Brew Tea

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…

Ancient sage Confucius proposed that there are six realms in life: "At fifteen, I set my heart on learning; at thirty, I stood firm; at forty, I had no more doubts; at fifty, I knew what was the will of Heaven; at sixty, I could hear everything with equanimity; and at seventy, I could follow my heart's desire without overstepping any bounds." There are also six realms of tea drinking, and the experience can vary with different times and moods. Realm Beyond the Realm When starting to drink tea, many people find all teas taste the same — bitter. This is because their taste buds have not yet developed enough to discern the nuances of sweetness, astringency, and other flavors in the tea, leading to a feeling that all teas taste alike. At this stage, the "taste of tea" has not been fully appreciated, hence it is called the "Realm Beyond the Realm." The First Realm After drinking tea for some time and gaining more knowledge about it, one begins to distinguish between different types of tea. The ability to taste bitterness, astringency, and sweetness emerges. Although still unable to fully appreciate the subtleties of tea flavors, one starts to…

The so-called tea cooking method refers to brewing and then drinking the tea. Directly placing the tea in a pot to cook it was the most common way of drinking tea in China before the Tang Dynasty. There are records about the tea cooking process in Lu Yu's The Classic of Tea. Pu'er Ripened Tea Cooking Method Steps To start cooking the tea, prepare the necessary tools. For beginners just starting with Pu'er tea, a glass teapot is recommended as it is both economical and practical, and also allows for observing changes in the color of the tea broth, which helps determine the right time to pour it out. Next, prepare 8 to 10 grams of ripened Pu'er. Rinse it first using a lidded bowl, or you can steep it a few times before cooking. Finally, begin the actual cooking process by heating the water until it is gently boiling, then add the prepared ripened tea. Once the water in the pot starts boiling completely and the tea broth darkens, you can pour it out. Note that when cooking tea, it is recommended to pour out only half or two-thirds of the first batch of tea broth to drink, leaving…

Ripe tea is relatively challenging to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, and even an unpleasant aroma. Even more frustratingly, a tea that has been stored well can produce a drying, harsh sensation in the throat when brewed. This can be quite perplexing. Brewing a great cup of Pu'er ripe tea requires just one simple trick. The first infusion is for washing the tea. The first infusion of ripe Pu'er is crucial. Pour the water slowly, directly onto the leaves without stirring them. Wait about ten to fifteen seconds (add ten seconds for aged teas). Since it's a compressed tea, this allows the tea cake to absorb water internally. Otherwise, the first few infusions will have a light color, while subsequent infusions will resemble soy sauce. Discard the first infusion. Starting from the second infusion, pour water low and directly over one spot, allowing the tea to flow down the side of the cup. Here's the key: tilt the pitcher so the tea flows along the side. This stabilizes the tea's contents and ensures a smooth thickness. Empty the pitcher completely after each infusion. For the first six to seven infusions, brew immediately and…

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…

Puer tea is a type of Chinese tea and a fermented tea. When boiling the tea, some people prefer a rich and thick Puer tea, but for beginners, brewing good Puer tea isn’t easy. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare a rich and thick Puer tea: If you want to boil a rich and thick Puer tea, choosing high-quality Puer tea is very important. How do you select good Puer tea? Firstly, choose well-known brands and avoid purchasing overly cheap Puer tea. Secondly, observe the appearance of the Puer tea; generally, high-quality Puer tea has a neat shape, even color, and a glossy surface; low-quality Puer tea may have withered leaves or stains, an uneven surface, and uneven coloring. Lastly, opt for new or young tea, which will result in a richer and thicker brew. To prepare good Puer tea, selecting suitable teaware is also essential. Porcelain and purple clay teapots are generally suitable for boiling Puer tea. Additionally, the spout of the teapot should be relatively thin, allowing for a slow pour along the edge of the cup, which makes the tea liquor richer and thicker. The water temperature when boiling Puer tea is also crucial. Generally,…

