Brew Tea

Ancient warriors all had their unique weapons that, when revealed, made it clear who they were and how powerful. Today, while we no longer live in a world of sword fights and storms, having a unique tool can still give you an edge in modern life. A photography app can instantly enhance your beauty; a kitchen gadget makes chopping and mixing easy... And tea drinking is no different. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our tea lives. However, with so many types of tea kettles available on the market and differing preferences, let's explore how these magical kettles can become our brewing tools. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our…

Introduction Pu'er ripened tea is a type of dark tea that has undergone post-fermentation, renowned for its unique aged aroma and smooth, sweet taste, which is widely loved by tea enthusiasts. Understanding how to brew Pu'er ripened tea correctly not only allows you to fully experience its rich flavors but also adds to the enjoyment of drinking tea. In the following sections, I will guide you through the world of Pu'er ripened tea, step-by-step, teaching you how to brew the perfect cup of ripened tea. (Image source: network; delete if infringement occurs) Basic Knowledge of Pu'er Ripened Tea Pu'er ripened tea originates from Yunnan province and is made from large-leaf sun-dried green tea through a process of pile fermentation. The unique charm of ripened tea lies in its rich, thick taste and abundant aged aroma, along with health benefits such as warming the stomach and aiding digestion. Preparation for Brewing Pu'er Ripened Tea Selecting Teaware The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is selecting appropriate teaware. It is recommended to use a purple clay pot or a gaiwan, as these types of teaware can better bring out the aroma and taste of the tea leaves. Purple Clay Pot: Purple…

As is known to all, boiling tea, steaming tea, and infusing tea are three different ways of enjoying tea. Boiling tea is a form of tea art. During the prosperous Tang and Song dynasties, Chinese people used to drink boiled tea. Infusing tea is also an art. As the saying goes: "Use boiling water for aged tea and hot water for tender tea." Boiling refers to using freshly boiled water, while infusing means using water from a thermos. Steaming tea, however, is quite rare. In Liubao Town, Cangwu County, Guangxi, there is another popular way of enjoying tea: braising. Braising is a commonly used cooking method in southern cuisine. In southeastern Guangxi, there is a unique custom where serving tea is a way of hospitality for locals. Guests are welcomed with tea as if it were wine, and the tea remains warm even after guests leave. This is a tradition among the people of Liubao. "No tea to taste" implies that the host is either indifferent or lazy by nature. If you visit someone and "do not even taste the tea," it suggests disrespect towards the host. The reason why locals choose to braise their tea might be due to…

Yixing purple clay pots are renowned traditional tea brewing vessels in China. A purple clay pot enhances the color of the tea without overpowering its aroma, maximizing the release of its flavor. Here are several points to consider when brewing tea with a purple clay pot. 1. Warming the Pot The pot and cups should be heated with hot water both inside and out. This not only cleans the pot but also warms it, enhancing the awakening of flavors. Soaking both the interior and exterior can prevent the buildup of residue from previous brews. After warming the pot, pour the water into the fair cup and tea cups to rinse them. 2. Warming the Cups ① Warming the cups serves to clean the tea utensils. Even when left on the tea tray, they can collect dust. Before brewing, rinsing them with boiling water effectively removes any grime. ② Warming the cups helps better release the tea's aroma. Different aromas have different boiling points and can be affected by heat. When the room temperature is low, the cups will also be cooler, which can affect the water temperature during brewing and thus the flavor. Warm cups also prevent the tea from…

