Brew Tea

Understanding the Essence of Maojian Tea Maojian tea, one of China's famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its delicate buds and unique aroma. To brew a fragrant and smooth cup of Maojian tea, controlling water temperature is crucial. The right temperature not only activates the tea's fragrance but also prevents bitterness. So what is the ideal water temperature for brewing Maojian tea? Let’s delve into this question today. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Why is Water Temperature So Important for Maojian Tea? Maojian tea leaves belong to the green tea category and are tender with rich nutritional content. Too high a temperature can destroy these nutrients, making the tea bitter; too low a temperature fails to fully release the tea's aroma and flavor. Mastering the appropriate water temperature ensures that every cup of Maojian tea showcases its best flavor and mouthfeel. What is the Ideal Water Temperature? The best water temperature for brewing Maojian tea is approximately between 80°C and 85°C. This temperature range effectively releases the tea's fragrance and flavor without damaging its internal nutrients. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) How to Measure Water Temperature? There are several ways to ensure your water…

Tea brewing is both an art and a science. Whether you are new to tea or a seasoned enthusiast, mastering the right brewing techniques can significantly enhance the taste and aroma of your tea. In this article, we will detail key points in tea brewing training, helping you to easily brew the perfect cup at home. (Image source from the internet; delete if infringement occurs) Selection and Storage of Tea Leaves Good quality tea leaves are the foundation of successful brewing. When choosing tea, try to purchase fresh and high-quality leaves. You can smell the leaves when purchasing; fresh tea usually has a rich fragrance. Storing tea is equally important; it is recommended to keep tea in a dry, dark, and sealed container to avoid moisture and unwanted odors. The Importance of Water Quality Water is an essential element in tea brewing. Good water enhances the flavor of the tea, while poor water can ruin it. Generally, it is suggested to use purified or mineral water, avoiding tap water because the chlorine in tap water can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also critical, with different types of tea requiring different temperatures; green tea is best brewed…

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…

Pu'er tea Lao Cha Tou is the clumped tea that forms during the fermentation process of Pu'er tea. Its appearance consists of lumps and nodules, produced through artificial pile fermentation. Lao Cha Tou is rich in gelatinous substances and sugars, offering a thick, smooth mouthfeel and is tightly packed, making it highly durable for brewing. Here’s how to brew Lao Cha Tou: Lao Cha Tou is highly durable and can typically withstand about 30 infusions. However, some pieces remain unopened even after 30 infusions, although the infusion color fades at this point. In such cases, you can switch to cooking the tea in a pot. Below, we introduce how to cook Lao Cha Tou: Brewing Methods for Pu'er Tea Lao Cha Tou 1. Brew using a lidded bowl or a clay teapot with boiling water. Because the tea is tightly packed, do not immediately pour out the rinse water; instead, let it sit for 10 to 30 seconds before discarding. When brewing with boiling water, allow a slightly longer steeping time, adjusting as needed based on your taste preferences. 2. Cook the tea using a vessel, optionally rinsing with boiling water beforehand. Place the tea in cold water and bring…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…

Ripened Pu'er Tea If the first life of ripened tea comes from the raw materials picked from the branches; then its second life is given through the pile-fermentation process; and its third life is during the brewing. From dehydration to rehydration, then drying again and rehydrating, a piece of ripened tea completes three rounds of tempering, revealing the most splendid part of its existence. Its mildness, richness, and sweetness bring warmth and health to people. Ripened tea can be said to be the mildest among all types of tea, due to its highest fermentation degree (excluding aged naturally fermented teas). In fully fermented teas, it has a higher fermentation time and degree than black tea, Anhua dark tea, and others. Thus, the brewing requirements for ripened tea are relatively low. As long as the quality is excellent, it can be brewed to a suitable strength and will taste good no matter how you brew it. For example, the popular method of brewing with an insulated cup in the tea community is usually reserved for ripened tea. Of course, some brewing techniques can enhance the flavor of ripened tea and also mask certain defects in its processing. Quick Brewing Methods for…