Many tea enthusiasts may have a question: should we make a sound when drinking tea? We've all heard the argument that: Making a "tsk-tsk" sound while sipping tea is a sign of approval for the host's tea, with louder sounds indicating greater appreciation. However, many tea lovers find the "whoosh" sound made while drinking tea to be odd and impolite. In fact, this behavior, though seemingly unrefined, is actually the most professional and authentic way to taste tea. In fact, making a sound when drinking tea has historical records. The more official record is based on tea evaluation, a method known as the "suction method": Curl the sides of your tongue Rapidly suck in the tea This will create a "tsk-tsk" sound If necessary, "tsk-tsk" several times To quickly expose the entire mouth to the tea Taste the flavor Then let the tea's aroma directly reach the palate Transmitting it to the olfactory senses Hold the tea in the mouth Stir the tea using various techniques To fully engage with the taste buds on the tongue Once a judgment can be made about the tea It is spat out In tea evaluation, you do not swallow the tea. 01 Is…

The method for brewing ripened tea depends on whether it's compressed (such as cake tea), loose leaf, or a tea nugget. Raw Pu'er is not recommended for boiling, while ripened Pu'er can be brewed or boiled. Loose leaf teas vary in their durability for multiple infusions. Loose leaves release their flavor quickly and are less durable compared to compressed and tea nuggets. Thus, they can be brewed in larger cups, pots, or gaiwans. However, avoid steeping them for too long; instead, try to pour out the infusion quickly. Compressed teas, typically cakes, bricks, or tuos, are rarely made from a single grade of leaves but rather have a core and a surface layer. When brewing, it's best to break off pieces by hand for a more balanced taste, ensuring you get layers from the surface, middle, and bottom. For the first few infusions, you can allow a short steeping time to fully saturate the leaves. After rinsing and waking the tea, avoid steeping it further. Start with normal pouring after about three infusions, and ensure you empty all the water from the pot without leaving any of the previous infusion. Brewing Method for Pu'er Ripened Tea 1. Prepare and Warm…

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…

Tea brewing is both an ancient and modern art form, rich in culture and technique. Whether you are a tea novice or an experienced aficionado, mastering the correct brewing method will enhance your enjoyment of every cup. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Selecting the Right Tea and Equipment Firstly, choosing high-quality tea leaves is the foundation of brewing good tea. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or white tea, each type has its unique flavor profile and brewing requirements. Choose tea that suits your taste and ensure its freshness. The selection of tea equipment is equally important. If using loose leaf tea, it is recommended to use a tea strainer or tea ball; for tea bags, a teapot with a built-in filter is more convenient. Different tea tools not only affect the taste of the tea but also add to the pleasure of the entire brewing process. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) The Importance of Water Quality and Temperature Water is the soul of tea, and the quality of water directly affects the taste. Using fresh filtered water is the best…

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,…

Autumn is here. What adjustments should we make to our tea-drinking habits? How can we drink tea for health in autumn? Tea drinking has been a part of Chinese tradition, and there are specific considerations for what types of tea to drink throughout the year: 01 Puer Tea Scientific evidence shows that Puer tea has multiple effects, including dissolving fats, regulating metabolism, and protecting against radiation. Long-term consumption of Puer tea can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, making it useful for treating obesity. Drinking Puer tea also causes physiological effects such as vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and increased cerebral blood flow, making it beneficial for hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis patients. 02 Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and is slightly cold in nature. It can disperse wind and clear heat, improve liver function and eyesight, and detoxify and reduce inflammation. For dry mouth, heat in the body, eye strain, or conditions like limb pain and numbness caused by wind, cold, or dampness, Chrysanthemum tea can provide therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat common colds, headaches, and other conditions. Due to the characteristics of the season, autumn can be dry, causing many office…

