Brew Tea

Drinking tea is primarily about ingesting the nutrients in the leaves, but its rich and dynamic flavors have captivated many. However, even though they are all teas, the sensations they produce can vary greatly; some are mild, while others can instantly invigorate the senses. A tea with excellent mouthfeel manifests itself in various aspects, such as freshness, body, astringency, and balance. Today, we will focus on one crucial aspect—the “concentration”—to evaluate the infusion of a tea. How can you enjoy a cup of tea with the perfect concentration? Let’s use white tea as an example. 01First, it's important to clarify that there are two different interpretations of the term "concentration" when it comes to white tea infusions: The first interpretation is conceptual: the concentration of the tea infusion is the amount of soluble substances present in a given volume of tea. The more soluble substances released, the more concentrated the tea. The second interpretation is based on the taster’s subjective experience: the stronger the taste sensation, the more concentrated the tea is perceived to be. If someone says, “the more bitter and astringent the tea, the higher its concentration,” this would align more with the second interpretation. However, the primary…

Infusing black tea 3-5 times is generally best, as continued infusions will result in a very light flavor. However, high-quality black teas can be infused over 10 times, such as Jin Junmei and Yunnan ancient tree black teas. When infusing high-grade black teas, you can use water at 100 degrees Celsius. The techniques for infusing black tea, so you don’t waste it. Tea enthusiasts know that black tea is delicious, but the taste can vary when brewed by different people. For example, if the tea is steeped for too long or too much tea is used, the flavor changes. Knowing some infusion techniques can help bring out the aroma and taste of the tea. Today, I’d like to share some techniques for infusing black tea, [Black Tea Infusion Techniques] Choice of teaware: glassware, ceramic covered bowls, purple clay pots Amount of tea: 5-8g Water temperature: 85-90°C Steeping time: For the first three infusions of black tea, the tea can generally be poured out immediately, with subsequent infusions allowing for slightly longer steeping times. Number of infusions: 5-6 is optimal 1. During the first infusion, about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances in the tea are extracted; 2. The second…

Brown Mountain ancient tree ripe tea is characterized by its high aroma, rich flavor, bright red infusion color, and high durability when brewed. The brewing method for Brown Mountain Pu'er ripe tea is simple and can generally follow the normal brewing method for ripe tea. How to Brew Brown Mountain Ripe Tea 1. Warm the teapot and clean the utensils 2. Use a ratio of 1:40 (for a 100 ml small teapot, use 2.5 grams, and adjust according to personal taste) 3. Rinse the tea with boiling water for 5 seconds and discard the rinse water 4. For the first five infusions, pour boiling water and immediately decant the tea 5. After the fifth infusion, extend the steeping time as needed 6. You can also add osmanthus or dried tangerine peel to enhance the flavor Ripe Pu'er tea itself has the effects of warming, nourishing, and strengthening the stomach. Firstly, it aids digestion, so its primary benefit is enhancing appetite and promoting digestion. It is suitable for those with cold stomachs, discomfort in the stomach, and works very well for warming, nourishing the stomach, and relieving indigestion.

To brew Pu'er tea, the first step is to warm the cup and rinse the teaware. Boil water and carefully rinse the gaiwan and teaware with boiling water to remove any off-flavors, increase the temperature of the gaiwan itself, and enhance the flavor of the tea. So how should Pu'er tea be brewed? Brewing Techniques for Pu'er Tea 1. Brewing Utensils Generally, the most suitable utensil for brewing Pu'er tea is a purple clay pot. The good breathability and heat retention of a purple clay pot can fully bring out the rich flavor of Pu'er tea. Using a purple clay pot to brew Pu'er tea creates an atmosphere that is both ancient and elegant. Of course, gaiwans are also a great choice. Gaiwans are versatile and suitable for brewing any type of tea. Moreover, using a gaiwan allows you to better appreciate the entire process of brewing tea, and it is easier to handle, helping you to better control the taste of the tea. 2. Water Temperature Different teas have different characteristics, and the water temperature significantly affects the taste of the tea. For example, too high a temperature can result in a bitter taste, while a low temperature may…

