Brew Tea

Black tea is a fully fermented tea and is the most consumed type of tea worldwide. Its mild nature makes it suitable for general consumption and is a popular recommendation among merchants. To fully appreciate the unique flavor of high-quality teas like ancient tree black tea, it must be brewed correctly. So how should one brew ancient tree black tea? Awakening the Tea: Use water at approximately 85°C for 10 seconds to awaken the tea. The resulting infusion will have a light apricot color that appears somewhat dull. When cooled, the tea has a rich, burnt aroma and a thin yet sweet taste with noticeable aftertaste. First Sipping (Third Infusion): Brew for about 5 seconds using water at around 85°C. The infusion turns a deep brownish red and emits a reddish glow in the cup. It tastes sweet right away, is rich and smooth, and leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth. The sweetness remains in the mouth, encouraging continuous sipping. The lid of the cup has a faint burnt and sweet aroma mixed with a hint of milkiness. The bottom of the cup has a more pronounced milky aroma mixed with honey notes that linger. Fourth Infusion: The texture…

You may be aware that drinking floral tea has certain benefits for health preservation, beauty, and complexion, but you may not know that the consumption of floral tea should align with your constitution. There are five major taboos to drinking floral teas: 1. Avoid Random Combinations Floral teas are often combined to achieve better health benefits, but if you do not consider their effects and properties, and instead mix them according to personal preference, it can have adverse effects on your body. Generally, it is best not to combine more than three types of floral teas, and ensure that their properties do not conflict. 2. Avoid Drinking Floral Teas Without Consideration When drinking floral teas, do not do so casually. There are many varieties of floral teas, each with different effects and functions. Before drinking, understand the effects of the specific floral tea and choose one that suits your needs. 3. Avoid Excessive Consumption of Floral Teas The petals, leaves, and other parts of the plants used in floral teas have their own flavors and medicinal effects. Drinking them in accordance with your constitution can help maintain health. However, this does not mean they can be consumed excessively over a…

In autumn, dryness prevails and can easily deplete body fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry cough without phlegm or difficulty coughing up thick phlegm, dry eyes, mouth, and nose, tight and wrinkled skin, and irritability with difficulty sleeping. Dr. Tan Tao, Director of the Cervical and Lumbar Injuries Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, recommends several health teas suitable for consumption during autumn. Chrysanthemum Tea Place four to five chrysanthemum flowers in boiling water and steep for two to three minutes. This tea has effects of dispersing wind-heat, suppressing liver yang, and clearing the liver and brightening the eyes. Chrysanthemum tea can also enhance the elasticity of micro-vessels, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. This tea is suitable for those with dry eyes, high blood pressure, and those prone to getting heat-induced oral ulcers. There are many types of chrysanthemums, each with slightly different effects. However, no type of chrysanthemum should be consumed continuously over a long period. Those who usually feel cold, have a cold constitution in the spleen and stomach, or experience diarrhea easily, those with wind-cold common cold, and women during menstruation should avoid drinking this tea. Tangerine Red…

"Nine out of Ten People Have Gastric Issues," referring to the fact that most people have some degree of gastric problems. Many believe that tea harms the stomach, and those with poor digestive health should avoid it altogether. This is actually a significant misconception. For individuals with normal or slightly weaker digestive functions, all that's needed is to follow proper tea-drinking methods and choose suitable types of tea. Those with severe gastric conditions or who have been advised by doctors not to drink tea should follow medical advice. The key to whether tea nurtures or harms the stomach lies in how one drinks it. I. What "Stimulation" Does Tea Have on the Stomach? Tea can create a certain "stimulation" on the stomach, but this stimulation isn't entirely negative. On one hand, some active substances in tea bind with stomach proteins, which might cause discomfort for those with gastric issues. However, this discomfort is likely due to the timing, concentration, and amount of tea consumed. On the other hand, the alkaloids in tea can stimulate gastric juice secretion, promoting digestion and increasing appetite. For example, after consuming greasy foods, one often experiences bloating and nausea. Drinking a cup of tea half…

