Brew Tea

Tea, an ancient and popular beverage, comes in many varieties, each requiring different brewing methods. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tea enthusiast, mastering these methods will help you better enjoy the flavor and aroma of every cup. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Brewing Method for Green Tea Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has a fresh taste but can easily become bitter. To avoid this, pay attention to water temperature and steeping time. Water Temperature: 80-85°C (175-185°F) Steeping Time: 1-3 minutes Using lower temperature water and a shorter steeping time preserves the freshness and sweetness of green tea. If the leaves are steeped for too long, the tea will become bitter. Brewing Method for Black Tea Black tea has a robust flavor and is best brewed with hot water. Different types of black tea have distinct flavors, ranging from the malty taste of Assam to the fruity notes of Darjeeling. Water Temperature: 93-100°C (200-212°F) (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Steeping Time: 4-5 minutes Brewing black tea with boiling water releases its rich flavors and aromas. Be careful not to exceed the recommended time, as the tea can become overly strong. Brewing…

Why has Fuding white tea become so popular in recent years? Some say that the ultimate appeal of white tea is its "vitality"; it awakens your entire being when you drink it. It doesn't just pass through your mouth but permeates your whole body, awakening your soul. So, when drinking white tea, it's not just about tasting its flavor but also savoring its aroma. And how do you properly appreciate the aroma of white tea? The correct method is crucial! I. Understanding the Aroma In general, white tea has a rich and fragrant aroma. However, if processed properly or stored well, it can also exhibit a pure and intense scent. High-grade white teas like Silver Needle and premium White Peony have a characteristic downy aroma, which is a critical factor in aroma evaluation, and should be prominent. Due to their early picking and tenderness, they also have a noticeable fresh fragrance. 1. The "Aroma" of Silver Needle A well-aged, cleanly stored, and high-quality Silver Needle has a refined style with a lingering aftertaste. Its aroma is delicate yet varied and enduring, with a clean and sweet taste that lingers in the mouth, creating a lasting salivation effect with a pleasant…

Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and sweet aftertaste. However, to truly bring out the deliciousness of Biluochun, it's crucial to master the correct brewing method. Today, we'll discuss how to brew a cup of fragrant and rich Biluochun tea using the simplest methods. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Biluochun Tea? Biluochun tea is produced in Dongting Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This tea is named for its early picking time, tender leaves, and slender curled shape. Biluochun tea is known as "Terrifyingly Fragrant" because of the intense aroma it emits during the stir-frying process, which is intoxicating. Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Tea To brew good tea, you must first choose good tea leaves. High-quality Biluochun tea has tightly twisted, fine strands with visible white down and a bright green color. It should have a noticeable floral and fruity fragrance, and the tea liquor should be clear and bright. Purchasing from reputable brands and channels ensures the freshness and quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing Tools and Water The tools for brewing tea can include glass cups, white…

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.…

What we dread most about winter is the lack of sunshine, wrapping layer upon layer of clothing yet still feeling the chill. Though we might not have a roaring fireplace, brewing a pot of aged tea on a small stove is certainly doable. The flames dance within the stove as the steam, carrying the aroma of the tea, gradually fills the room. Lifting the teapot to pour out the tea, the bright red liquor is enveloped in warm vapor. Sipping the tea, its soft and gentle texture feels like winter sunshine, warming both body and soul. On sunny days, one can take a small stool and sit under the sun, a bowl of aged tea at hand. Bathing in the warm sunlight while sipping hot tea, perhaps reading a book, pondering something, or simply daydreaming, relishing this moment of tranquility. This is likely the charm of aged tea—it brings warmth and induces calmness. As the weather gets colder, appetites tend to grow. Those who eat half a bowl of rice in summer may find themselves consuming a full bowl in winter. However, it’s not just about the quantity; even half a bowl needs side dishes! In the past, I assumed…

Both cooking and infusing black tea are acceptable methods. As a fermented tea, this type is typically infused but is also suitable for boiling. In daily life, you can choose according to your preference. Infusing black tea has its own nuances; this type of tea is commonly prepared using the plain infusion method, which involves not adding any condiments to the tea infusion. This allows the flavor of the tea to be better showcased.The recommended choice for infusing black tea is a porcelain cup, or alternatively, a coffee cup. Use boiling water around 100°C, poured from a higher position into the cup. This method ensures that the tea leaves are fully expressed. Black tea can also be enhanced with various accompaniments, which can make it even more delicious. Common additions include sugar, milk, lemon, coffee, honey, or champagne in the tea infusion, creating a unique flavor profile.For the best-tasting black tea, use "soft water," which is low in calcium and magnesium, when infusing. The amount of tea used for infusing should be adjusted based on the characteristics of the tea, the number of guests, and their preferences. If you prefer a lighter tea, use less; if you prefer a stronger…