The question of whether dark tea is better steeped or boiled is one that often comes up. Opinions on this matter vary widely, with each side presenting their own arguments. This can be particularly confusing for those new to dark tea. In fact, both steeping and boiling are viable options for drinking dark tea, they're simply different ways of enjoying the beverage. However, there is a common misconception that dark tea should only be boiled, as this is how it is traditionally prepared by nomadic people on the frontier, be it in milk tea or butter tea. The suitability of steeping versus boiling dark tea really depends on the individual, the setting, the age of the tea, and the grade of the raw material used, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Historically, dark tea was primarily sold to provinces where ethnic minorities lived in the northwest border regions, hence the name "border tea." Nomads in these areas consume a diet rich in beef, mutton, and dairy products, which are high in fat and low in dietary fiber and vitamins. This makes dark tea a necessity for them. As such, dark tea has been an indispensable part of life for the people…

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…

With the arrival of Winter Solstice, the north is already blanketed in snow, while southerners are starting to exhale white mist. In the cold winter, people favor warmth, which has given rise to a new social media trend in 2022: "cozy tea brewing around a brazier." The most essential element for cozy tea brewing is a small brazier, best made of pottery, accompanied by some smokeless charcoal, bringing warmth in the winter. Place a wire mesh over the brazier, set a pot of tea in the middle, and surround it with tangerines, sweet potatoes, grains, and a plate of pastries, completing the new-Chinese style cozy tea brewing. Teahouses provide a venue for socializing and venting. /Visual China When brewing tea around a brazier in winter, the gentle bubbling sound of the hot tea on the stove and the steam mixed with the sweetness of roasted fruits easily evoke images of ancient literati's elegant life: "the freshly baked tea leaves warm the shallow cup, and the tea is ground in a small mill on a sunny window." A mouthful of hot tea warms the whole body, filling one with happiness. During leisure time, inviting family and friends to experience this rustic…

The dog days of 2023 are already halfway through, and there can't be many people who don't know about the benefits of drinking hot tea during this period. Today, I'll explain it to you in detail. The specific schedule for the dog days of 2023 is as follows: Early Dog Days: July 11, 2023 - July 20, 2023, a total of 10 days; Middle Dog Days: July 21, 2023 - August 9, 2023, a total of 20 days; Late Dog Days: August 10, 2023 - August 19, 2023, a total of 10 days. According to traditional wisdom, the "fu" in "dog days" refers to "latent evil," specifically the heat evil among the so-called "six evils." After the onset of the dog days, people often feel irritable, tired, and have poor appetites due to the scorching weather. A cup of hot tea can promote blood circulation, open up the skin's pores, help sweat evaporate, and achieve the effect of dissipating heat and dispelling summer heat. Tea contains large amounts of vitamins and mineral elements, as well as caffeine, tea polyphenols, and aromatic substances that blend into the tea infusion. These components are beneficial for regulating body temperature via the central nervous…

Fuding white tea, due to its unique growing environment and exquisite production techniques, is considered a treasure among white teas. Its clear and bright infusion, elegant aroma, and sweet, rich flavor also offer health benefits. So, how should one properly enjoy Fuding white tea? Brewing Steps for Fuding White Tea 1. Prepare the Tea Utensils For brewing Fuding white tea, you can choose white porcelain bowls with lids, purple clay pots, or glass cups as your tea utensils. White porcelain bowls better showcase the color and aroma of the white tea; purple clay pots absorb the tea's fragrance, making the infusion richer; while glass cups allow you to appreciate the shape and color of the white tea. 2. Clean the Tea Utensils Rinse the inside and outside of the tea utensils with boiling water to remove dust and impurities, and to preheat the utensils. 3. Measure the Tea Leaves Based on the size of your tea utensil and personal preference, take an appropriate amount of Fuding white tea. Generally, for every 500 milliliters of water, use 8-10 grams of white tea. 4. Brew the Tea Pour boiling water into the utensil to quickly moisten the tea leaves. For the first…

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…

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…

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…

Black tea is a common type of tea in daily life, being a fully fermented tea. It has a dark brown and lustrous appearance with a rich, sweet fragrance, hence the name black tea. We recommend brewing black tea using a white porcelain gaiwan with water at 90 degrees Celsius, suitable for most types of black tea. Below, ChaYou Network introduces the brewing method. Steps for Brewing Black Tea 01 - Choice of Teaware White porcelain gaiwans can brew out the fresh and elegant flavor of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The white porcelain beautifully complements the red hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the tea. It's simply beautiful. 02 - Tea-to-Water Ratio When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience. Using too much tea is the main reason for overly bitter or astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the amount of tea should be around 4 grams. If too little tea is used, even with less water, it will not fully bring out the fragrant and mellow flavor of the black tea. If you prefer a…