The simple character for tea contains profound truths about the cycle of nature. The character for tea, when broken down, means "human among grass and wood," implying that human nature is hidden within plants and that humans transform through their interaction with them. Adapting to the natural flow of time is the foundation of health preservation. Today, Cup Xiaocha selects 14 solar terms from the 24 solar terms and introduces 14 corresponding teas along with their benefits. There are specific considerations for drinking tea during different seasons. Adjust your tea-drinking habits according to natural changes. Tees picked at different times of the year have distinct characteristics, which can either nourish or drain, stimulate or calm, depending on the state of the person and the season. These seasonal teas adjust the body's imbalances to achieve harmony between yin and yang. As winter turns into spring and summer gives way to autumn, each tea has its own unique properties. 14 Seasonal Teas, Corresponding to 14 Benefits 1. Pre-Ming Tea Leaves picked before the Qingming (Pure Brightness) solar term are known as Pre-Ming Tea. Pre-Ming Tea is the first harvest of spring. After a dormant winter, the buds break through the bark, much…

Tea is a beverage with a long history and rich culture. In modern life, brewing tea on a tea tray is not only a continuation of tradition but also an art of living. If you are interested in brewing tea, this article will guide you through each step of brewing tea on a tea tray so that you can also enjoy the pleasure of brewing tea. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting Suitable Tea Utensils The first step in brewing tea is selecting suitable tea utensils. Generally, a complete set of tea utensils includes a teapot, teacups, a pitcher, a tea strainer, a tea cloth, and a tea tray, among others. When choosing tea utensils, you can select based on your preferences and the type of tea. For example, for brewing green tea, a glass teapot can be chosen as it allows you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the tea leaves in water; while for brewing black tea, a purple clay pot can be selected, which better highlights the aroma of black tea. Preparing the Tea Leaves and Water After selecting the tea utensils, the next step is preparing the tea leaves and water. The choice of tea…

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

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.…

Wandering through the streets of Chengdu, you'll find a teahouse every few steps. People gather to leisurely drink tea from gaiwans, enjoy local snacks, and listen to Sichuan opera – it's a comfortable life... Tracing the Origin of the Gaiwan Sichuanese not only love drinking tea but also invented the convenient gaiwan. Since the Ming Dynasty, gaiwans have been in use for hundreds of years. Even today, whether it's beginners learning about tea or experienced tea enthusiasts brewing tea, gaiwans are commonly seen. Gaiwans are made of stable materials that do not easily absorb flavors. They are easy to use and suitable for brewing all types of tea while allowing the tea leaves to exhibit their original flavors. They are considered the fairest and most impartial tea brewing tools. Therefore, seasoned tea drinkers and enthusiasts often choose gaiwans when trying out teas. In their hands, gaiwans are used with ease. Even when the water temperature is high, they remain calm and composed, appearing graceful and smooth to outsiders. However, when one attempts to brew tea themselves, they realize that using a gaiwan can be quite hot on the hands. When the hand shakes severely, one might think: "This isn't elegant…

Pu'er tea cakes require the assistance of tools such as a "tea knife," "tea needle," or "tea cone" to break them apart before brewing. Pu'er tea cakes come in two types: raw and ripe, which are compressed to different degrees of tightness and therefore require appropriate tools for breaking them apart.The tea knife is primarily used for prying apart less tightly compressed raw Pu'er tea cakes with larger tea strands; while the tea cone and tea needle are mainly used for more tightly compressed ripe tea cakes, ripe tea bricks, and small compressed teas like tuo cha. However, in daily use, both can be used together according to the specific situation. Steps for Prizing Apart the Tea Cake: 1. Place the tea cake flat and slowly insert the tea knife along the side edge. 2. Gradually push the tea knife into the tea cake, once inserted to a certain depth, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to prevent breaking the tea cake into too many small pieces. 3. Slowly apply upward force with the tea knife to pry off pieces of the tea cake. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 to gradually pry apart the tea cake layer by layer. The tea cake…