There are many options for brewing Pu'er tea. You can use a lidded bowl, a purple clay pot, a leisure cup, and more. Among these, the leisure cup is the most convenient, but Pu'er tea brewed in a leisure cup isn't as good as that brewed in a purple clay pot; the taste may not be as harmonious. If you choose to brew with a purple clay pot, you can better control the entire brewing rhythm, and the taste and flavor will be richer. The steps to brew Pu'er tea with a purple clay pot: 1. Warm the pot (cup) and rinse the cups: First, scald the tea utensils with boiling water. This primarily serves to warm the pot and cups, and also cleans the utensils. 2. Add tea: Place the tea into the lidded bowl or purple clay pot. The amount of tea used depends on the size of the brewing utensil. Generally, for a 120cc lidded bowl, the amount of tea is 7-9 grams. 3. Awaken the tea: Place the tea in the cup and let it sit for a while so that its inner substances can contact the air. This makes the tea broth more mellow when…

The Mengding Ganlu tea leaves are slender and covered with abundant down, presenting a beautiful yellow-green liquor that is clear and bright. To fully exhibit the quality characteristics of Mengding Ganlu, we need to master the correct brewing method and precautions. As Mengding Ganlu is a premium high-mountain green tea, the "top pouring method" is very suitable. Step 1: Warming the CupSelect a glass cup for brewing, which allows you to better observe the unfolding changes of the tea leaves and appreciate the clarity of the tea liquor. First, warm the cup by rinsing it with hot water, not only sanitizing it but also helping to enhance the aroma of the tea. Step 2: Pouring WaterFill the glass cup with water heated to 75-85°C (mountain spring water, purified water, or well water are recommended). Since Mengding Ganlu is made from delicate young shoots, too hot water can scald the leaves, affecting the taste. Step 3: Adding TeaGenerally, about 3-4 grams of Mengding Ganlu is suggested for brewing, maintaining a tea-to-water ratio of 1:30. Beginners may use an electronic scale for greater precision. Step 4: SteepingLet the tea steep for 3-4 minutes, allowing the leaves to slowly sink and unfold. The…

I was out of town on a business trip. After finishing my work, a friend contacted me and invited me for tea. However, since it was a weekday, we decided to meet in his office. This tea session made me realize a profound issue: what would the infusion of top-quality Pu'er tea taste like when brewed with hard water that had been sitting for half a month? Good Tea, Lesser Water My friend has grown up around tea and has maintained a clean lifestyle for years within the system, almost abstaining from smoking and drinking, with his greatest hobby being tea. When we arrived at his office, he opened a cabinet against the wall, which was packed with metal tea boxes, wooden tea chests, and various kinds of tea, including Pu'er cakes, Tieguanyin, and green tea, some of them quite expensive. The tea was excellent, but the brewing utensils were excessively simple. He used a standard government-issued white porcelain mug with a handle for drinking and a low-quality portable brewing cup for brewing, while boiling water in a cheap thin-steel electric kettle. With a wry smile, my friend apologized, saying, "The environment here can't compare to your meticulously arranged tea…

When drinking Fuding white tea, have you ever paid attention to the temperature of the tea? Have you ever hesitated and wondered if you should drink it right after brewing? You might think: If I drink it now, will it scald my mouth? Should I let it sit for a while? But then, how long should I wait? Sometimes, you forget about it and by the time you remember, it's cold... Do you have similar experiences? Perhaps because of your fondness for it and desire for a better taste, you are hesitant to drink it; at the same time, you wonder whether drinking it immediately provides the highest nutrition or if letting it sit improves its flavor. When the tea is freshly brewed, steam rises from it. You take the first blow to disperse the steam on the surface of the tea to avoid burning your lips; the second blow disperses any floating particles; and finally, when the temperature is just right, you can enjoy the warm liquid flowing down your throat. The flavor is at its best right after brewing. Although the temperature is high at this point, it can retain the taste of the tea, allowing its aroma…

Autumn has arrived, and winter is not far behind. With the coolness of autumn mornings and evenings, it's time to consider enjoying a cup of black tea, which can warm your body better than anything else. For those who love and wish to learn more about black tea, these seven questions should prove quite helpful. 01. Does the saying "high mountains produce good tea amidst clouds and mist" apply to black tea as well? Yes, it does. Tea plants prefer diffused light and are best grown under the shade of larger trees or amid clouds and mist, where sunlight is sparse and less intense. Under such conditions, tea plants find it easier to synthesize theanine. Tea plants grown at high altitudes tend to have richer theanine content, resulting in a fresher and more refreshing flavor. 02. What causes the sweetness when drinking black tea? The sweetness in black tea comes from the presence of sugars and amino acids. During fermentation, very complex chemical reactions occur centered around the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols. The chemical composition of fresh tea leaves changes significantly, with over 90% of polyphenols reduced and new components like theaflavins and thearubigins produced. The aroma compounds increase markedly.…