To truly understand Puer tea and enjoy the pleasure of its appreciation is not easy. It requires a significant amount of accumulated personal experience and expertise, as well as a rich knowledge base and artistic cultivation to reach the realm of Puer appreciation. For raw Puer tea, the unique production process endows it with distinctive color, aroma, flavor, qi (energy), rhythm, and realm, unlike other teas that only emphasize color, aroma, flavor, and shape. Therefore, when appreciating Puer tea, one must fully concentrate and engage all sensory organs and taste buds, as well as various cavities in the body, to perceive the aroma, qi field, qi path, rhythm, and abstract realms. One must then activate their mind to analyze and think about the conclusions perceived, and based on these conclusions, deduce the true condition of the raw material quality, processing, and storage. This allows for an evaluation of the product's strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive assessment. Hence, appreciating Puer tea requires a comprehensive understanding of natural sciences, as well as life experiences, aesthetics, art, and more, to comprehend and enjoy the social, artistic, and philosophical feelings rooted in the nature of the tea. Raw Puer Appreciation - Color Dry…

    Before brewing tea, you can pre-warm the cup. When brewing, avoid filling the cup with water, pour out the water quickly, and don't let the tea leaves steep in hot water for too long. These are all details in the process of brewing tea. Regardless of what type of tea you're brewing, there are three key elements to pay attention to: the amount of tea used, the water temperature, and the brewing time.     Three Practical Techniques for Brewing Tea     1. Amount of Tea: There is no uniform standard for how much tea to use each time. This mainly depends on the type of tea, the size of the teaware, and the consumer's drinking habits.     There are many types of tea, and the amount used varies depending on the type. For example, when brewing general black or green teas, about 3 grams of dry tea leaves are placed in a cup with 150-200 milliliters of boiling water. If drinking Pu'er tea, 5-10 grams are used per cup. The most tea used is for Oolong tea, where each serving is typically 1/2 to 2/3 of the teapot's capacity.     2. Brewing Water Temperature: For high-quality green teas, especially those with delicate buds and…

Brewing Pu'er tea requires the right choice of purple clay pot and tea quantity. A 240cc purple clay pot is a common choice because of its moderate size, suitable for individual or small group consumption. This article will detail how to brew delicious Pu'er tea in a 240cc purple clay pot and explore the optimal tea quantity. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Perfect Match: Purple Clay Pot and Pu'er Tea Purple clay pots are preferred for brewing Pu'er tea due to their unique material and breathability. They preserve the original aroma of the tea without absorbing its flavor, ensuring each brewing yields pure tea fragrance. The 240cc purple clay pot has a moderate capacity that prevents dilution due to excess water or over-concentration from too little water. Tea Quantity for Pu'er Tea For a 240cc purple clay pot, the tea quantity is generally between 8 and 10 grams. This range is relatively flexible and can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the tea quantity; conversely, reduce it for a milder taste. Specifically, beginners can start with 8 grams and gradually find their ideal tea quantity. Too much tea will make the…

Pu'er tea is a specialty of Yunnan Province, made from sun-dried large-leaf tea from Yunnan and processed through specific fermentation methods. Pu'er tea boasts a unique aged aroma and rich flavor, earning it the title "King of Teas." The Brewing Method for Pu'er Tea: Teaware: Choose ceramic or glass teaware, with a transparent glass cup or a lidded bowl being ideal. Water: Use purified water or soft water, with a temperature controlled around 90°C (194°F). Amount of Tea: Generally, use 3-5 grams of tea, adjusting according to personal taste. Brewing Time: The first infusion is typically around 30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing by about 30 seconds, not exceeding 3 minutes. Tasting: The tea liquor of Pu'er tea is orange-yellow and thick, with a sharp and lasting fragrance. It has a rich and mellow taste and can be steeped many times. The Benefits of Pu'er Tea: Weight Loss: Pu'er tea contains abundant polyphenols and caffeine, which can help break down fat and achieve weight loss. Lowering Lipid Levels: The polyphenols and amino acids in Pu'er tea can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, aiding in lowering lipid levels. Stomach Protection: The caffeine and polyphenols in Pu'er tea can…