To brew a perfect cup of tea, you need to know the "three elements" of the tea: the amount of tea leaves, water temperature, and brewing time. The brewing methods vary for each of the six major types of tea. If you don’t pay attention to these details, you may not bring out the best flavor of your tea, and it could end up tasting bitter and astringent. | Green Tea Water Temperature: 80-85°C. For high-quality green teas, use 75-80°C. Brewing Time: 10-30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing slightly in duration. Amount of Tea Leaves: Method 1: Water-to-tea ratio ≈ 1:50. This means using 1 gram of tea for every 50-60 grams (or milliliters) of water. Method 2: Fill the teaware about one-third full with dry tea leaves. Green tea is typically brewed in a glass teapot; for example, a 300ml glass teapot would use 6 grams of dry tea. | Yellow Tea Water Temperature: 80-90°C. For delicate yellow bud teas, use 80°C water; other yellow teas can be brewed at temperatures above 90°C. Brewing Time: 20-30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing slightly in duration. Amount of Tea Leaves: Yellow tea is similar to green tea but undergoes…

The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) states that "the lungs govern the skin and hair." With each breath we take, the lungs, through their function of dispersion, distribute vital energy and body fluids throughout the body to nourish the skin and hair, maintaining normal skin metabolism. If there are issues with the lungs, they often manifest through our skin. For example, dull skin without luster, roughness, and enlarged pores... To nourish the lungs and beautify the skin, according to the principle of "five colors correspond to five organs," there is a saying that "white nourishes the lungs." Mentioning white, tea enthusiasts immediately think of white tea. Silver Needle White Tea, made from tea buds, stands out among all white teas as particularly charming. Some describe it as "green snow bud" and call it the beauty among teas. Besides its high aesthetic value, Silver Needle is also rich in nutrients, with amino acid content reaching up to 9%. Its polyphenol content is also high, and after being stored for a year, it becomes richer in flavonoids. Silver Needle is not only widely recognized and consumed by the general public; its components' effects have been researched by countries…

Tea is a traditional beverage in our country. It contains large amounts of tannic acid, tea alkaloids, caffeine, and small quantities of aromatic oils, chlorophyll, multiple vitamins, and other nutrients. Drinking tea in moderation can invigorate the mind and body, quench thirst, eliminate dampness and heat, and alleviate illnesses, all of which are greatly beneficial to human health. So how should one drink tea healthily? Follow the four principles of "early, less, mild, and warm"! 01 Early The best time to drink tea is in the morning. After a night's metabolism, the body has consumed a lot of water, and the concentration of the blood is high. Drinking a cup of mild tea not only replenishes fluids but also dilutes the blood and prevents damage to the gastric mucosa. Tea is rich in caffeine, which has an exciting effect, keeping the mind alert, and this effect lasts for some time. If tea is consumed in the afternoon or evening, it may cause insomnia at night, which could have a negative impact on health, especially with newly harvested green tea, which has a strong stimulating effect. 02 Less The best amount of tea to drink is in small quantities. A large…

Drinking tea benefits health, especially when consumed consistently over time. However, it should be based on the principle of "drinking tea reasonably." To truly enjoy good tea, there are certain rules to follow, which vary depending on the person, the time, and the occasion. 1. Choose Your Tea Based on Personal Constitution The value of tea lies in its suitability for you. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, human constitutions can be categorized as hot or cold. Therefore, choosing the right tea according to one's constitution is essential. Generally, individuals with a normal constitution can drink most types of tea without concern, but for specific groups, selecting the right type of tea can make a difference. Those who smoke or drink alcohol regularly, tend to get overheated easily, have a fiery disposition, or are overweight usually have a heaty constitution and should opt for green tea, new white tea, or lightly fermented oolong tea; Seniors, those with a cold and weak digestive system, or people with a generally weak constitution typically have a cold constitution and are particularly suited to drinking black tea and ripe Pu'er. 2. Adjust Your Tea Based on the Time of Year Generally, the types of tea consumed…

Chrysanthemum tea is a popular traditional Chinese medicinal beverage, not only fragrant but also endowed with numerous benefits. As modern life becomes increasingly fast-paced, more people are paying attention to how they can maintain their health through diet and beverages. Chrysanthemum tea, due to its rich array of benefits and simple preparation method, has become a top choice for many. Today, let's talk about the amazing benefits of chrysanthemum tea! (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Basic Knowledge About Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum tea is a type of herbal tea made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers. It has a long history, having been widely used in China since the Tang Dynasty. The tea is golden yellow in color and has a fragrant taste, commonly used for clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as soothing the liver and improving eyesight. Common types of chrysanthemums include Hangju, Gongju, and Chuju, each with slightly different effects and flavors. Main Benefits of Chrysanthemum Tea Clearing Heat and Detoxifying On hot summer days, drinking a cup of refreshing chrysanthemum tea effectively clears heat and toxins. Chrysanthemums have a cooling nature that helps reduce body temperature and alleviate symptoms of heatstroke and headaches caused by hot weather.…