"Washing the tea" is more accurately referred to as "awakening the tea." This process is meant to awaken the tea leaves and stimulate their aroma, ensuring they are at their best for brewing so that the taster can experience the best possible fragrance and taste. Some aged Pu'er teas require two rounds of "awakening." Green tea, being a non-fermented tea, retains rich vitamins and amino acids, with the first infusion containing the highest nutritional value. Why Don't We Wash Green Tea? In fact, green tea does not need to be washed due to its distinct production process compared to other types of tea. During the making of green tea, the freshly picked young leaves undergo processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying, which intensify the flavor and aroma of the tea. Other teas, however, require fermentation and thus benefit from an initial rinse with hot water to remove any off-flavors. As for green tea, since it is not fermented, it has not been exposed to air or moisture during production, making a rinse unnecessary. If you enjoy drinking green tea, you can simply pour boiling water over it in your brewing vessel. However, if you want to better appreciate the…

When is the best time to drink tea? Generally, the best times to drink tea are after breakfast and between 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The specifics can vary depending on individual circumstances. When is the Best Time to Drink Tea? Drinking tea is a great habit and an excellent way to cultivate one’s mind and body. It is recommended to drink tea after meals if it does not affect your sleep. Tea and coffee are two of the world's most beneficial natural beverages. Tea mainly contains polyphenols and caffeine. Some people are very sensitive to polyphenols and may experience symptoms of “tea drunkenness” when drinking tea on an empty stomach, such as dizziness or disorientation. Therefore, it is not advisable to drink tea on an empty stomach. Some people may be sensitive to caffeine, and drinking tea after dinner can affect their sleep. Tea aids digestion and is a bitter, qi-lowering beverage. It is important to note that tea contains large amounts of tannic acid, which can bind with proteins to form tannin-proteins, causing astringency and reducing intestinal motility. This can prolong the retention time of food residue in the intestines, leading to constipation. Therefore, it is best not…

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…

Why has Fuding white tea become so popular in recent years? Some say that the ultimate charm of white tea is its "liveliness"; it awakens your entire being, not just passing through your mouth but permeating your whole body, stirring your soul.Therefore, when drinking white tea, you should not only savor its taste but also appreciate its aroma. The correct method is essential! 01 Understanding the Aroma In general, white tea has a rich and fragrant aroma. However, if processed properly or stored well, it can also have a pure and intense scent. The high-grade white teas like Silver Needle and premium White Peony have a downy fragrance, which is an important criterion for judging their aroma, with a requirement that it be prominent. Due to their early picking and tender leaves, they also exhibit a distinct fresh aroma. 1. The "Aroma" of Silver Needle A well-aged, cleanly stored, and high-quality Silver Needle has a refined style and lingering flavor. Its aroma is elegant, varied, and enduring. The taste is clean and sweet, with continuous sweetness in the mouth and a long-lasting salivation effect, accompanied by a throaty aftertaste. 2. The "Aroma" of White Peony The aroma stands out, blending…

Black tea and milk can indeed be enjoyed together—think of the classic combination in milk tea. Some people say that milk should not be consumed with tea, as the calcium in milk can bind with oxalic acid in the tea, making it unabsorbable. This theory doesn’t hold up. Compared to vegetables, tea is not a major source of oxalic acid. A teabag contains 4-6 mg of oxalic acid per gram, and each molecule of oxalic acid can bind with two calcium ions. The molecular weight of oxalic acid and the atomic weight of two calcium ions are roughly in a 1:1 ratio. Brewing a cup of tea typically requires 1-2 grams of tea (for most people), which would contain no more than 12 mg of oxalic acid, resulting in a loss of only 12 mg of calcium. However, half a cup of milk (100 grams) contains 100-120 mg of calcium, so even if 12 mg were lost, it would only be one-tenth of the total, not something to worry about, and certainly not leading to osteoporosis. Can I Add Milk Directly to Black Tea? Milk can be added directly to black tea. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, and other…