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…

Pu'er tea is a distinctive type of Chinese tea, renowned for its rich flavor and unique taste, capturing the hearts of many tea enthusiasts. Pu'er tea has always been a favorite among tea lovers due to its excellent health benefits and suitability as a wellness choice. However, for those who love drinking tea, enjoying a good cup of Pu'er tea not only depends on the quality of the tea but also on mastering the art of brewing it. How can you brew raw Pu'er tea to make it even more enjoyable? Let’s explore a simple method for brewing Pu'er tea. Brewing Pu'er Tea for Optimal Flavor Pu'er tea comes in two varieties: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Raw Pu'er tea, after sun-drying, has a restrained flavor and is typically drunk as loose leaves or broken off from compressed cakes. Ripe Pu'er tea, after undergoing pile fermentation, undergoes internal changes that make its components easy to extract; it is often sold as compressed teas, such as cakes or tuos. From the processing methods, we can deduce that when brewing raw Pu'er, the focus is on releasing its aroma and flavor, while with ripe Pu'er, the aim is to allow a graceful…

Green tea can be brewed both cold and hot. Cold brewing is more suitable for hot weather, offering a refreshing taste that cools and quenches thirst. Hot brewing is part of many people's daily routine. Whether to choose hot or cold brewing ultimately depends on personal preference. Cold Brew or Hot Brew for Green Tea? While boiling water can quickly extract many nutrients from the tea leaves, the temperature of the hot water and the duration of boiling can affect the taste and color of the tea, which is why some people find their tea bitter. Cold brewing solves this issue by not only preserving the vitamins in the tea but also ensuring that other nutrients such as polyphenols and catechins maintain their antioxidant activity, similar to that achieved through boiling water. Overall, in certain aspects, cold-brewed tea is more convenient, releases less caffeine, and can help lower blood sugar levels. Convenient and Quick: You can use purified water, mineral water, or cold boiled water. The brewing time can range from half an hour to six hours. Reduce "Tea Drunkenness": Tea contains caffeine, which has stimulating effects. Some people may experience insomnia after drinking tea. Cold brewing reduces the release…

The 22nd World Cup Football Championship will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, welcoming the quadrennial football feast for fans, who will stay up late watching matches, posing a challenge to both their physical and mental stamina. In many fans' eyes, this World Cup is truly "the twilight of the gods": Messi is 35 years old, Ronaldo is 37, Pepe is 39... even Neymar, the youngest among them, says that this might be his last World Cup. During every World Cup, many fans prepare beer and late-night snacks to stay up and watch the games. However, it's well known that staying up late is detrimental to liver detoxification and overall health. Consuming alcohol and meat while staying up late can exacerbate these effects! If you want to indulge fully during the World Cup, drinking tea may be the best companion. Passionate World Cup, Healthy with a Teacup While tea drinking cannot completely offset the toll of staying up late, its invigorating and detoxifying effects are certainly beneficial while watching the games. Here are our tea recommendations for different phases: 9:00 PM Match - Raw Tea to Energize and Get into the Zone The 9 PM match…

Time falls like rain, pouring down. It's the hottest time of the year, when we welcome the last solar term of summer, Great Heat. As the saying goes, “The coldest time is the nine cold days, the hottest is the dog days.” Great Heat coincides with the middle of the dog days, the hottest period of the year. The Three Phases of Great Heat 01 First Phase: Withered grass turns into fireflies. In the height of summer, fireflies lay their eggs on withered grass, and when they hatch, they emerge from it. Ancient people mistakenly believed that fireflies were transformed from decaying grass. 02 Second Phase: The earth is moist and the heat is sultry. Sultriness refers to the humid atmosphere. The moisture in the earth's air makes it steamy and damp. During Great Heat, the world feels like a giant steamer. 03 Third Phase: Heavy rains occur frequently. Since the start of the dog days, thunderstorms have erupted periodically, and during Great Heat, they become more intense. However, as Great Heat progresses, after each thunderstorm, the oppressive heat seems to subtly diminish, transitioning towards the onset of autumn. Drinking Tea During Great Heat Hot tea is better than cold…