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

The liquor of black tea is bright red, and its taste is mellow, sweet, and pleasant. However, many friends find that black tea can be quite particular when brewing it; if the temperature isn’t right, the tea doesn’t taste as it should. To understand this issue of water temperature, we must first consider another question: the rate at which the internal components of the tea leaves are released. It’s easy to understand that the higher the water temperature, the faster these components will be released. If you want a cup of tea that is full-bodied in color, aroma, and flavor quickly, then boiling water is the way to go. There has always been a belief in the industry that tender teas can be scalded by boiling water. However, considering green tea is often processed at temperatures above 85°C during stir-frying, where does the idea of scalding come from? Black tea is not stir-fried but goes through drying or sun-drying processes, typically at temperatures below 85°C. This leads to an interesting question: stir-fried green tea cannot be brewed with boiling water, nor can fermented black tea, suggesting that black tea is even more delicate than green tea? When it comes to…

Green tea should not be brewed with boiling water at 100°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea that retains the natural components and green hue of the fresh leaves. Using boiling water can cause an overly rich release of nutrients from the green tea, potentially destroying some of these nutrients, and diminish its value for drinking. What is the Suitable Water Temperature for Brewing Green Tea? The water temperature for brewing green tea should be controlled between 80 to 85°C. Green tea is an unfermented tea made by picking tender buds and leaves, then undergoing processes such as fixation, shaping, and drying. This preserves the natural substances and green hue of the fresh leaves, which are delicate in nature. If the water temperature is too high during the brewing process, it can destroy the nutrients in the green tea, causing the flavor to become excessively bitter and astringent. Additionally, this may result in a too concentrated tea infusion, which could be burdensome for the body after consumption. Green tea can be brewed both hot and cold. When cold-brewing green tea, the water temperature should be around 4°C (ambient temperature), and the tea should be refrigerated for 6 to 8 hours…

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…

Old Bingdao tea, a precious Pu'er tea from Yunnan Province, has captured the hearts of countless tea enthusiasts with its unique aroma and rich flavor. While many have heard of its reputation, few truly understand and master its brewing method. Today, let's unveil the mysteries of Old Bingdao tea together and learn how to brew it correctly to fully appreciate its distinctive charm. (Image source: Internet, delete upon infringement) Preparation: Choosing Suitable Teaware Choosing suitable teaware is crucial when brewing Old Bingdao tea. Gaiwans or purple clay pots are recommended as they better restore the tea's aroma and taste. Gaiwans are suitable for beginners and transparent glass gaiwans allow you to admire the color of the tea liquor. Purple clay pots are more suited to tea enthusiasts with some experience in tea art, as they enhance the tea's taste profile, but note that new purple clay pots need to be seasoned before use. Water Quality and Temperature Selection In the art of tea, "water is the mother of tea," and good water quality can greatly enhance the quality of the tea. When brewing Old Bingdao tea, it is recommended to use soft water such as mineral water or purified water,…

Aged Pu'er (Shou Pu'er) is widely favored for its mild nature, broad appeal to different groups of drinkers, and health benefits. In regions where the appreciation of Pu'er tea is prevalent, it's common to see people brewing and savoring aged Pu'er casually. However, is there really no technique to brewing aged Pu'er? How should one open a cake of aged Pu'er? Brewing with Steeping or Boiling Compared to many other teas, everyday aged Pu'er is not particularly delicate. There's no need for elaborate techniques when brewing it. If we apply the four elements of tea brewing—tea, water, vessel, and brewer—we mainly need to pay attention to water temperature, brewing vessel, tea-to-water ratio, and steeping time. The most commonly used vessels for brewing aged Pu'er are gaiwans and Yixing clay pots. Let's start with the gaiwan, which can be used for brewing all kinds of teas. When opening a cake of everyday aged Pu'er, we use a gaiwan for our initial tasting. The water temperature for brewing aged Pu'er is typically boiling water, ensuring that each pour is at boiling point. This can be achieved using a widely recognized water heater like the Jigou water heater. The tea-to-water ratio can be…

Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, and the brewing method is the same for both. It consists of four steps: warming the utensils, adding the tea, brewing, and decanting the infusion. First, thoroughly rinse the teaware with boiling water. Then place the tea leaves in a gaiwan and pour 100°C water over them. After about 5 seconds, quickly decant the infusion. Finally, pour it into the teacup to drink. I. Correct Method for Brewing Pu'er Tea To begin, the process includes selecting the tea, preparing the utensils, choosing the water, adding the tea, and drinking the tea, which involves five steps. For drinking Pu'er tea, it's best to use specialized thin porcelain ware produced in places like Jingdezhen, as porcelain retains the aroma and flavor of the tea well. (1). First, prepare a purple clay pot or a gaiwan, a pitcher, several small porcelain cups, a strainer and its holder, and a drip tray. (2). In principle, soft water should be used, such as purified water, mineral water, or tap water that meets drinking standards. Mountain spring water is even better. Water temperature significantly affects the aroma and taste of the tea, so Pu'er tea requires boiling…

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,…

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…

Many tea lovers may wonder when brewing tea, "Should I leave the lid on or off after pouring the infusion from a teapot or gaiwan?" In fact, whether it's a gaiwan or a teapot, whenever the question arises about leaving the lid off or on, there are typically two schools of thought: the "Lid-Off School" and the "Lid-On School." Members of each school often have strong opinions and can get into heated debates. 1. Reasons for Keeping the Lid On To Prevent Loss of Aroma Putting the lid on is to prevent the excessive dispersion of the tea's aroma. With the lid and gaiwan in a relatively closed state, it helps to gather the tea's aroma within the gaiwan, making it easier to appreciate the lid's aroma. 2. As the Saying Goes, "Good Tea Can Withstand Stewing" If the quality of the tea is good enough, covering it with a lid won't affect it. This can also be a way to test the quality of the tea. If the taste isn't affected, it suggests that it's a good tea. 3. Facilitates Faster Release of Inner Substances When brewing aged teas or coarser leaves, keeping the lid on helps maintain the…

In daily life, drinking Puer tea in moderation can have excellent health benefits. It can refresh and invigorate, as well as aid in weight loss. When drinking Puer tea, it's important to understand the appropriate methods and timing. Drinking improperly or excessively can have adverse effects on health. Drinking a little Puer tea in the morning can help energize and clear the intestines. Drinking some in the afternoon can boost immunity and improve work efficiency. When is the best time to drink Puer tea during the day? 1. Drinking Puer Tea in the Morning After a night's sleep, the body has lost a lot of water. Drinking a cup of light tea in the morning can quickly replenish the body's water needs, cleanse the intestines, lower blood pressure, and be highly beneficial for overall health. In the morning, it is advisable to drink black tea, as it promotes circulation and removes coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the brain. It can also be consumed with milk. When drinking tea in the morning, two points should be noted: First, drink only after breakfast. Second, avoid strong tea; opt for a lighter brew instead. 2. Drinking Puer Tea in…

Yunnan Golden Needle Tea, as a representative of Yunnan black teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its golden buds and unique flavor. To brew the perfect cup of Yunnan Golden Needle Tea, you need not only good quality tea but also the correct brewing method. Today, we will share detailed brewing steps for Yunnan Golden Needle Tea so that every tea lover can easily enjoy this rich and aromatic black tea. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Yunnan Golden Needle Tea Before brewing, ensure you have high-quality Yunnan Golden Needle Tea. Premium Yunnan Golden Needle Tea has tightly bound strands, a golden appearance with visible downy hairs, a smooth surface with luster, and a strong floral and fruity aroma mixed with honey. Preparations To brew Yunnan Golden Needle Tea, prepare the following equipment and materials: (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Teaware: glass teapot or white porcelain teaware, which allows for better observation of the tea liquor's color. Tea leaves: approximately 5 grams of Yunnan Golden Needle Tea per brewing. Water: choose purified or mineral water, as the quality of the water directly affects the taste of the tea liquor. Thermometer: maintain water…

The Charm of the Gaiwan A gaiwan is a traditional tea vessel with a long history, consisting of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer. Not only is it elegant in appearance, but it is also highly functional. Using a gaiwan for brewing tea allows better control over the steeping time, maximizing the release of the tea's aroma and flavor. Many people enjoy using a gaiwan because it provides a serene and relaxing experience. (Image source from the internet; please delete if infringing) Steps to Brew Tea with a Gaiwan Prepare the Tea Utensils: First, you need a clean gaiwan, a teapot, and a teacup. Ensure all the utensils are clean so as not to affect the taste of the tea with other impurities. Warm the Utensils: Before using the gaiwan to brew tea, rinse it and the teacup with hot water. This not only cleans the utensils but also raises their temperature, making the brewed tea more fragrant and rich. Place the Tea Leaves: Depending on the type of tea and personal preference, place an appropriate amount of tea leaves into the gaiwan. Generally, less tea is used when brewing with a gaiwan compared to a teapot due to…