Brew Tea

Summer has arrived in the blink of an eye, and the hot weather can easily bring about symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, poor appetite, and even heatstroke. So how do you deal with them? You can do so by drinking tea, but it's important to drink the right kind of tea to avoid overdoing it and harming your health.Drink White Tea to Prevent Heatstroke Hot weather makes one prone to heatstroke, especially for those who often work or play outdoors. What you need to have on hand is white tea. White tea is a lightly fermented tea that goes through processes such as blanching and drying. It has a cool nature and contains abundant amino acids that have the effects of cooling and relieving summer heat, thus preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos: New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with a cold stomach should drink it in moderation and not on an empty stomach. They should choose aged tea at least five years old. Vine tea has a sweet and bland taste and a cool nature. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing summer heat and stimulating saliva production, removing rheumatism, strengthening muscles and bones,…

Rainforest Ancient Tree Tea, originating from Yunnan, China, is loved by tea enthusiasts for its unique aroma and taste. So, how do you properly brew this precious tea? Let’s explore together and learn the correct brewing method to enjoy the best flavor of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select High-Quality Water Water is an important element in brewing tea, and choosing high-quality water can enhance the taste of the tea. Spring water, mineral water, or filtered tap water are typically recommended. Clear water without any odor can better bring out the aroma and flavor of the tea. Prepare Suitable Teaware Selecting suitable teaware is also important. Purple clay pots, porcelain gaiwans, or glass teaware are recommended. Purple clay pots can retain heat and have good breathability, suitable for savoring slowly; porcelain gaiwans preserve the original flavor of the tea; glass teaware allows you to appreciate the color changes of the tea infusion. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Control Water Temperature The brewing temperature for Rainforest Ancient Tree Tea is generally controlled between 90°C and 95°C. Too high a temperature can destroy the nutritional components and aroma of the tea, while too low a temperature fails to…

Tea is one of the most popular beverages among Chinese people, with its presence felt in almost every household. The popularity of tea is evident in teahouses, tea shops, and cups of tea carried around by individuals—highlighting the widespread appreciation for this natural and nutritious drink. You may be aware of the health benefits of tea, but you might not know that drinking tea should also be tailored to individual constitutions. Therefore, it's important to choose the right type of tea based on your personal constitution, as failing to do so could counteract any health benefits. Six Common Misconceptions About Drinking Tea Ignoring Constitution When Choosing Tea There are numerous types of tea, which can generally be categorized into non-fermented, semi-fermented, and fermented teas. Each type has a different suitable population. Drinking tea without considering your constitution could lead to certain adverse effects: Green Tea: Rich in tea polyphenols and caffeine, it can stimulate the stomach. People with weak digestive systems should limit their intake of green tea, especially avoiding drinking it on an empty stomach, as it may cause symptoms of "tea intoxication." For such individuals, warming teas like black tea or adding milk and brown sugar to the…

Bai Mudan tea, as a premium variety of Chinese white tea, is renowned for its unique flavor and health benefits. The correct brewing method not only maximally showcases its aroma and taste but also preserves its rich nutritional content. Today, we will take an in-depth look at the brewing time and techniques for Bai Mudan tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Characteristics of Bai Mudan Tea Bai Mudan tea originates from Fujian Province. The tea leaves consist of two leaves and a bud, with green leaves and silver-white buds, resembling a blooming peony flower, hence the name "Bai Mudan." The tea-making process is simple, mainly involving natural withering and slight fermentation, preserving the natural form and nutritional components of the leaves. Basic Steps for Brewing Bai Mudan Tea To enjoy the best taste of Bai Mudan tea, brewing time and water temperature are crucial. Here are the detailed steps: Prepare the Teaware Bai Mudan tea is suitable for glass cups or transparent covered bowls, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the leaves in the water. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select Water Quality Pure or mineral water is recommended to avoid the impact of chlorine and…

On November 22, it was too cold and there were no customers in the shop. Tea merchant Old Yang had steeped a pot of tea until it lost its flavor and was about to change it when a middle-aged man in his early forties suddenly came in. One look and you could tell he was a seasoned tea drinker with over ten years of experience. There are some people who just give off a vibe that they are tea drinkers. This feeling is hard to describe but is usually accurate. Old Yang set aside the Mangfei tea he had just pried open and instead served single-tree Bingdao Bawai from 2020. Although single-tree Bingdao Bawai is somewhat rare on the market, he makes sure to stay on the mountain every year to make tea and jointly lease the tea garden with a few tea-making friends, trying to negotiate lower prices with the local farmers. Once truly produced, even a single-tree variety yields about twenty kilograms. Drinking 5-8 grams at a time doesn't make it feel particularly scarce. Treating customers with good tea is done wholeheartedly and in the spirit of friendship through tea. Unexpectedly, the middle-aged gentleman turned out to be…

