Brew Tea

It's often said that the more you drink tea, the more discerning your palate becomes. The term “discerning” here refers to being overly selective, and this trait can be observed in both drinking tea and eating meals. But is becoming more discerning with tea a good thing or a bad thing? Today, Cup Xiaocha would like to hear what tea enthusiasts think. There are two main ways in which one’s palate becomes more discerning with tea. Firstly, the variety of teas consumed increases. For example, one might start by drinking green tea but then gradually explore new flavors, such as black tea, Pu'er, and Oolong. Eating the same dishes every day can indeed become tiresome; regularly changing the menu keeps things interesting. After drinking Oolong tea, there might come a time when one wants to return to green tea, thus continually rotating between different types. Secondly, the quality of tea consumed improves. Quality, simply put, is closely tied to price. When starting with Oolong tea, one might not be able to distinguish between good and bad teas, but over time, their ability to appreciate tea grows. They develop preferences for specific varieties and origins and form their own opinions on…

Tea, low in sugar content, contains beneficial components such as amino acids, vitamins, and tea polyphenols, which are beneficial to human health. However, every coin has two sides, and the principle of 'too much of anything is bad' applies here too. If tea is consumed improperly, it can have adverse effects on the body. Drinking tea can help reduce the occurrence of kidney stones, a fact that many tea enthusiasts are familiar with. However, drinking tea incorrectly not only fails to protect your kidneys but can also harm them. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, we advise you to avoid them to prevent damage to your health. Drinking tea while consuming alcohol can harm your kidneys. Some believe that drinking strong tea after alcohol consumption can help sober up, but this is a misconception. Drinking tea alone will not harm your kidneys, but if you drink tea while consuming alcohol or use strong tea to sober up, there is a risk of kidney damage. This is because when alcohol enters the liver, it is broken down into water and carbon dioxide through enzymatic action and then excreted by the kidneys. Theobromine in tea has a diuretic…

I have always loved tranquility: a book, a cup of tea, a moment of leisure that belongs to me. My heart finds peace in the quiet corners, filled with joys and sorrows alike. I do not feel lonely or regretful; only the faint hint of longing that inadvertently settles on my brow. I wish to become a blade of grass, growing under the sun and dancing with the breeze. To find contentment without desires, to exist in silence, cultivating a heart full of tolerance and openness. To embrace all the flavors of life and savor every emotion, living without disturbance, smiling at the world. I place my pen in the ebb and flow of time, entrusting my thoughts to the words that rise and fall. I seek warmth and lean on the soul, allowing kindness to grow within me, making my heart pure and beautiful. Life is like a speck of dust, sometimes flying high, sometimes settling down. Each day passes in toil and haste. To live happily, one must learn to please oneself. The road ahead may be thorny, but with confidence and determination, by being strong and brave, free from worry and fear, we can walk through any…

Gathering around a teapot, having heartfelt conversations, and listening to the sound of boiling water can be an extremely cozy experience. However, many people still have misconceptions about cooking tea. Let's take a look at some things to avoid so that your tea drinking doesn't turn into an embarrassing situation. 01 Cooking Tea Directly in an Iron Teapot Generally, iron teapots have pores and are "breathable." When cooking tea leaves, iron reacts with tannic acid in the tea, forming ferric tannate, which is also a component of blue-black ink. As a result, the tea broth turns bluish-black. While not toxic, it can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Suggestion: Iron teapots are suitable for boiling water, but for cooking tea leaves, clay or glass teapots are recommended for better taste. 02 Any Type of Tea Can Be Cooked There are generally two types of tea suitable for cooking. The first is heavily fermented teas like ripe Pu'er, Liu Bao tea, old tea heads, old tea leaves, aged white tea, and aged Tieguanyin. The second type is aged teas, such as aged white tea, aged Pu'er, aged Wuyi rock tea, and aged Tieguanyin. On the other hand,…

Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages. From ancient times to the present, tea brewing has been regarded as both an art and a culture. For tea enthusiasts, mastering the correct brewing method not only allows you to savor the best flavor of the leaves but also brings tranquility and joy during the brewing process. This article will guide you through the general tea brewing process, enabling you to easily master tea-making skills and enjoy every cup of good tea. (Image source: Internet. Please contact us for removal if it infringes on your rights.) Selecting Suitable Tea Leaves The first step in brewing tea is selecting appropriate tea leaves. Different types of tea, such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, etc., have varying brewing methods. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh and high-quality leaves. The quality of the tea directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea liquor. Preparing Tea Utensils Prepare a set of suitable tea utensils. These typically include a teapot, teacups, a fairness cup (used to evenly distribute the tea), and a tea strainer. If possible, you can also prepare a tea tray and tea cloth to keep the tea…

When brewing tea, do you ever wonder how many infusions are best? This question is not only about the taste of the tea but also impacts its nutritional content and health benefits. This article will delve into the brewing methods for different types of tea, helping you get every cup just right. The Number of Infusions Depends Closely on the Type of Tea One important point to note is that different types of tea vary significantly in their durability when infused. Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and white tea all have different levels of durability. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choices when brewing your tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea: Delicate and Fragrant, Typically Three Infusions First infusion: Aromatic and at its best flavor. Second infusion: Slightly lighter in taste but still fragrant. Third infusion: The tea's flavor noticeably diminishes but retains some fragrance. After three infusions, the tea's flavor and nutrients are largely depleted, making it unsuitable for further brewing. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Black Tea: Rich and Sweet, Four Infusions Are Ideal First infusion: Bright red color with a rich aroma. Second infusion: Sweet taste and…

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,…

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…

Xiaoxinggan requires a rinse before steeping. Before you start, prepare a pot of boiling water and tear open the cotton paper wrapping of the Xiaoxinggan. Remove the Xiaoxinggan and place it in a gaiwan. Pour boiling water over it and immediately pour out the water; this is considered rinsing the tea. The rinse time should not be too long, generally no more than 5 seconds. After rinsing, you can proceed with the formal steeping and finally enjoy the tea. Many people are curious about whether the first steep of Xiaoxinggan needs a rinse. In fact, the first steep of Xiaoxinggan still requires a rinse. My suggestion is that the first two steeps can be directly discarded, which helps to wash away impurities in the tea. After removing the outer packaging of the Xiaoxinggan, lift off the lid and pour in boiling water. After about 3 seconds, quickly pour out the tea water. For the second steep, pour in boiling water again and let it sit for 3-5 seconds before pouring out the tea soup. Starting from the third steep, allow a bit longer steeping time, which will help the tangerine peel absorb water fully and release its essential oils and…

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…

Many people have the habit of drinking tea, and there are various types of tea, with Pu'er tea being one of them. Brewing Pu'er tea can be quite enjoyable and help you relax both mentally and physically. Drinking it in moderation can also have beneficial effects on your health. Below is a guide on how to brew Pu'er tea. The Brewing Method for Pu'er Tea Cake: 1. Breaking the Tea Cake Prepare a tea needle or a tea knife and insert it along the side edge of the tea cake, then apply upward force to break off pieces. To avoid damaging the integrity of the tea leaves and prevent the tea cake from becoming too fragmented, try to push the tool further into the cake. Typically, you should break off as much as you need for brewing; a general guideline is 5 grams for aged tea and 8 grams for raw tea. 2. Waking the Tea Use a 110 ml white porcelain gaiwan for brewing. Discard the first infusion, which serves as a rinse and helps to wake up the tea. For older aged teas, use water at boiling point (100°C) for direct brewing, while for newer raw teas, you…

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…

Tea enthusiasts who enjoy tea are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to fully appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to enjoying Pu'er tea together. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production processes ensure consistency in the shape of the compressed tea cakes, which are evenly formed and tightly compacted. Since the introduction of electrostatic dust removal machines, contemporary Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers do not contain foreign objects. However, before 2004 when these machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities as they were manually screened. The color of Pu'er tea can help distinguish between raw and ripe varieties: ripe Pu'er is dark brown, while raw Pu'er ranges from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), with loose or compact leaves that become dry and lustrous over time. Step 2: Feel the Tea Feel the compactness of the tea; a loosely packed tea will age faster under the same storage conditions compared to one that is more tightly packed. When breaking off a piece of the tea, check for consistency throughout – some teas have higher-grade leaves sprinkled on the surface for better appearance, while others use a uniform grade…