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…

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…

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…

Brewing may seem simple, but it actually involves many techniques that require continuous learning and improvement through practice, as the saying goes, “easier said than done.” During brewing, attention should be paid to factors such as water temperature, brewing time, and the method of pouring water. In addition to these, the brewing of Pu'er tea is also influenced by various factors, including the choice of water quality and the amount of tea used. 1. Water Temperature for Brewing The temperature of the water has a significant impact on the tea infusion. The aroma and taste of the tea are greatly affected by water temperature. Generally, to brew Pu'er tea as it should be enjoyed, the temperature should be as high as possible. When brewing young sheng Pu'er, too high a water temperature can scald the tea leaves, resulting in a cooked flavor and an overly bitter and astringent infusion. A lower temperature will not sufficiently activate the qualities of aged or ripe Pu'er, preventing its aroma and taste from being fully released. For young sheng Pu'er, if the water temperature can be set, the first four infusions can be at 95°C, with subsequent infusions at 100°C; if the temperature cannot…

In order to brew ripened tea in a tasty manner, the author conducted experiments on various aspects such as the brewing vessel, water, and brewing techniques. Here are some insights gained. The general approach is: first, analyze the nature of the tea and identify its characteristics; second, determine the brewing objectives based on these characteristics, aiming to follow the natural flow and capitalize on strengths while mitigating weaknesses; third, consider specific means to achieve these goals; finally, further analyze through practice to validate and adjust accordingly. 1. Analyzing the Nature of the Tea In terms of aroma. New ripened teas have a pile fermentation smell, but good teas will develop floral honey aromas or even aged aromas during mid-to-late infusions. Aged ripened teas have storage and withered leaf aromas, but good aged teas will develop excellent aged aromas or even medicinal aromas during mid-to-late infusions. In terms of taste. New ripened teas are no longer very stimulating or astringent, but they have a pleasant mouthfeel. When brewed properly, they can exhibit a viscous and sandy texture like red bean soup. Aged ripened teas have a clearer broth and milder taste, but they can have a high level of smoothness and…

"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…

If you're looking for a drink that's both delicious and healthy, flower water infusion tea is definitely a great choice. This natural beverage not only helps to relax the body and mind but also has many benefits. This article will introduce you to the various advantages of flower water infusion tea and teach you how to make it easily. (Image source: network, delete if infringement) What is Flower Water Infusion Tea? Flower water infusion tea is a type of tea made by infusing various flowers, such as chrysanthemum, rose, jasmine, and others, which have been dried. These flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, greatly benefiting health. Flower water infusion tea not only has vibrant colors and a pleasant aroma but also provides a natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. The Benefits and Effects of Flower Water Infusion Tea The benefits and effects of flower water infusion tea are varied and include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Boosting Immunity Many flower teas, such as chrysanthemum tea and rose tea, are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system and resist colds and other infections. 2. Improving Digestion Certain…

Ripened Pu'er tea can be tricky to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, and sometimes an unpleasant aroma. Even well-stored teas can produce a drying, tight sensation in the throat, which is quite perplexing. So how can we brew ripened Pu'er tea for a better taste? 1. Analyze the Tea's Nature In terms of aroma, new ripened teas have a piling smell, but good teas will develop floral and honey-like aromas or even aged scents as they are brewed. Older ripened teas may have storage and dried leaf aromas, but good old teas will exhibit excellent aged or medicinal aromas as they are brewed. In terms of flavor, new ripened teas are not very astringent or stimulating, but they do have a better mouthfeel. When brewed properly, they can present a smooth and sandy texture similar to red bean soup. Older ripened teas have a clearer broth and milder flavor, but they can achieve a high level of smoothness and oiliness when brewed properly, even reaching a state of "melting." Generally speaking, ripened teas are not very complex and tend not to hold up through many infusions. 2. Establish Goals Based on the Tea's…

Tea enthusiasts enjoy brewing tea to a certain level, making each session a delight in their daily lives. Brewing a good cup of tea requires more than just the right teaware and water quality; the brewing method is equally important. When brewing tea, there are two methods: dry brewing and wet brewing. Do you know what dry brewing and wet brewing mean? Wet Brewing The so-called wet brewing method is the most familiar way of brewing tea in everyday life. Washing the teaware and tea leaves on the tea table, pouring hot water over the teaware, and letting the water directly spill onto the tea table—this is known as wet brewing. The most direct way to determine if the wet brewing method is being used is whether the tea table has a large surface area or if water can be poured directly onto it. A large tea table serves the purpose of allowing the rinse water from cleaning teaware and tea leaves, as well as excess tea water, to be poured directly onto it. As a result, the tea table appears damp, hence the term "wet brewing." The modern wet brewing tea tray originated from Chaozhou Gongfu tea, where hot…