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…

Hello everyone! Today, we're going to talk about tea brewing temperatures. Many tea enthusiasts may wonder why the same tea leaves can taste different when brewed by different people. One key factor is the water temperature. So, what is the optimal water temperature? (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Green Tea: Low Temperature for Freshness Green tea is loved for its fresh and refreshing taste. To preserve the delicate aroma and freshness of green tea, the brewing temperature is crucial. Generally, the best brewing temperature for green tea is between 75°C and 85°C. Higher temperatures can destroy vitamin C and amino acids in the tea, turning the tea yellow and making it more bitter. Black Tea: High Temperature for Aroma Black tea requires a higher temperature to fully release its aroma and flavor. The ideal water temperature for black tea is between 90°C and 100°C. This high temperature helps to bring out the polyphenols and caffeine in the tea, making the brew richer and sweeter. Oolong Tea: Moderate Temperature for Complex Flavors Oolong tea lies between green and black tea, combining the freshness of green tea with the richness of black tea. The optimal brewing temperature for oolong tea…

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, renowned for its refreshing and delicate taste as well as its health benefits. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced tea enthusiast, mastering a few basic brewing methods can help you better enjoy every cup of green tea. In this article, we will detail three classic methods of brewing green tea to help you achieve the perfect infusion. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Method One: Traditional Glass Cup Brewing Brewing green tea using a glass cup is a simple yet elegant method. The transparency of the glass not only allows you to appreciate the graceful dance of the leaves in water but also helps you better control the water temperature and steeping time. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Materials Needed Glass cup Green tea leaves (such as Longjing, Biluochun, etc.) Purified water Detailed Steps Warm the cup: Before brewing, preheat the glass cup with hot water. This step helps maintain the temperature of the tea infusion and better releases the aroma of the tea leaves. Add tea leaves: Place an appropriate amount of green tea leaves into the glass cup; generally, 3 grams of tea per…

Why is Water Temperature So Important for Lapsang Souchong? Lapsang Souchong is a unique type of black tea, beloved by tea enthusiasts for its distinctive aroma and flavor. However, brewing Lapsang Souchong is not as simple as pouring hot water; the temperature plays a crucial role. The right temperature maximizes the release of the tea's aroma and taste, allowing you to enjoy a perfect cup of black tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Optimal Water Temperature for Brewing Lapsang Souchong The optimal water temperature for brewing Lapsang Souchong is typically between 90°C and 95°C. This temperature range fully releases the aromatic compounds and polyphenols in the leaves, resulting in a richly fragrant and full-bodied tea. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the delicate compounds in the leaves, leading to a bitter taste; if the water is too cold, it cannot adequately extract the active ingredients, making the tea bland and tasteless. (Image source: network, delete upon request) How to Control the Water Temperature Use a Thermometer: The most direct method is to use a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is between 90°C and 95°C. Observe the State of the Water: If you don't have…

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…

There is a consensus in the Pu'er tea industry that drinking tea should prioritize spring tea! The benefits of spring tea need no elaboration. If you want to savor the enticingly fresh and brisk flavor of Pu'er tea to the fullest, you may try the following brewing methods. The tea-to-water ratio should be 100:7, meaning about 7 grams of tea for every 100 milliliters of water in a gaiwan. Adjust according to personal taste and the capacity of the gaiwan. A relatively standard tea-to-water ratio not only helps you better appreciate the authentic flavor of spring tea, showcasing its fresh taste, aroma, and flavor, but also reduces any potential irritation to the stomach. Loose tea does not require deliberate pre-infusion; at least one rinse is sufficient. Pre-infusion aims to activate the tea leaves and release their aroma, primarily for compressed teas. Loose tea maintains good activity in its loose state, so it only needs to be rinsed once or twice when brewing. Boiling water at 100°C is not an all-purpose choice for brewing Pu'er tea; 95°C is more suitable. For Pu'er tea, especially freshly made spring tea (especially loose tea), 100°C is not the ideal temperature. Spring tea with tender…