China's tea culture is profound, many people enjoy tea, but there are also some who do not know how to appreciate it, especially a renowned variety like Pu'er tea, which many are reluctant to try. Some think it's too expensive, others see no need for it. In fact, drinking tea is both an enjoyment and a way to maintain health. Drinking Pu'er tea can also have health-preserving effects. So, how should one drink Pu'er tea? Brewing Method OneMany people are unfamiliar with the proper method of brewing Pu'er tea; they simply take a handful and pour hot water over it in a cup. However, the amount of tea used has strict requirements – using too much can result in a bitter taste, while too little can make the tea weak. Therefore, the first step is to select the tea and control the quantity. For high-quality Pu'er tea, 3-5 grams is sufficient, depending on the size of your teaware. You can adjust the amount of tea based on the size of your teapot or cup. Next, pour boiling water into the cup, adjusting the temperature according to the freshness of the tea leaves. After brewing, use the lid to skim off…

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…

Icing tea, a type of Pu'er tea from Yunnan, China, is beloved for its unique flavor and rich mouthfeel. However, to brew a perfect cup of Icing tea, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. This article will detail the steps and tips for brewing Icing tea, allowing you to enjoy this precious beverage at home with ease. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Icing Tea Leaves To brew good tea, start by selecting high-quality Icing tea leaves. High-quality Icing tea leaves are typically lustrous in color, have a strong aroma, and are whole leaves. Additionally, choose reputable tea shops or brands to ensure the quality and safety of the tea. Preparing the Brewing Utensils Brewing Icing tea requires the following utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, tea towel, tea tray, and thermometer, etc. Choose ceramic or purple clay teapots, which can better maintain the temperature and flavor of the tea infusion. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Controlling Water Temperature and Tea Quantity Water temperature and tea quantity are key when brewing Icing tea. Icing tea is best brewed with water at 90-95 degrees Celsius; water that is too hot or too cold can affect the taste of…

If you're looking for a drink that's both delicious and healthy, flower water infusion tea is definitely a great choice. This natural beverage not only helps to relax the body and mind but also has many benefits. This article will introduce you to the various advantages of flower water infusion tea and teach you how to make it easily. (Image source: network, delete if infringement) What is Flower Water Infusion Tea? Flower water infusion tea is a type of tea made by infusing various flowers, such as chrysanthemum, rose, jasmine, and others, which have been dried. These flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, greatly benefiting health. Flower water infusion tea not only has vibrant colors and a pleasant aroma but also provides a natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. The Benefits and Effects of Flower Water Infusion Tea The benefits and effects of flower water infusion tea are varied and include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Boosting Immunity Many flower teas, such as chrysanthemum tea and rose tea, are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system and resist colds and other infections. 2. Improving Digestion Certain…

Golden Bud tea should be brewed at a water temperature of 85 to 100°C. As a type of green tea, it is characterized by its unique freshness and tender aroma. There are mainly two ways to brew this tea in daily practice: using a lidded bowl or a glass cup. When brewing with a lidded bowl, the tea can be separated from the water, and boiling water can help release the tea's aroma. When using a glass cup, the tea cannot be removed from the water immediately, so a lower water temperature around 85°C is needed to avoid bitterness caused by prolonged steeping at high temperatures. Method of Brewing Golden Bud Tea 1. Cool boiled mineral water for three minutes until it reaches 90°C; 2. Take an appropriate amount of Golden Bud tea and place it in a glass cup; 3. Pour in 90°C water; a lower temperature will not allow the tea leaves to fully unfurl into their natural shape, while too high a temperature can destroy the amino acids in the tea; 4. As the dry tea slowly unfurls, gently rotate the glass cup to admire the golden, fresh appearance of the leaves as they slowly grow at…