Brewing the same Pu'er tea using different techniques often yields different experiences. If you're frustrated by not being able to bring out the true essence of the tea, try varying your brewing technique in response to its strengths and weaknesses. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover along the way. Six Ways to Brew Pu'er Tea 1. Gung Fu Brewing Method: This method is similar to how oolong tea is brewed, with all the tea liquor drained from each infusion, leaving no residue. This allows for a good appreciation of the changes in the water path of a tea, checking its durability and experiencing the changes in color, aroma, and taste with each infusion. 2. Root-Left Brewing Method: After rinsing the tea, always leave some of the infused tea liquor in the teapot, not completely emptying it. Typically, this involves leaving 20% and pouring out 80%, or sometimes leaving half and pouring out half. After pouring out the tea, add more water until the tea becomes light in flavor—then, you can steep it for longer periods. The root-left brewing method helps regulate the taste of the tea from start to finish, making the changes between infusions less abrupt.…

Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures. Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures, which creates a conflict. Green Tea Brewing Techniques 1. Water Temperature: Generally recommended between 80°C to 85°C. If the exact temperature is difficult to gauge, you can boil the water (1-2L) and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. 2. Pouring Water: Use a hanging water method to pour along the side of the cup, avoiding direct impact on…

Many people believe that during the processing, transportation, and storage of tea leaves, they come into contact with a lot of dust, tea fuzz, and impurities. Rinsing the tea can clean these off, making the tea healthier and more hygienic to drink. Is this true? Scientific tests show that most bacteria and microorganisms are killed at water temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius. Typically, the water temperature used for brewing tea is not lower than 80 degrees. Generally speaking, green teas do not need to be rinsed, especially tender shoots picked before the Ming Festival, which can be directly brewed using mid-dunk or top-dunk methods. For black teas and oolong teas, you may rinse them once with hot water, but it's also fine to skip this step. Personally, I usually choose not to rinse the tea. Teas that are generally recommended for rinsing are compressed teas, particularly aged compressed teas. The rinsing process not only gives the impression of washing away impurities (which doesn't really happen) but also serves as a way to awaken the tea (the key effect of rinsing compressed teas). If you do rinse the tea, how should you do it? Green teas typically do not require rinsing.…

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 behavior of sinking tea leaves is quite telling; it can provide a rough indication of the quality of the tea, though this is not always definitive. If the water temperature for brewing green tea is high, the tea will sink quickly; if the water temperature is low, the tea will sink slowly. The reason is simple: higher water temperatures make it easier for the tea to unfurl, meaning it can expand quickly. When the tea fully integrates with the water, it sinks. When the water temperature is low, the tea has not fully expanded and is still dry and not sufficiently wet, so it sinks slowly. Aside from water temperature, there could be inherent reasons as well. If the tea quality is poor, with fewer internal substances, it will be lighter and thinner, causing it to sink more slowly. Consider tea made from the first spring harvest using plump buds, which would be rich in internal substances, heavy, and substantial, and thus would sink quickly. It's also possible that the brewing method is incorrect, where the tea was not fully submerged at the beginning, leaving some floating on top and not touching the water, causing it to sink slowly.…

Dried tangerine peel can be paired with both ripe and raw Pu'er, but relatively speaking, ripe Pu'er is better. When paired with raw tea, the dried tangerine peel can alleviate the bitterness of the tea and moderate its strong taste and nature; when paired with ripe tea, the taste is smooth and aged with a rich aroma, complementing each other perfectly. Brewing ripe Pu'er together with dried tangerine peel results in a smoother and silkier flavor, catering to the drinking needs of most people. How to brew and cook Pu'er tea with dried tangerine peel; A cup of dried tangerine peel Pu'er not only clears the lungs and moisturizes but also provides a delightful afternoon experience. First, take a small teapot with a capacity of 200 ml, 2 grams of dried tangerine peel, and 8 grams of ripe Pu'er tea. Break the dried tangerine peel into small pieces, as smaller pieces will fully release the aromatic oils from the peel. When cooking dried tangerine peel Pu'er, it is important to maintain a balance between the two ingredients; too much peel can overpower the taste and lose the individual flavors. Place the dried tangerine peel and Pu'er tea together in the…

