Brew Tea

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…

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,…

Tea has a multitude of health benefits. While drinking tea regularly is generally good for your health, choosing the right type of tea according to your body's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, as a special group, often have times when their bodies are not at their best, so they need to be more mindful than men when drinking tea. Let’s take a closer look~ 01 How to Choose Your Tea? When drinking tea, you can choose the type based on your own constitution and the nature of the tea. Chinese teas are divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (red in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Black tea (red in China) is warm in nature and suitable for those who suffer from cold hands and feet, are weak, or are older. Green tea is cool in nature and is appropriate for those with a hot constitution or high energy levels, as well as people who work in front of computers frequently. Yellow tea is similar to green tea in terms of properties. Oolong tea is neutral in nature, fragrant, and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for most people. Dark tea is warm…

Pu'er shengcha is a treasure in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. To truly appreciate its unique flavor and rich aroma, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. Whether you're a tea art novice or an experienced tea lover, this article will provide you with the most detailed and friendly guide to brewing Pu'er shengcha. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Understanding Your Pu'er Shengcha Before brewing, it's key to understand the basic information about the tea. Pu'er shengcha undergoes natural fermentation, giving it a unique fragrance and taste. Its leaves are typically large, greenish in color, and have a fresh, natural aroma. The quality of Pu'er shengcha is closely related to its origin, harvest time, and storage duration, so when purchasing, choose reliable brands and channels. Preparation: Utensils and Water There are many options for brewing Pu'er shengcha, including covered bowls, purple clay pots, and glass teapots. Each type has its unique advantages, but the most important thing is to choose utensils that you feel comfortable using and can fully showcase the characteristics of the tea. The quality of water greatly influences the tea infusion. Ideally, the water should be clean, odorless, and have moderate mineral content. The best choice…

Tea, by nature, is cold and can help clear the mind and soothe the spirit. Different people have different constitutions, which means they should drink different types of tea. Therefore, choosing the right tea and drinking it well starts with understanding the nature of the tea and the suitable groups of people for each type. Nature of Teas 01 Green Tea: The core process is "fixation," making its nature cold. People with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, or abundant energy can benefit from drinking green tea, as it has great effects in clearing heat, refreshing the mind, and boosting alertness. Green tea also has excellent radiation protection benefits, making it ideal for those who work on computers. White Tea: The core process involves "withering and sun drying" followed by natural storage, which transforms the tea's nature from cold to cool and then to mild. Fresh white teas share many properties with green tea, but the most significant difference is that while aged green tea becomes like grass, aged white tea becomes even more precious. As it ages, old white tea becomes even milder, making it suitable for a wider range of people. Oolong Tea (Blue Tea): The core process…

1. It's the perfect season for selecting and enjoying fresh green tea. There are many varieties of green tea, and the optimal sales period for high-quality teas is short. You may buy some to try the new season's flavors, stock up on your favorites, or exchange them as gifts with relatives and friends... Before you know it, you've accumulated a good amount of tea. And the typical shelf life indicated for green tea is "one year." Many tea enthusiasts have found themselves with leftovers beyond this timeframe, handling them in various ways. Some continue drinking it as usual, while others believe it can no longer be consumed and dispose of it or use it as fertilizer. Image: Yulü from Enshi, Hubei Can green tea still be consumed after its expiry date (usually one year)? Based on our experience at Tea Encyclopedia: Drink it within the shelf life and as soon as possible; after the expiry date, whether it can still be consumed depends more on the current quality of the tea. In other words, rather than fixating on an uncertain time point, consider the following questions. — How can we store green tea daily to preserve its freshness as much…

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…

Understanding Longans Longans, also known as dragon eyes, are sweet-tasting, nutrient-rich fruits. They can be enjoyed directly or used as a great ingredient for brewing tea. Longan tea is beneficial for nourishing the blood, calming the mind, improving sleep quality, and boosting immunity, making it an excellent choice for daily health maintenance. Want to know what pairs best with longans in tea? Below, we explore several classic combinations of longan tea, offering you more options and inspiration. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) Longan and Red Date Tea The combination of longans and red dates is truly a classic among classics. Red dates have the effects of replenishing energy, nourishing the blood, and moisturizing dryness. Together, they create a sweet taste and rich nutritional value. This blend is especially suitable for women, effectively relieving fatigue and regulating vital energy and blood. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) Preparation Method: 1. Take an appropriate amount of dried longan flesh and dried red dates. 2. Wash the red dates, remove the pits, and slice them. 3. Place the longan flesh and red date slices together in a cup, pour boiling water over them. 4. Cover the cup and steep for 10 minutes…