Hello everyone! Today, let’s talk about how to brew Bulang ancient tree tea. Bulang ancient tree tea is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its unique aroma and taste. However, to fully appreciate the best flavor of Bulang ancient tree tea, the brewing method is crucial. In the following, I will introduce in detail the brewing method of Bulang ancient tree tea, hoping to help every tea enthusiast. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Bulang Ancient Tree Tea? Bulang ancient tree tea is a type of Pu'er tea, produced in Bulang Mountain, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The ancient tea trees here have a long history, with most being several hundred years old. The leaves of Bulang ancient tree tea are thick and glossy, with a high aroma and rich taste that lingers pleasantly, making it much loved by tea enthusiasts. Preparation of Tools for Brewing Bulang Ancient Tree Tea Before brewing Bulang ancient tree tea, we need to prepare some tools: Teapot or Gaiwan: It is recommended to use a clay teapot or white porcelain Gaiwan, as these can better bring out the aroma of the tea leaves. Teacups: Choose white porcelain teacups, which allow you to better…

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

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…

Water pouring is the only step in tea brewing that requires complete manual control. The speed of pouring, the intensity of the water flow, the direction, height, and thickness of the water stream are all manually controlled but have a significant impact on the quality of the tea. Common methods of water pouring include: spiral pouring, circular pouring, single-point pouring on one side, and central point pouring. Common techniques for pouring water include: high pouring, high suspension, low pouring, and low suspension. Let’s take a look at these four methods and techniques to see how they work and what their characteristics are. The Four Methods of Water Pouring in Tea Brewing 01. Spiral Pouring This method ensures that the edges and the surface of the tea leaves in the gaiwan come into direct contact with the poured water, increasing the blend of tea and water at the moment of pouring. This pouring technique is suitable for black tea, green tea, and white tea. Or, when brewing later infusions where the flavor has become lighter, using spiral pouring can help the tea essence to release more quickly. 02. Circular Pouring As the name suggests, this involves pouring water in a circle…

The challenge in brewing Pu'er tea lies in its vast variety and ever-changing characteristics. Each time you brew Pu'er, the shape, age, and features seem different. This is the nature of Pu'er tea. To brew it well, you need to understand these factors: Newly Produced Sheng Pu'er (Raw) In terms of nature, newly produced Sheng Pu'er is similar to green tea. When brewing, avoid a cooked or over-steeped flavor by using slightly lower water temperature and a quick pour-off. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the tea tree variety, region, age of the trees, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors require slightly cooler water and shorter steeping times, while those with lighter flavors are the opposite. Newly Produced Shou Pu'er (Ripe) Compared to older teas, new Shou Pu'er often has some less desirable qualities, like a murky infusion, an impure aroma, and a less refined taste, along with off-flavors like the "pile" smell and strong bitterness. Since the water-soluble compounds in new Shou Pu'er dissolve quickly, you should aim to highlight its strengths and minimize its weaknesses by using high-temperature rinses to remove unwanted flavors, slightly cooler water for brewing,…

Different teas serve different purposes for your body, so it's important to choose carefully. Here are some specific teas suitable for summer: 1 Flower Tea Flower tea is often regarded as a natural health drink and is very suitable for consumption in the summer. Drinking flower tea in summer can help cool you down and quench thirst. Additionally, it can aid digestion, improve complexion, treat colds, and relieve irritability. In summer, it's best to choose cooling and heat-relieving flower teas, but if you have a weak spleen and stomach, you should consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether. If you have a weak spleen and stomach and still want to drink tea, it's better to choose warmer or neutral flower teas. 2 Ginger Tea According to traditional Chinese medicine, even though we feel hot in summer, our bodies are actually in a state of being externally hot and internally cold. Many people like to stay in cool places and eat cold foods in summer, which can be quite damaging to the spleen and stomach, potentially causing stomach pain or diarrhea. Therefore, when deciding what to drink in summer, it's best to choose warming foods or teas to regulate the…

What we dread most about winter is the lack of sunshine, wrapping layer upon layer of clothing yet still feeling the chill. Though we might not have a roaring fireplace, brewing a pot of aged tea on a small stove is certainly doable. The flames dance within the stove as the steam, carrying the aroma of the tea, gradually fills the room. Lifting the teapot to pour out the tea, the bright red liquor is enveloped in warm vapor. Sipping the tea, its soft and gentle texture feels like winter sunshine, warming both body and soul. On sunny days, one can take a small stool and sit under the sun, a bowl of aged tea at hand. Bathing in the warm sunlight while sipping hot tea, perhaps reading a book, pondering something, or simply daydreaming, relishing this moment of tranquility. This is likely the charm of aged tea—it brings warmth and induces calmness. As the weather gets colder, appetites tend to grow. Those who eat half a bowl of rice in summer may find themselves consuming a full bowl in winter. However, it’s not just about the quantity; even half a bowl needs side dishes! In the past, I assumed…