Jinguagong tea is named for its resemblance to a golden squash. It has the benefits of lowering blood pressure and promoting fat metabolism, as well as being invigorating and helpful in sobering up from alcohol. It is a very high-quality tea, and many people are unsure how to brew Jinguagong tea. Below are the steps for brewing this tea. Steps to Brew Jinguagong Tea Step 1: First, steep the teacups with boiling water, which is known as warming the cups. This not only serves a high-temperature disinfection purpose but also raises the temperature of the cups, making it easier for the tea juice to seep out during subsequent brewing. Step 2: Place about 5 to 8 grams of Jinguagong tea in the teapot. The amount can be adjusted according to personal taste. Step 3: Pour boiling water into the teapot and, after letting it sit for 2 seconds, pour out the tea water to warm the cups. This step cleanses and awakens the tea leaves. Step 4: Pour boiling water over the rinsed tea in the teapot, cover it, and let it steep for around 5 seconds. This allows the tea juice to better seep out. Step 5: When pouring…

Since ancient times, the Chinese people have had a profound connection with tea, evolving from consuming to drinking tea, and from cultivating, picking to processing it. The industrious and wise Chinese people, based on local conditions, have utilized core techniques such as fixation, withering, yellowing, oxidation, piling, fermentation, and scenting to develop six major types of tea - green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas - along with flower-scented teas and other processed teas, totaling thousands of varieties. In this deep-rooted relationship with tea, different tea-drinking and tea-meeting customs have been formed and passed down through generations. On November 29, 2022, China's "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Customs" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This entry encompasses 44 national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects, including four traditional tea customs: Bai ethnic three-course tea, Yao ethnic oil tea, Tea Gathering Festival, and Jing Shan tea banquet. The Chinese tea culture is not only long-standing but also constantly renewed. To further enhance the recognition of Chinese tea customs and the entire Chinese tea culture, and to promote their protection, inheritance, development, and dissemination, the All-China Co-operative News·Tea Weekly has specially planned…

Gathering around a teapot, having heartfelt conversations, and listening to the sound of boiling water can be an extremely cozy experience. However, many people still have misconceptions about cooking tea. Let's take a look at some things to avoid so that your tea drinking doesn't turn into an embarrassing situation. 01 Cooking Tea Directly in an Iron Teapot Generally, iron teapots have pores and are "breathable." When cooking tea leaves, iron reacts with tannic acid in the tea, forming ferric tannate, which is also a component of blue-black ink. As a result, the tea broth turns bluish-black. While not toxic, it can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Suggestion: Iron teapots are suitable for boiling water, but for cooking tea leaves, clay or glass teapots are recommended for better taste. 02 Any Type of Tea Can Be Cooked There are generally two types of tea suitable for cooking. The first is heavily fermented teas like ripe Pu'er, Liu Bao tea, old tea heads, old tea leaves, aged white tea, and aged Tieguanyin. The second type is aged teas, such as aged white tea, aged Pu'er, aged Wuyi rock tea, and aged Tieguanyin. On the other hand,…

In recent years, Anhua dark tea has been widely pursued and favored by consumers due to its remarkable effects. Brewing Anhua dark tea is a simple yet somewhat challenging art; if not careful, the brewed tea may have a light taste, weak aroma, and thin mouthfeel. Even worse, well-stored aged dark tea can produce a drying and slightly astringent tea soup in the throat. So how can we make Anhua dark tea taste better?   Step 1: Place the Tea Control the tea-to-water ratio to lay a foundation for the concentration. For a 100ml teapot with a lid, use 10 grams of tea. This amount generally ensures a balanced ratio, which you can adjust according to personal taste. Also, adjust the steeping time accordingly. For example, if brewing several infusions, increase the amount of tea used and try to pour out the water quickly during the initial few steeps. Step 2: Rinse the Tea Moisten the tea leaves and clean the surface. From this rinsing step onward, pour the water gently. You can pour in a circular motion or in a steady stream, but the water flow must be calm and stable. Avoid making the tea leaves tumble violently. If…

Green tea is a widely popular beverage both domestically and internationally, known for its unique fragrance and fresh, refreshing taste. When brewing green tea, use water at an appropriate temperature — not too high — to fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Additionally, do not steep the tea for too long to avoid bitterness from over-infusion. Drinking green tea in moderation not only provides a pleasant taste but also benefits health. How to Brew Green Tea Best To brew green tea best: 1) Warm the cup by placing the glass cup into a tea washer and pouring boiling water over it to clean and warm the cup; 2) Rinse the tea by adding 3-5g of green tea with a tea spoon into the glass cup and infusing it with water at 80-85°C, stirring the tea quickly and discarding the infusion after 3 seconds; 3) Steep the tea by continuing to pour hot water into the cup and waiting patiently for 1-2 minutes before drinking. 1) Warm the cup Before brewing green tea, place the glass cup into a tea washer and pour boiling water over it to clean and warm the cup. Alternatively, you can place…