Steeping a cup of sweet loquat fruit tea not only soothes the throat and quenches thirst but also allows you to enjoy a peaceful moment. A few simple steps to easily enjoy steeping loquat fruit: Preparation: Select about 1/4 of a loquat fruit, approximately 5 to 10 grams, suitable for 500 milliliters of water. If using a teapot, increase the amount to half a loquat fruit, but remember not to exceed one whole fruit. Steeping Method: Break the loquat fruit shell into small pieces and place them in a cup. Pour hot water at 80 to 90°C over the pieces, cover the cup, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. A delicious cup of loquat fruit tea is then ready. If you prefer thin slices, steep sliced loquat fruit, which can be ready to drink in 1 to 3 minutes. Personalized Adjustments: You can add ingredients like chrysanthemum flowers or honeysuckle to enhance the flavor, or adjust the sweetness with honey or rock sugar. The Little Secrets of Loquat Fruit: Health Benefits: In addition to its sweet taste, loquat fruit has the effects of moistening the lungs, resolving phlegm, stopping coughs, and promoting bowel movements. Ingredient Pairing Recommendations:…

Dragon Pearl tea is a form of Pu'er, similar to cake tea, brick tea, and tuo cha, representing an external presentation style. Typically 6-8 grams in size per piece, the tea is steamed and rolled into a spherical shape before being wrapped in paper. It shares similarities with small green tangerine teas, with one pearl per serving, making it convenient for carrying. Due to its portability, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many tea makers in Yunnan producing these pearls. Dragon Pearls preserve the traditional handcrafted form of compressed Pu'er tea while also catering to the modern lifestyle's need for convenience. As their popularity grows, how should one brew Dragon Pearls? Brewing Steps for Dragon Pearl Tea 1. Prepare the tea and utensils: Get ready with one Dragon Pearl, a gaiwan, a pitcher, tasting cups, etc. 2. Warm the vessels: Rinse all tea ware with boiling water. 3. Add the tea: Unwrap the Dragon Pearl and place it in the gaiwan. 4. Pour water: Slowly pour hot water along the sides of the gaiwan (avoid pouring directly onto the Dragon Pearl). 5. Rinse the tea: Discard the first infusion and wait a moment to allow the Dragon…

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…

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…

Since the weather has warmed up, the number of people engaging in outdoor activities has soared, and camping consumption has become popular. Various camping tools and leisure activities related to camping have also continued to sell well and gain popularity. The lifestyle of getting close to nature has become a trend pursued by many citizens. Setting up a tent in the mountains, placing a small table, preparing some grilled food and fruit platters, and adding a pot of cold-brewed tea and some tea snacks, the healing feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle and heading for the mountains naturally arises—it's practically a real-life version of "The Life We Aspire To." What kind of tea is suitable for camping? It must be cold-brewed tea, which is easy to prepare and refreshing. With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, why not invite a few friends or bring your family along to unlock the camping trend and experience the romance of summer mountain stream ice tea cold brew! Here are a few quick and delicious cold-brewed teas recommended for you if you're going camping: 01 Basic Cold-Brewed Tea Place the tea leaves in a container, add drinking water, and refrigerate overnight. This method…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…

What is Kudzu Flower Tea? Kudzu flower tea is a type of tea made from kudzu flowers. Kudzu itself is a Chinese medicinal herb commonly used to treat various health issues. Kudzu flower tea has gained popularity among health enthusiasts in recent years due to its unique aroma and refreshing taste. Not only does it have a fresh flavor, but it is also rich in numerous nutrients and has significant health benefits. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Main Components and Benefits of Kudzu Flower Tea Kudzu flower tea contains abundant flavonoids, isoflavones, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Flavonoids have strong antioxidant effects, which can help eliminate free radicals in the body and slow down the aging process. Isoflavones help regulate female hormones, alleviate symptoms of menopause, and promote bone density. In addition, kudzu flower tea has several notable benefits: 1. Improves Blood Circulation and Metabolism The active ingredients in kudzu flower tea can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and enhance the efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery in the blood. This is very helpful for boosting metabolism, enhancing physical strength, and resistance. 2. Relieves Fatigue and Increases Stamina Long-term consumption of kudzu flower tea can effectively relieve physical…

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,…

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…

Each type of tea has a specific suitable water temperature for brewing; some types must be steeped directly in boiling water, while others require cooling before steeping, or they will taste unpleasant. However, many seasoned tea drinkers believe that regardless of the type of tea, it should always be steeped in boiling water to bring out its aroma. If you were to say your tea cannot be steeped in boiling water, then sorry, they would immediately assume it is not of good quality. There is indeed a saying: "Good tea isn't afraid of being scalded by boiling water." Is this really true? 01. Why Isn't Good Tea Afraid of Being Scalded by Boiling Water? Judging whether something is "good tea" is subjective for everyone. Good tea is relative, but if we are objective, good tea is determined by good raw materials and good processing methods. If these two conditions are met, the quality of the tea is generally assured. Good raw materials determine that the tea leaves contain abundant substances, are resistant to brewing and can withstand high temperatures without revealing their true colors with just one steeping; good processing ensures stable extraction rates, and if there are issues with…