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is known as Laba Festival in China. As the saying goes, "Little children, don’t be greedy; once Laba has passed, Chinese New Year will soon follow." By this time, all agricultural work has been completed, and with the approach of the Spring Festival, the customs of Laba take on many festive colors. Soaking garlic in vinegar, eating Laba porridge, and enjoying a fragrant cup of tea are all part of these traditions. They not only help warm the body but also imbue the air with a strong sense of the upcoming New Year. What teas are suitable for drinking during this cold month? Black Tea (Red Tea) In the depths of winter, black tea is an excellent choice. There are many varieties of black tea in China, the most famous being Qimen black tea. The number of black tea enthusiasts in China is growing, and the range of products available is becoming increasingly diverse. Black tea is mild in nature and particularly suitable for consumption during the winter months. Aged White Tea Aged white tea is very suitable for brewing during the winter. In accordance with the natural laws of dormancy, it…

The amount of tea used when brewing Pu'er tea depends on the capacity of your teapot and personal taste. Generally, for 3-5 people, use 6-9 grams of tea; for 6-10 people, use 10-13 grams of tea, adjusting according to the number of participants; if you prefer a stronger tea, you can add more. Appropriate Brewing Ratio for Pu'er Ripened Tea For a 5-gram packet of Pu'er tea, typically add it to a small 180-milliliter teapot. For brewing 4-5 grams of Pu'er tea (at a water temperature above 95 degrees Celsius), under normal circumstances, the tea-to-water ratio is generally 1:50, meaning 1 gram of tea per 50 milliliters of water. A common practice is to use 3 grams of tea with 150 milliliters of water, allowing it to steep for 5 minutes for evaluation. When boiling Pu'er tea, the tea-to-water ratio is usually 1:80, or 1 gram of tea per 80 milliliters of water. Typically, 5 grams of tea are used with 400 milliliters of water. The tea-to-water ratio for aged raw Pu'er tea using a gaiwan is around 1:20. For an 180-milliliter gaiwan, a recommended amount of tea would be about 8 grams. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you…

The unique shape and taste of Ganpu have attracted many who previously had no interest in Pu'er tea, leading them to start drinking it. Some joke that the distance between a tea novice and a Pu'er enthusiast might just be one Ganpu away. The phrase "soaking is better than drinking" has led to various creative ways to brew Ganpu. This has delighted an increasing number of Ganpu enthusiasts, and we share some common brewing methods here. Ganpu is so "reliable" The appreciation of Ganpu starts with its delicate outer covering. The packaging for small Ganpu is becoming increasingly fashionable, designed to appeal to young people's tastes. Even before you drink it, this little fruit seems like a spirited sprite, stimulating your senses visually. The best Ganpu fruits come from the Xinhuai core production area in Guangdong, paired with ripe Pu'er tea from Yunnan. Ripe Pu'er is known for its smooth flavor, neither too strong nor too weak, perfectly complementing the peel. The Ganpu and Pu'er complement each other, with the Ganpu relying more on the Pu'er. A high-quality ripe Pu'er can significantly enhance the taste and aroma of a Ganpu tea. High-grade ripe tea leaves are typically chosen, and the…

Spring is a season of vitality and growth. As the weather gradually warms, people who have grown accustomed to the cold may start to feel fatigued and drowsy. No matter how much sleep one gets, it never seems enough, leaving them listless throughout the day. This is what we commonly refer to as "spring drowsiness." "Spring drowsiness" is not a disease, but it could be an early sign of suboptimal health. Persistent "spring drowsiness" might lead to conditions such as lung yin deficiency, lung dryness and heat, phlegm dampness, hyperactivity of liver yang, or liver and kidney yin deficiency. While "spring drowsiness" is not a serious ailment, it should not be underestimated. How can one alleviate "spring drowsiness"? A cup of tea to revitalize the mind. Spring is the perfect time for drinking tea. Tea enthusiasts generally know that this season calls for more tea consumption to invigorate and refresh the mind. In traditional Chinese medicine, drinking green tea in spring is believed to dispel the cold and dampness accumulated in the body during winter. The subtle aroma of tea not only clears the mind but also promotes the generation of yang qi in the body, which can help eliminate…

