Brew 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…

Raw Pu'er tea should be rinsed once. Made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea in Yunnan, raw Pu'er tea is characterized by its rich and strong flavor, full tea aroma, distinct throat resonance, and intense fragrance. Rinsing the tea helps to better activate the tea's vitality, facilitating the release of its aroma and taste substances. However, the number of rinses should not be excessive; generally, one rinse is sufficient. The True Purpose of Rinsing the Tea The true function of rinsing the tea lies in moistening the leaves to allow them to fully expand, also known as "moistening the tea" or "waking up the tea." This process helps to induce the tea's aroma and flavors, which will be better presented after the leaves have expanded, almost as if they are awakened. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea 1. Selecting the Utensil The first step in brewing raw Pu'er tea involves choosing the right utensils. Commonly used vessels for raw Pu'er include gaiwans and purple clay pots. Newer raw Pu'er is recommended to be brewed in a gaiwan, while older raw Pu'er is best suited for a purple clay pot. 2. Tea-to-Water Ratio To achieve a good taste, the tea-to-water ratio is…

Sheng Pu'er tea requires water at 100°C for brewing. Sheng Pu'er tea is a direct representation of Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea. It is characterized by its rich inner quality, ample tea essence, and tightly rolled leaves. To fully release its aroma and inner qualities, it needs to be brewed with water at 100°C, making the tea soup fuller, crisper, and richer. The unique and full-bodied large-leaf sun-dried green tea has a strong character and ample tea essence, with tightly rolled leaves. Its excellent inherent qualities require water at 100°C to bring out its best. High-temperature water fully captures its rich flavor and aged aroma. High temperature complements the flavor and aroma perfectly. It is ideal for the quick extraction of tea flavors, and high temperature here means water above 95°C. Coarse and aged Pu'er brick teas, compressed teas, and aged Pu'ers are best brewed with boiling water. Brewing Techniques for Sheng Pu'er Tea 1. Tea Quantity The optimal tea-to-water ratio for Pu'er tea is 1: (20~30), but you can adjust according to your taste preferences. 2. Water Temperature Newly produced Sheng Pu'er tea has not been aged, so it contains abundant active substances. The water temperature for brewing should…

Raw Pu'er tea and ripe Pu'er tea are the two types of Pu'er. It is best to store raw Pu'er for a period before brewing, as this will make its taste smoother. A purple clay pot is recommended for brewing raw Pu'er. Two rinses are required when brewing, followed by a third steeping of 10 seconds. Afterward, pour the tea into a filter cup to remove the leaves, then evenly distribute it into small cups for serving. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea The last step that influences the quality of the tea before tasting is the brewing process. Each type of tea has its own brewing techniques, and each specific variety has its own nuances. Today, we'll introduce you to the key points of brewing raw Pu'er tea, hoping to provide some useful guidance. Choice of Tea Utensils 1. Main Brewing Vessels Covered Bowl (Porcelain Pot): The first choice for younger Pu'er teas or those with loose leaves. Purple Clay Pot/Silver Pot: The first choice for aged Pu'er with tightly compressed leaves. Pros and Cons: A covered bowl makes it easier to control the water flow and speed, effectively avoiding oversteeping, and allows for direct observation of the tea…

Pu'er tea cake is a traditional type of tea with a long history. Its unique flavor and health benefits have attracted many tea enthusiasts. The correct brewing method not only enhances the taste of the tea but also fully releases the distinctive aroma and nutritional components of Pu'er tea. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to correctly brew Pu'er tea cake, allowing you to enjoy a rich cup of Pu'er tea at home. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparation Before starting to brew Pu'er tea, you need to prepare the following tools and materials: Pu'er tea cake Tea knife or tea needle Teapot (Yixing clay pot or gaiwan recommended) Teacup Sieve (optional) Kettle for boiling water Water (mountain spring water or purified water recommended) Step One: Loosening the Tea First, use a tea knife or tea needle to gently loosen the tea cake. When loosening the tea, be mindful of the force applied to avoid breaking the tea leaves. Start from the edge of the tea cake and slowly loosen it along the texture of the leaves, removing an appropriate amount of tea. Typically, 5-8 grams of tea per brewing is sufficient. Step Two:…

Introduction Pu'er ripened tea is a type of dark tea that has undergone post-fermentation, renowned for its unique aged aroma and smooth, sweet taste, which is widely loved by tea enthusiasts. Understanding how to brew Pu'er ripened tea correctly not only allows you to fully experience its rich flavors but also adds to the enjoyment of drinking tea. In the following sections, I will guide you through the world of Pu'er ripened tea, step-by-step, teaching you how to brew the perfect cup of ripened tea. (Image source: network; delete if infringement occurs) Basic Knowledge of Pu'er Ripened Tea Pu'er ripened tea originates from Yunnan province and is made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea through a process of pile fermentation. The unique charm of ripened tea lies in its rich, thick taste and abundant aged aroma, along with health benefits such as warming the stomach and aiding digestion. Preparation for Brewing Pu'er Ripened Tea Selecting Teaware The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is selecting appropriate teaware. It is recommended to use a purple clay pot or a gaiwan, as these types of teaware can better bring out the aroma and taste of the tea leaves. Purple Clay Pot: Purple…