China's tea culture has a long and rich history, with the six types of tea being its essence. Understanding the brewing methods and characteristics of each type not only enhances the joy of tasting tea but also allows you to better appreciate the unique charm of the leaves. Today, we will discuss the brewing methods and characteristics of the six major types of tea: green tea, black tea (known as red tea in the West), oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Green Tea Green tea is unfermented tea that retains more natural substances and nutrients, resulting in a fresh color and a delicate aroma after brewing. Characteristics: Green tea leaves are tender and green, the infusion is yellowish-green, the taste is fresh and refreshing, often with floral or chestnut-like aromas. Brewing Method: The most suitable water temperature for brewing green tea is 80-85°C. Take about 3 grams of tea leaves, place them in a glass cup, pour hot water over them, and steep for 1-2 minutes. You can refill the cup up to three times, ensuring that each infusion fully releases the tea's aroma. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Black…

Brewing tea is an art, and brewing green tea with tea ware is one of its finest aspects. Green tea is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its fresh and delicate flavor and its rich nutritional value. Today, we will discuss how to brew a great cup of green tea using tea ware, making every tea-tasting experience enjoyable. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting Suitable Tea Ware The choice of tea ware for brewing green tea is very important. We usually select glass tea ware, white porcelain tea ware, or purple clay pots. Glass tea ware is translucent, allowing you to clearly observe the dance of the tea leaves in water. White porcelain tea ware preserves the original color and aroma of the tea leaves. Purple clay pots, due to their unique breathability and heat retention properties, are also suitable for brewing green tea. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting and Preparing the Tea Leaves There are many varieties of green tea, such as Longjing, Biluochun, and Maojian, each with its unique flavor. When selecting tea leaves, it is recommended to choose fresh leaves, as new tea has better aroma and taste. Take an appropriate…

Cordyceps, also known as "Caterpillar Fungus," is a precious medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, offering various health benefits. Brewing Cordyceps into tea not only allows you to enjoy its unique flavor but also makes the most of its medicinal value. This article will detail how to brew Cordyceps tea and explore its many benefits and effects. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Brewing Method for Cordyceps Tea The brewing method for Cordyceps tea is actually quite simple, requiring just a few steps to complete. Required Ingredients - 3-5 grams dried Cordyceps - 250 milliliters of water - Honey or lemon (optional) Steps 1. Take 3-5 grams of dried Cordyceps and rinse it clean with water. 2. Pour 250 milliliters of water into a pot and heat it over medium heat until boiling. 3. Add the washed Cordyceps to the boiling water and continue boiling for 10 minutes. 4. Turn off the heat and let the tea sit for 5 minutes to fully release the effective components of the Cordyceps. 5. If desired, add honey or lemon for flavoring. 6. Strain the tea through a filter and it's ready to enjoy. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Benefits…

The suitable water temperature for brewing aged Pu'er tea is 100°C. Aged Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan sun-dried green tea, which undergoes fermentation, pile-fermentation, and pressing. Its rich internal components and pectin require boiling water (100°C) to facilitate the release of its internal substances and aromas. Brewing utensils such as a purple clay pot or a lidded bowl are recommended. Water Temperature for Brewing Aged Pu'er Tea Aged Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan green tea that has undergone pile-fermentation. It contains abundant and full-bodied substances and is best brewed at 100°C to fully express its smooth, silky, sweet, fragrant, and mellow characteristics. However, the brewing time should not be too long to avoid bitterness. The principle is to infuse and pour out quickly. Secondly, it's important to preheat the brewing vessel before steeping the aged tea. Preheating ensures the vessel is warm, enhancing the aroma of the Pu'er tea during actual brewing and improving the lingering fragrance in the cup. Aged Pu'er can be brewed with 100°C water, adjusting based on specific teas and local boiling points. For example, teas made from finer leaves may be brewed at around 95°C, while aged teas require high-temperature brewing,…