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 has Fuding white tea become so popular in recent years? Some say that the ultimate appeal of white tea is its "vitality"; it awakens your entire being when you drink it. It doesn't just pass through your mouth but permeates your whole body, awakening your soul. So, when drinking white tea, it's not just about tasting its flavor but also savoring its aroma. And how do you properly appreciate the aroma of white tea? The correct method is crucial! I. Understanding the Aroma In general, white tea has a rich and fragrant aroma. However, if processed properly or stored well, it can also exhibit a pure and intense scent. High-grade white teas like Silver Needle and premium White Peony have a characteristic downy aroma, which is a critical factor in aroma evaluation, and should be prominent. Due to their early picking and tenderness, they also have a noticeable fresh fragrance. 1. The "Aroma" of Silver Needle A well-aged, cleanly stored, and high-quality Silver Needle has a refined style with a lingering aftertaste. Its aroma is delicate yet varied and enduring, with a clean and sweet taste that lingers in the mouth, creating a lasting salivation effect with a pleasant…

Tea has a multitude of health benefits. While drinking tea regularly is generally good for your health, choosing the right type of tea according to your body's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, as a special group, often have times when their bodies are not at their best, so they need to be more mindful than men when drinking tea. Let’s take a closer look~ 01 How to Choose Your Tea? When drinking tea, you can choose the type based on your own constitution and the nature of the tea. Chinese teas are divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (red in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Black tea (red in China) is warm in nature and suitable for those who suffer from cold hands and feet, are weak, or are older. Green tea is cool in nature and is appropriate for those with a hot constitution or high energy levels, as well as people who work in front of computers frequently. Yellow tea is similar to green tea in terms of properties. Oolong tea is neutral in nature, fragrant, and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for most people. Dark tea is warm…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

Drinking tea is a common practice for adults. However, in daily life, we rarely see children drinking tea. Many parents allow their children to drink regular soft drinks and carbonated beverages but seldom permit them to drink tea. Zhu Haiyan, Director of the Horticultural Culture Research and Dissemination Center at the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Hunan Agricultural University, explains that there are two main reasons why we seldom see children drinking tea in everyday life. Firstly, children do not like the bitter taste of tea. More importantly, people believe that tea has a certain stimulating effect which may be detrimental to children's growth and development, potentially harming their spleen and stomach. In fact, these views are one-sided. "Scientifically speaking, drinking safe and hygienic tea, without consuming it too strong, can bring many benefits to children," Zhu Haiyan says. Firstly, moderate tea consumption helps to reduce fat and promote weight loss. According to relevant surveys, more than one-fifth of school-aged children in major cities in China suffer from varying degrees of nutritional excess, leading to numerous cases of obese children and those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, severely affecting their physical and mental development. The…

Chenpi, or tangerine peel, is widely used in daily life. It can be combined with various teas, adjust flavors in dishes, and even harmonize different medicines. In Guangdong Province, its importance is even more pronounced as it is commonly used for infusing water, making tea, and preparing soups. As the saying goes, “An ounce of chenpi is worth an ounce of gold.” When purchasing chenpi, do you know how to properly infuse it? After all, only by using the correct method can its full benefits be released, allowing us to better appreciate its taste. Here, we will share a few detailed methods for infusing chenpi, which are very simple: Infusing Tea Method For chenpi aged less than five years, this method is suitable. Once the water boils, rinse the tea utensils first to increase their temperature. Then place the chenpi into a lidded bowl and pour boiling water over it. The first infusion should last three minutes to allow the aroma of the chenpi to permeate the tea. The subsequent infusions can be for one minute each, and then 30 seconds thereafter. Remember to cover the bowl while infusing to retain the aroma and ensure a sweet and smooth flavor.…