Compared to green tea, black tea (red tea in China), and oolong tea, some people may be less familiar with dark tea, which is also one of the six major types of tea. So how do you select dark tea? And what are the ways to enjoy it? Let's take a look together, tea enthusiasts! ONE How to Select Dark Tea Appearance If it's compressed tea, high-quality dark tea typically has these features: intact brick surface, clear mold pattern, distinct edges, no cracks on the side, no old stalks, and not too many fine tea fragments mixed in. If it's loose tea, then even, lustrous strands indicate good quality. Taking premium Fu brick tea and Qianliang tea as examples, vibrant "golden flowers," large and abundant, are key characteristics of top-quality teas. Aroma High-quality dark tea carries a fragrant aroma of fungi or smells like pine smoke; aged tea has a mature fragrance. For example, both Fu brick tea and Qianliang tea have a unique fungal aroma; while wild dark tea has a faint, refreshing scent that can be invigorating. The aroma of the brewed tea can also serve as an important criterion for identification. The tea liquor of aged dark…

1. The lemon, chopping board, knife, airtight jar, hands, and utensils used when taking out the lemon should all be free of water and oil. 2. The sugar-preserved lemon is not prone to spoilage but should be refrigerated and consumed within a week. 3. When using, take an appropriate amount of lemon slices along with the juice produced during preservation for better taste. 4. White granulated sugar is used instead of honey because honey does not react well to high temperatures, resulting in a sour taste after being steeped in hot water. 5. If using tea bags, pour the water first before adding the tea to prevent overly concentrated tea, which significantly affects the taste. Four Tips to Solve the Bitterness Issue in Hand-Made Lemon Tea! The reason why lemon tea becomes "bitter and astringent" is due to a phenomenon known as "delayed bitterness." So, how can we minimize the bitter taste in the lemon tea during preparation? Here are some tips: Choice of Lemon Variety Yellow lemons become bitter faster than green lemons and fragrant lemons when hand-beaten, so yellow lemons are suitable for Hong Kong-style lemon black tea, where only acidity enhancement is needed without the need for…

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…

When brewing tea, you may occasionally encounter a situation where the water taste is prominent. What causes this? It is mainly due to the impact of water on the tea brewing process. So what effects do water quality and water temperature have on tea brewing? Why does tea have a strong water taste when brewed? Here are some reasons: 1. Hard Water Quality The hardness of the water affects the solubility of compounds in the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water contains more calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, leading to lower solubility and thus a weaker tea flavor. Therefore, we should try to choose soft water and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. 2. Low Water Temperature The solubility of tea is proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature used for brewing is too low, the amount of compounds dissolved from the tea leaves will be small, leading to an insufficient tea flavor and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in tea, as the stability of vitamins in tea is relatively high, and the…

How much do you know about Yunnan white tea? Today, let's take a look at how to brew Shou Mei from a large elephant.This Shou Mei is made from large-leafed trees in Yunnan, crafted using traditional techniques with additional specific processes. The tea cake consists of whole leaves, one bud and two leaves, using high-grade materials. The color is an ancient copper hue with visible downy tips. Now, let's brew it together: First, take 8 grams of tea. After taking the tea, we can see that some of the tea has a dark streak, which indicates that when pressing the cake, we used material that was six to seven years old. Start by warming the cup, then add the tea. For the first infusion, we will wake the tea, pouring the water slowly so as not to rush the process. Let the tea rest for 10 seconds after adding the water before decanting, allowing it to fully absorb the water. Brew according to personal preference, adjusting the time for each decant based on the taste or color of the tea. The infused tea has a rich floral and fruity aroma, a golden color with downy tips, a fresh and smooth…

Tea soothes the spirit and calms the mind, embodying the myriad facets of life and the ebb and flow of time. It is an indispensable “spiritual sustenance” in the lives of Chinese people.China has a vast array of tea types, which can be categorized into six main categories based on their degree of fermentation: Green Tea, Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong (or Qing) Tea, Black Tea (which refers to what is known as Red Tea in the West), and Dark (or Hei) Tea. Given the seasonal changes from spring's warmth, summer's heat, autumn's coolness, and winter's cold, there are specific teas that are best suited for each season according to climatic conditions. 01Seasonal Tea Drinking Spring — Flower Tea: With its slightly sweet and cool nature and fragrant aroma, flower tea helps to dispel the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promotes the circulation of qi and blood, and strengthens liver function. Common flower teas include osmanthus tea, jasmine tea, and magnolia tea. Summer — Green Tea: Slightly bitter but with a hint of sweetness and a cool nature, green tea is effective in relieving heat and thirst, clearing heat and dampness, calming the heart, and treating diarrhea and…

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.…

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…

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…

Is drinking tea "refined" or "common"? "Refined" means elegant and sophisticated, while "common" refers to everyday, popular customs. Tea was originally common, starting from medicinal use, then culinary use, and eventually evolving into the most beloved drink of the Chinese people. In its transmission, tea became refined through the praise of people. People discovered that even among chaotic rocks, tea can take root and sprout, embodying resilience; that tea needs to be steeped in hot water to release its sweetness, with the leaves rising and sinking like life itself; and that drinking tea nourishes one, keeping the habit can make one’s thoughts sharp and mind tranquil... All these are qualities we aspire to have or enjoy experiencing, many of our better thoughts find solace in tea. Thus, monks, scholars, officials, and imperial families of ancient times all sang praises of tea, promoted it, made good tea, and brewed it well. The ritualistic aspect of tea-drinking gradually increased, making it a refined affair, giving rise to "tea culture". In the past, when social hierarchy was strictly defined, only those of high status could drink tea in a refined manner, while others would do so in a simple, mundane way. Today, in…