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,…

The tea-to-water ratio for raw Pu'er is 1:15, which means for a 110 ml gaiwan, you should use 7 to 8 grams of raw Pu'er tea. Moreover, the flavor of raw Pu'er is stronger and richer, with a high-aroma profile. When brewing, pay attention to the water temperature, teaware, amount of tea used, and infusion time. If too much tea is used, it can result in a bitter and astringent infusion, negatively affecting the taste experience. Is it correct to use 7 grams of tea? Many people suggest using 7 grams of tea but overlook the capacity of the teapot or gaiwan. During standard evaluation, the ratio is 110 ml of water to 7 grams of tea. However, in practical brewing, it is recommended to adjust the amount of tea based on the size of your teaware, referring to a 1:15 ratio. Additionally, you can adjust according to your preferred strength of the infusion. It's not a fixed rule. For those new to Pu'er tea, you can prepare a small scale and weigh the tea each time you brew, adhering to the tea-to-water ratio. Over time, you can rely more on your "feel" when measuring the tea. Choice of Teaware…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea and is the most consumed type of tea worldwide. Its mild nature makes it suitable for general consumption and is a popular recommendation among merchants. To fully appreciate the unique flavor of high-quality teas like ancient tree black tea, it must be brewed correctly. So how should one brew ancient tree black tea? Awakening the Tea: Use water at approximately 85°C for 10 seconds to awaken the tea. The resulting infusion will have a light apricot color that appears somewhat dull. When cooled, the tea has a rich, burnt aroma and a thin yet sweet taste with noticeable aftertaste. First Sipping (Third Infusion): Brew for about 5 seconds using water at around 85°C. The infusion turns a deep brownish red and emits a reddish glow in the cup. It tastes sweet right away, is rich and smooth, and leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth. The sweetness remains in the mouth, encouraging continuous sipping. The lid of the cup has a faint burnt and sweet aroma mixed with a hint of milkiness. The bottom of the cup has a more pronounced milky aroma mixed with honey notes that linger. Fourth Infusion: The texture…

You may be aware that drinking floral tea has certain benefits for health preservation, beauty, and complexion, but you may not know that the consumption of floral tea should align with your constitution. There are five major taboos to drinking floral teas: 1. Avoid Random Combinations Floral teas are often combined to achieve better health benefits, but if you do not consider their effects and properties, and instead mix them according to personal preference, it can have adverse effects on your body. Generally, it is best not to combine more than three types of floral teas, and ensure that their properties do not conflict. 2. Avoid Drinking Floral Teas Without Consideration When drinking floral teas, do not do so casually. There are many varieties of floral teas, each with different effects and functions. Before drinking, understand the effects of the specific floral tea and choose one that suits your needs. 3. Avoid Excessive Consumption of Floral Teas The petals, leaves, and other parts of the plants used in floral teas have their own flavors and medicinal effects. Drinking them in accordance with your constitution can help maintain health. However, this does not mean they can be consumed excessively over a…

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…

"Nine out of Ten People Have Gastric Issues," referring to the fact that most people have some degree of gastric problems. Many believe that tea harms the stomach, and those with poor digestive health should avoid it altogether. This is actually a significant misconception. For individuals with normal or slightly weaker digestive functions, all that's needed is to follow proper tea-drinking methods and choose suitable types of tea. Those with severe gastric conditions or who have been advised by doctors not to drink tea should follow medical advice. The key to whether tea nurtures or harms the stomach lies in how one drinks it. I. What "Stimulation" Does Tea Have on the Stomach? Tea can create a certain "stimulation" on the stomach, but this stimulation isn't entirely negative. On one hand, some active substances in tea bind with stomach proteins, which might cause discomfort for those with gastric issues. However, this discomfort is likely due to the timing, concentration, and amount of tea consumed. On the other hand, the alkaloids in tea can stimulate gastric juice secretion, promoting digestion and increasing appetite. For example, after consuming greasy foods, one often experiences bloating and nausea. Drinking a cup of tea half…