Drinking some Pu'er raw tea, ancient tree white tea, or sun-dried red tea from ancient trees during the Start of Spring can help in digestion and detoxification, as well as warm the stomach and nourish the liver.During this season, it is good to drink Pu'er raw tea, ancient tree white tea, or sun-dried red tea from ancient trees that have a rich aroma. This helps dissipate the coldness accumulated in the body during winter and promotes the rise of yang qi. These teas also have the benefits of warming the stomach and nourishing the liver. Moreover, Pu'er tea is not only rich and fragrant but also refreshing and invigorating, helping to dispel drowsiness. Benefits of Drinking Tea at the Start of Spring In spring, the liver's energy tends to become too strong, which can negatively impact the spleen and stomach. Additionally, spring is a season when yang qi rises and various pathogens and microorganisms reproduce and revive, making it easy for diseases to spread. Therefore, health preservation during spring is very important. Since tea aids digestion, clears the intestines, and detoxifies, drinking an appropriate amount of tea in spring can help cleanse the intestines, warm the stomach, and nourish the…

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…

You may have heard of cold-brew coffee, but have you ever heard of cold-brew tea? Yes, that thing exists! Cold-brew tea has actually been around for a while, but its popularity is not as high as its hot-brew counterparts. In this article, you will find out more about the history of cold-brew tea, the innovative ways of cold-brewing teas, the caffeine level of cold-brew tea, the differences between cold-brew tea and iced tea and hot-brew tea, and of course, the health benefits of cold-brew tea! Interested? Read more to find out! Traditional way of Cold-brew Cold-brew tea is not a new innovation. The Japanese have long believed that hot-brewing tea destroys the tea’s natural benefits as it burns the tea, which gave rise to the traditional way of cold-brewing teas: steeping tea in cold water for hours. However, this process may take a long time to finish – from 6 to 24 hours. Our way of Cold-brew In this fast-moving world, it is always convenient to have the instant option for our everyday necessities – and that includes cold-brew teas! If you are looking for the natural benefits and low caffeine level of cold-brew tea but steeping your tea for…

Master the Art of Brewing with the Right Temperature and You'll Be a Tea Connoisseur Too There are many types of tea, each with its unique flavor profile, and the water temperature used for brewing directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea. Understanding the appropriate water temperatures for different teas is key to making a great cup of tea. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, or Pu'er tea, each has its ideal brewing temperature. Let's explore the optimal brewing temperatures for various teas so that every cup you make can be a moment of pure enjoyment. Green Tea: Fresh and Natural, Tender Leaves Need Gentleness Green tea is unfermented, retaining the natural green color and fresh taste of the leaves. Due to the high content of polyphenols and vitamins in green tea, a lower water temperature is required for brewing. The Optimal Brewing Temperature for Green Tea Brewing Temperature: 75-80°C Brewing Time: 1-2 minutes Using water at 75-80°C helps avoid releasing too much bitterness from the tea while preserving its refreshing and crisp taste. The brewing time should not exceed 1-2 minutes, allowing the delicate aroma and fresh flavor of the young…

Buddhist Hand tea is a unique and fragrant type of tea, loved by many tea enthusiasts for its distinct citrus aroma and distinctive taste. To brew the perfect cup of Buddhist Hand tea, not only do you need high-quality tea leaves, but you also need to master the correct brewing techniques. Today, we will introduce in detail the method of brewing Buddhist Hand tea, so that every tea lover can easily enjoy this delicious, fragrant cup. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Selecting High-Quality Buddhist Hand Tea Leaves Before brewing Buddhist Hand tea, you first need to choose high-quality leaves. High-quality Buddhist Hand tea leaves are tightly bound, with a lustrous dark color, a rich and lasting fragrance, and when brewed, they produce a golden-yellow infusion. When purchasing, opt for well-known brands or trusted tea farmers to ensure the freshness and quality of the leaves. Preparations Prepare the following tools and materials: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, tea caddy, boiling water, and an appropriate amount of Buddhist Hand tea leaves. Porcelain or purple clay tea ware is recommended as these materials better retain the aroma and flavor of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Brewing Steps Warming the Teapot…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…