During spring, a person's liver qi tends to become excessively active, which can have adverse effects on the spleen and stomach. Spring is also the season when yang energy rises, making it a time when various pathogens and microorganisms thrive and reproduce. As such, diseases tend to be more prevalent during this period, making spring health preservation particularly important. Tea is described in "Compendium of Materia Medica" as: “Ming, bitter tea. Ming, bitter in taste, slightly cold, non-toxic. It is primarily used for acne, promotes urination, clears phlegm, and quenches thirst. It also helps with sleeplessness and is best harvested in autumn. Bitter tea is used to regulate qi, eliminate food residue from the previous day, and when made into a drink, it can include ingredients like mountain hawthorn, green onions, and ginger.” Here, tea is characterized by its nature and taste as “slightly cold” and “bitter.” According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, sweetness is considered nourishing, while bitterness has a purgative effect, so tea possesses both nourishing and purgative properties. Thus, there is the saying that “tea is a remedy for all illnesses.” Many historical records in China mention the benefits of Pu'er tea, suggesting that “Pu'er tea…

Each type of tea has a specific suitable water temperature for brewing; some types must be steeped directly in boiling water, while others require cooling before steeping, or they will taste unpleasant. However, many seasoned tea drinkers believe that regardless of the type of tea, it should always be steeped in boiling water to bring out its aroma. If you were to say your tea cannot be steeped in boiling water, then sorry, they would immediately assume it is not of good quality. There is indeed a saying: "Good tea isn't afraid of being scalded by boiling water." Is this really true? 01. Why Isn't Good Tea Afraid of Being Scalded by Boiling Water? Judging whether something is "good tea" is subjective for everyone. Good tea is relative, but if we are objective, good tea is determined by good raw materials and good processing methods. If these two conditions are met, the quality of the tea is generally assured. Good raw materials determine that the tea leaves contain abundant substances, are resistant to brewing and can withstand high temperatures without revealing their true colors with just one steeping; good processing ensures stable extraction rates, and if there are issues with…

White tea is best brewed with water at 80-85 degrees Celsius. As a slightly fermented tea, using moderately hot water can better activate the aroma and flavor of white tea. If boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) is used, it may damage the tea leaves to some extent, affecting both the taste and nutritional value of the tea. Therefore, it is recommended to use water heated to 80-85 degrees Celsius when brewing white tea. Brewing Temperature for New White Tea The ideal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, ensuring the freshness and crispness of the tea while not compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the taste of the tea infusion. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, which ensures the freshness and crispness of the tea without compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, because the tea infusion color is darker, care should be…

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

Can all teas be both steeped and boiled? Of course not. Some teas can become unpalatable when boiled. So, which teas are suitable for boiling, and which are best for steeping? Compared to steeping, boiling allows the full release of a tea’s contents, resulting in a sweeter and richer tasting tea. Which Teas Are Suitable for Boiling, and Which Are Best for Steeping? Green tea should not be boiled. It is an unfermented tea with delicate leaves. Boiling would destroy the vitamin C content and cause excessive caffeine to seep out, turning the tea yellow and making it taste bitter and astringent. Huang tea (yellow tea) should not be boiled. Yellow tea must never be boiled. Its appeal lies in its freshness. Boiling with high water temperatures would ruin the delicate green tea, causing too much caffeine to be released, resulting in a bitter and astringent flavor. Aged white tea can be boiled. New white tea cannot withstand boiling. The most suitable for boiling are aged Gongmei or Shoumei teas. White Peony and Silver Needle, especially those containing tender buds, are not recommended for boiling. Black tea can be steeped or boiled. Black tea is a fully fermented tea with…