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,…

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 correct seven steps of tea brewing: boiling water, washing cups, placing tea, infusing, pouring tea, serving tea, savoring tea, drinking tea. The first step is to boil the water for brewing tea. The second step is to rinse the teaware with boiling water. The third step is to place the tea in the cup. The fourth step is to pour water into the cup to infuse the tea... 1. Warming the Cups First, boil a pot of water and then use the boiling water to rinse the teaware once. This not only serves the purpose of hygiene and cleanliness but also preheats the teaware so that the tea flavor is enhanced. Pour the boiling water into the fairness cup, tea cups, and aroma cups, and then discard it. 2. Placing the Tea Tea is divided into six categories, and there are even more varieties of tea. However, the amount of tea used varies greatly between each type. (Using an example of a 110ml gaiwan): To brew white tea, use 5 grams; To brew black tea, use 5 grams; To brew rock tea, use 8 grams; To brew raw pu-erh, use 8 grams. Place the tea you wish to brew…

In daily life, many people enjoy brewing various herbs into tea, enjoying not only the aroma of the tea but also benefiting their health. Sichuan Fritillary (commonly abbreviated as Sichuan Fritillary) is one such common herb. Can Sichuan Fritillary be used to make tea? The answer is yes. Not only can it be used to make tea, but there are also many benefits and precautions worth knowing about. Today, we will delve into this topic in detail. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Efficacy and Benefits of Sichuan Fritillary Sichuan Fritillary is a common traditional Chinese medicine that has the effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving phlegm and stopping coughs. Sichuan Fritillary contains various alkaloids and other active components that can inhibit multiple pathogens and have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, Sichuan Fritillary can enhance immunity, improve physical condition, and has a good therapeutic effect on chronic cough, bronchitis, and lung heat cough. Benefits of Brewing Sichuan Fritillary Tea 1. Moistens the Lungs and Stops Coughing: Sichuan Fritillary tea can effectively alleviate coughing, particularly suitable for dry coughs without phlegm or blood in the sputum. 2. Clears Heat and Detoxifies: Sichuan Fritillary has a heat-clearing effect…

Summer is scorching hot, and you may crave a cup of warm tea. Many tea enthusiasts wonder what kind of tea they should drink during the summer months. Based on different scenarios, we recommend the following teas.Prevent Heatstroke—Drink White Tea Hot weather can easily cause heatstroke, especially for those who work or play outdoors frequently. In this case, white tea is your go-to choice. White tea is lightly fermented without roasting or kneading, making it cool in nature. It contains abundant amino acids that help reduce heat and eliminate summer heat, effectively preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with cold stomachs should drink less and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. Boost Energy and Nourish Stomach—Drink Black Tea During summer, people tend to feel listless and drowsy. The caffeine-rich black tea stimulates the central nervous system, accelerates blood circulation, promotes metabolism, thus helping to boost energy and alleviate fatigue. In summer, we often consume icy foods or cold drinks to cool down. However, doing so can easily harm our delicate digestive system. As black tea is warm in nature, it has the effect of warming and protecting the stomach. Therefore, summer…

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…

Many people enjoy savoring tea during their leisure time. There are many types of tea, among which Pu'er tea is a relatively popular one. Pu'er tea has a unique aroma and a sweet and mellow taste, making it a healthful tea suitable for all ages. So how should Pu'er tea be drunk? How to Brew Pu'er Tea The brewing of Pu'er tea can vary depending on the age of the tea, whether it's raw or ripe, the choice of vessel, water temperature, and amount of tea used. Generally, Pu'er tea is brewed with boiling water at 95 to 100°C to bring out its aroma and flavor. Start by breaking off about 7 grams of tea, then warm the cups and teapot. Rinse the Pu'er tea once or twice, pouring in boiling water and immediately discarding it. During actual brewing, the first few infusions should be quick, with the brewing time gradually increasing as the number of infusions increases. When the tea becomes lighter, you can allow it to steep longer. When to Drink Pu'er Tea Pu'er tea is a healthy beverage that can generally be consumed at any time. If you're particular about drinking it for health benefits, ripe Pu'er…

Tea, seemingly just a small drink to quench one's thirst, but upon closer appreciation, one can uncover its charm. For those who enjoy tea, drinking alone is enjoyable, as is inviting a few close friends to share a cup. Whether on a journey, in the park, or on the grass, brewing a cup of tea adds a unique pleasure to these moments. Beautiful appearances are all the same, but interesting souls find joy in tea. Those who love tea can glimpse into the past and future through the minutiae of daily life, and they can also encounter another version of themselves in the aroma of tea. When everyday life serves as the vessel, the tea's fragrance lingers far and wide; when the tea's aroma nourishes us, the world shares in its delight. The charm of tea is like that of a dancing plant; while many flowers are beautiful and captivating, only this one can move to a dance. To truly love tea, one must first understand it. I have interviewed several "tea enthusiasts" and "tea fanatics," whose deep affection for tea knows no bounds. Each year, they travel extensively across the major tea mountains in Wuyi, familiarizing themselves with every…