Chenpi aged tea is one of the traditional Chinese health teas, blending the unique flavors and rich health benefits of chenpi (aged tangerine peel) and aged tea. Chenpi itself is a type of Chinese herbal medicine with properties that help regulate qi and strengthen the spleen, as well as moisten the lungs and dissolve phlegm. Aged tea, on the other hand, is cherished by tea enthusiasts for its mellow taste and distinctive aged aroma. So, how do you brew an authentic cup of chenpi aged tea? Let's explore this ancient skill together. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) The Origin and History of Chenpi Aged Tea The origin of chenpi aged tea can be traced back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. At that time, people found that combining chenpi with aged tea could not only improve the bitterness of the tea but also enhance its medicinal effects. Over time, this combination evolved into a unique tea brewing method that has been passed down to this day. Today, chenpi aged tea has become a part of tea culture, not just because of its delicious taste, but also due to its health benefits. Selecting Ingredients Is Key: How to Choose Chenpi…

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.…

Brewing tea is an art that can bring a moment of tranquility and comfort amidst a busy life. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or other varieties, the correct brewing method can fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Here, we will detail how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Select Suitable Tea Leaves The first step to brewing good tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. Different types of tea have distinct flavors and health benefits. Green tea is refreshing and rich in antioxidants; black tea is robust and invigorating; oolong tea lies between green and black tea, with unique floral and fruity aromas. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh loose leaf tea over tea bags, as loose leaf tea is generally of higher quality. Prepare Brewing Tools Good tools can help you better control every detail of the brewing process. You'll need a clean teapot or teacup, a strainer (if using loose leaf tea), a teaspoon, a timer, and a saucer. For certain teas, such as green tea, you may also need a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. Select Suitable Water and Water…

Understanding the Essence of Maojian Tea Maojian tea, one of China's famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its delicate buds and unique aroma. To brew a fragrant and smooth cup of Maojian tea, controlling water temperature is crucial. The right temperature not only activates the tea's fragrance but also prevents bitterness. So what is the ideal water temperature for brewing Maojian tea? Let’s delve into this question today. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Why is Water Temperature So Important for Maojian Tea? Maojian tea leaves belong to the green tea category and are tender with rich nutritional content. Too high a temperature can destroy these nutrients, making the tea bitter; too low a temperature fails to fully release the tea's aroma and flavor. Mastering the appropriate water temperature ensures that every cup of Maojian tea showcases its best flavor and mouthfeel. What is the Ideal Water Temperature? The best water temperature for brewing Maojian tea is approximately between 80°C and 85°C. This temperature range effectively releases the tea's fragrance and flavor without damaging its internal nutrients. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) How to Measure Water Temperature? There are several ways to ensure your water…

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a very popular traditional Chinese herb, is often used to brew tea. Not only does it have a unique taste, but it also helps with health preservation. So, what should you combine with Salvia miltiorrhiza for the best effects when drinking tea? Today, we'll discuss this topic and introduce several healthy and delicious combinations. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Rose Petals: Calming the Mind and Beautifying the Skin Rose petals are adored by many who value beauty, not only for their pleasant fragrance but also for their calming effect on emotions, regulation of endocrine functions, and skin beautification. Brewing Salvia miltiorrhiza with rose petals can improve blood circulation and qi, relieve stress, and is especially suitable for women. Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Goji Berries: Nourishing Kidneys, Improving Vision, and Prolonging Life Goji berries, known as "red gems," are renowned for their kidney-nourishing, liver-nourishing, vision-improving, and anti-aging properties. Combining Salvia miltiorrhiza and goji berries in tea can effectively boost the immune system, improve eyesight, enhance physical fitness, and is particularly beneficial for those who strain their eyes excessively. Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Chrysanthemum Flowers: Liver-Cleansing, Vision-Improving, Heat-Reducing, and Inflammation-Relieving Chrysanthemum tea is well-known for its liver-cleansing, vision-improving,…

Want to enjoy a refreshing and unique cold brew tea at home? Follow these simple steps, and you'll easily make the perfect cup of cold brew tea! Preparation Stage: Prepare Tools: First, get some cold water, your favorite tea leaves, and a transparent glass cup. Tall, cylindrical glass cups are best for showcasing the dance of the tea leaves.Clean the Tea Utensils: Rinse the glass cup gently with warm water to ensure it is clean. Then pour out the water and let the cup air dry. Brewing Process: Add Tea Leaves: Place 5-8 grams of dried tea leaves into the cup. Since cold brewing releases the aroma slowly, use slightly more tea leaves. You can choose from green tea, oolong tea, or white tea, with Silver Needle offering the best cold brew taste.Pour in Cold Water: Next, fill the cup with cold boiled water almost to the rim. Remember to use cold boiled water rather than tap water to maintain the sweetness of the tea infusion. Wait for the Aroma: Be Patient: Place the cup at room temperature and leave it undisturbed for 4-6 hours to allow the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves to fully develop. Alternatively, you…