Recently, some tea enthusiasts have been asking me if it’s best to brew tea using a purple clay pot? What are the best brewing tools for green tea, black tea, and Pu'er tea? Before I address these questions, I should clarify that I’m pretty much a novice when it comes to purple clay pots. I only know a little about them, even though I have quite a few here and have used several of them, so I do have some practical experience. However, I don’t know much about their cultural history. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts with you. Let’s start by categorizing teas. First, there is green tea, which is most commonly brewed in a teacup, be it porcelain or glass. Every tea drinker knows that this is the simplest, most common, and most practical method. However, some also use gaiwans, purple clay pots, Jian ware, or porcelain kettles. But brewing tea in paper cups is not recommended; it's merely for convenience! If you use a paper cup for more expensive teas, you’re essentially wasting it. Additionally, brewing in multiple infusions can enhance the layers of flavor in the tea. Each infusion brings a slightly different experience, avoiding…

When brewing white tea, the water temperature should be controlled between 90-100°C. Fresh white tea, with its tender texture, is suitable for brewing with boiling water above 90°C. For aged white tea, it requires boiling water at 100°C to awaken its inner qualities. Brewing Water Temperature for White Tea The water temperature for brewing white tea is 100°C. As a fermented tea, the use of boiling water helps extract the inner substances from the leaves, resulting in a more fragrant and flavorful infusion. If the water temperature is too low, the tea leaves will not fully open, leading to a bland taste. When brewing white tea, it is recommended to use a lidded bowl. First, place the dry tea leaves inside, then pour in boiling water to rinse the tea. After 5 seconds, discard the water. Then add boiling water again, do not cover, and after 1-2 minutes when the tea has expanded, it can be consumed. Brewing Time for White Tea The brewing time for white tea varies according to the number of infusions. The first infusion takes about 5 minutes, the second takes around 3 minutes, and subsequent infusions should also be kept around 3 minutes. Typically, white…

Aged tea is relatively difficult to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin broth, and even an unpleasant aroma. Even more puzzling is when properly stored tea is brewed into a drink that leaves the throat dry, parched, and tight. This can be quite perplexing. To make aged tea taste good, the author conducted some experiments on issues such as the vessel, water, and brewing techniques. Here are some insights gained. The general approach is as follows: First, analyze the nature of the tea and identify its characteristics; second, determine the brewing goal based on these characteristics, aiming to go with the flow and highlight strengths while mitigating weaknesses; third, consider specific means to achieve this goal; finally, further analyze, validate, and adjust through practice. Brewing Methods and Tips for Aged Pu'er Tea Before brewing aged Pu'er tea, place the clay pot or gaiwan in a tea washer, remove the lid, and pour in 100°C boiling water. Cover the pot and pour boiling water over it. Use a tea tong to pick up the teacups and place them above the tea washer, then pour boiling water over the cups to sterilize them. Next, use a tea…

Raw Pu'er tea is characterized by its sweetness, softness, thickness, aroma, and mellow taste. Its aftertaste is strong and long-lasting, and the tea soup is smooth and delicate with a high viscosity. The flavor is harmonious, full-bodied, and rich. The tea has ample energy and vitality. Raw Pu'er is a type of Pu'er tea that comes in compressed and loose forms. To brew raw Pu'er tea, attention should be paid to the amount of tea used, brewing technique, and infusion time to avoid overly concentrated and heavy tea. The Correct Way to Drink Raw Pu'er Tea 1. Water for Brewing Pu'er Tea and Temperature: Use mineral water or purified water, with a temperature between 90°C and 100°C (boiling water). 2. Amount of Tea Used: Gently pry off layers of the compressed tea cake (tuocha, brick) using a tea knife. Adjust the quantity according to the number of people drinking. For a small group, use 8-10 grams of Pu'er tea; for a larger group, use 15-20 grams. 3. Awakening the Tea: Place the tea leaves into the teapot and pour in hot water (this not only awakens the tea but also helps clean it). Then discard the water. 4. Control the…

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