the air is clear and dry, it is advisable to go to bed early and rise early. It is not recommended to stay indoors all day or sleep with your head covered at night. Windows should be kept open to ensure good indoor ventilation. Physical activity means that autumn is the golden season for strengthening your body through exercise. This helps improve joint and blood circulation flexibility and enhances the body’s resistance to disease. Additionally, cold resistance training can help the body adapt to changing weather conditions. A healthy lifestyle includes one tea, two fruits, three porridges, four soups, five vegetables, six meats, seven grains, and eight medicinal foods. Let's follow this order, starting with the first chapter on drinking tea in autumn. Traditional Chinese medicine…

"Nourish Yang in spring and summer, and Yin in autumn and winter." According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), once we enter spring and summer, it's the time for our body's Yang energy to rise. While "purging fire," we also need "clearing and tonifying." It's okay to have some cold food during hot weather, but we shouldn't overindulge as it can deplete our Yang energy. In the height of summer to beat the heat, it is advisable to "use heat to counteract heat." Hot tea is the best beverage to cool down on a hot day. Today, I'm sharing 11 teas that help you beat the summer heat, reduce dampness, and are perfect for summertime: 1/ Honey Pomelo Tea Honey pomelo tea combines the benefits of pomelo, honey, and black or green tea. Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, which helps alleviate melanin buildup. Its peel acts as a natural fragrance, refreshing the air. A cup of honey pomelo tea can lift your mood and relax your body and mind. 2/ Jasmine Tea Jasmine tea is great for calming the nerves. A cup in the drowsy afternoon can invigorate the spirit, clear heat and relieve summer heat, strengthen the spleen and…

Basic Introduction to Begonia Tea Begonias are not only beautiful ornamental plants but also a very beneficial traditional Chinese medicine. Begonia tea is considered to have many health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine; it can help improve the body's immunity and has unique health-preserving effects. Brewing a cup of sweet begonia flower tea allows you to enjoy the bounty of nature while feeling the positive changes in your body. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Main Benefits of Begonia Tea Firstly, begonia flower tea helps to clear heat and detoxify. This tea can help reduce internal heat in the body, making it especially suitable for consumption during hot summers. Its heat-clearing effects can alleviate symptoms such as dry mouth and throat pain, helping to keep the body cool and comfortable. Secondly, begonia flower tea aids in beauty and skin care. Begonia flowers are rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants that effectively combat free radicals and delay skin aging. Regular consumption of begonia flower tea can make the skin smoother and finer, reducing the formation of wrinkles and age spots. (Image source: network, delete upon request) In addition, begonia flower tea can improve digestive function. It has a gentle effect…

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,…

How can Pu'er shengcha be brewed to taste better? Today, we will demonstrate using this example of Banshan Pu'er shengcha from old trees. This Banshan tea is made from old tree leaves and originates from a tea region in Ning'er County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. During the Qing Dynasty, the Banshan tea region was a royal tribute tea garden. The overall ecological environment here is excellent, with high mountains and dense forests, making the tea rich in internal substances. This tea is produced almost every year and has a very good taste-to-price ratio. A significant feature is that it is pressed by hand using a stone mill. Pu'er tea cakes pressed by hand with a stone mill are moderately tight, have beautiful tea strands, and are conducive to aging. The most prominent taste characteristic of Banshan Pu'er tea is its clarity and sweetness, smoothness, and distinct floral and fruity aromas. We can use a conventional brewing method for this tea. We'll brew it in a gaiwan. Before brewing, we'll warm the cup, which significantly enhances the aroma of the tea. Next, add the tea. The tea strands of this tea are relatively intact. We're using 8 grams of tea. The…

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

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…

Jasmine tea, as part of traditional Chinese tea culture, is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and elegant flavor. Brewing jasmine tea with a gaiwan not only better retains the aroma of the tea leaves but also showcases the aesthetics of tea ceremony. So, how can you brew a perfect cup of jasmine tea using a gaiwan? This article will provide you with a detailed guide. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) I. Choosing a Gaiwan A gaiwan, also known as a sancai bowl, consists of three parts: the bowl, the lid, and the saucer. When selecting a gaiwan, consider the following: 1. Material: Porcelain gaiwans are common, as they conduct heat evenly and help maintain the temperature of the tea. 2. Capacity: Generally, a capacity of 100-150 milliliters is ideal, ensuring enough space for the tea leaves to expand while being convenient for personal use. II. Selecting Jasmine Tea The quality of jasmine tea directly affects the brewing outcome. When choosing jasmine tea, consider the following: 1. Aroma: High-quality jasmine tea has a fresh and natural fragrance that isn’t overpowering. 2. Appearance: The tea leaves should be tightly rolled, have a lustrous color, and show silvery…

Why Choose Iced Mineral Water for Brewing Tea? Brewing tea is an art, and choosing the right water and temperature is key. In the world of tea, the quality of the water has a crucial impact on the final taste. Using iced mineral water to brew tea, this unique method not only preserves the natural flavor of the tea leaves but also imparts a distinctive coolness to the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits of Brewing Tea with Iced Mineral Water Maintaining the Pure Flavor of the Tea Mineral water is naturally rich in minerals, which can enhance the flavor of the tea. As the iced mineral water slowly melts, it gradually releases these minerals, ensuring that the flavor of the tea leaves becomes richer and more complex. Compared to using tap water or purified water, mineral water can make the aroma and taste of the tea fuller. Gradually Releasing the Aroma of the Tea As the iced mineral water melts, it gradually releases moisture, allowing the flavors of the tea leaves to be released progressively, avoiding the bitterness that can sometimes occur when brewing with hot water. This method is particularly effective for high-quality green teas and…

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…

Dark tea is named for its black appearance when finished. It is one of the six major categories of tea and is a post-fermented tea. The main production areas are in Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions. Traditional dark tea is made from mature raw dark tea leaves, which are primarily used as the main ingredient for compressed teas. Can dark tea be paired with milk? Dark tea contains rich vitamins and minerals, while milk has a high content of proteins and minerals. Combining dark tea with milk is not only nutritious but also very healthy. Therefore, it is possible to brew dark tea with milk. In Northwest China, many people like to mix dark tea with milk and add a moderate amount of salt, creating a cup of milk tea with a distinctive Western Chinese flavor! It's really convenient and simple! When brewing dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this can cause the milk to curdle and reduce the nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60-80°C before adding the milk. This will…