No matter what kind of tea you drink, it should be appropriate for the occasion, time, and person. Drinking the right type of tea can maximize its effects and provide excellent health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that people have different constitutions, being either hot or cold in nature. Teas, after undergoing various processing methods, also have cool and warm properties. Therefore, it is important to consider one's constitution when choosing a tea to drink. A chart showing the properties of the six types of tea. What is your constitution? Which type of tea suits you best? A table matching the nine constitutions with the six types of tea. Cool green tea Dragon Well from West Lake, Anji White Tea, Biluochun from Dongting, Lu'an Guapian, etc. Suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. Drinking this tea on a hot day or when feeling agitated provides a refreshing and cooling sensation. Green tea has good radiation protection effects, making it very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. Contraindications: People with liver disease should avoid drinking green tea, as caffeine is metabolized by the liver, and excessive tea consumption can damage liver function. Pregnant…

Tea enthusiasts are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to truly appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to drinking Pu'er tea. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production techniques result in cakes that are evenly shaped, compact, and uniform in thickness. With the advent of electrostatic dust removal machines, modern Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers are free of foreign objects. Prior to 2004, when such machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities due to manual sorting. The color distinguishes raw from ripe teas: ripe teas are dark brown, while raw teas range from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), transitioning from loose to compact, thin to robust, dry to lustrous. Step 2: Touch the Tea The compactness of the tea indicates its aging potential; loosely packed leaves age faster under equal storage conditions, while tightly packed leaves age more slowly. Surface blending involves sprinkling higher-grade leaves on the surface for a better appearance, while a single-grade cake consists of uniformly graded leaves throughout, without any external embellishment. Step 3: Smell the Dry Tea As the name suggests, use your nose to carefully smell the tea. Pu'er tea improves with…

Brewing a cup of green tea is not just an enjoyment but also an art. Each step can influence the taste and aroma of the tea. Whether you are a green tea novice or an experienced practitioner, mastering the correct brewing steps will allow you to truly appreciate the charm of green tea. Let's explore together how to brew the perfect cup of green tea. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Green Tea The first step in brewing good green tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. There are many different types of green tea available on the market, such as Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. Selecting fresh green tea leaves is particularly important; new tea is usually picked in spring, with bright green leaves and a fresh aroma. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose well-known brands or buy directly from tea farmers to ensure the quality and freshness of the tea. Preparing the Appropriate Teaware The choice of teaware when brewing green tea is also very important. Common teaware includes glass cups, porcelain cups, and purple clay pots. Glass cups allow you to admire the beautiful process of the tea leaves unfolding in the water,…

Tea, this ancient beverage, not only carries profound cultural significance but its brewing process is also a remarkable journey of chemistry and sensory experience. This article will take you into the world of tea brewing, revealing the scientific principles behind it and how brewing techniques can enhance the quality and flavor of tea. The Chemical Composition of Tea The chemical composition of tea is very complex, containing various compounds that influence the color, aroma, and taste of the tea infusion. Among these, polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, and sugars are key factors affecting the quality of the tea infusion. Changes During the Brewing Process When tea meets hot water, the curtain rises on a series of chemical reactions. Polyphenols begin to oxidize under the influence of hot water, forming theaflavins and thearubigins, which directly affect the color of the tea infusion. At the same time, caffeine and amino acids gradually dissolve in the water, adding bitterness and umami to the tea infusion. In addition, sugars in the tea dissolve in the hot water, providing sweetness to the tea infusion. The aromatic substances in tea, such as terpenoids, release their captivating aromas when stimulated by hot water. Sensory Experience The chemical changes…