Teaware

1. After drinking tea, remember to dispose of the tea leaves and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot. Note that when using a new teapot, remove any wax, oil, dirt, and tea scale from its surface. 2. If you find there is tea scale on your teaware, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the teaware, then spread it evenly over the surface with your hand or a cotton swab. After about one minute, rinse the teaware with water. 3. Chop up some potato and put it in the cup, pour boiling water into the cup and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The tea scale will then be easy to wash off. Potatoes contain starch which has strong absorption properties, making it easy to remove the scale from the cup. 4. Place a small spoonful of orange powder or orange juice inside the teacup or teapot, fill it with water, and leave it for 2-3 hours. This makes the tea scale detach from the teaware, making it easier to remove. Different cleaning tools are used for different types of teaware materials 1. To remove tea scale from metal tea strainers, if the metal tea…

People often like to add other ingredients when drinking tea to adjust its flavor. Some foods can stimulate the tea, making its aroma more intense, while others can enhance the tea's health benefits. What is the best thing to pair with Pu'er tea? It depends on your goal. If you want to cleanse your digestive system, you can pair it with honey. If you're looking for beauty benefits, rose flowers are a good choice. The Chinese approach to tea consumption has never been limited to plain drinking. On the contrary, there are many ingredients that complement tea well and can be excellent for adjusting flavors and promoting health, even for Pu'er tea, which is often associated with plain drinking. The people of Yunnan have their own unique additions to this tea. Combinations for Drinking Pu'er Tea 1. Pu'er Ripened Tea with Honey Ripened Pu'er tea can be enjoyed with honey, making the brewed tea sweet but not cloying, with an improved taste and higher nutritional value. To prepare, place ripened Pu'er tea in a clean teaware, pour boiling water over it, and steep. Once steeped, transfer the tea to a cup, let it cool slightly, then stir in an appropriate…

Drinking Pu'er tea is best with porcelain cups, purple clay cups, glass cups, etc. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Raw tea has a stronger character and ample qi, with noticeable salivation and a sweet aftertaste. Ripe tea is mellow and smooth, with rich inner qualities. Using different types of cups—such as glass or porcelain cups—can authentically reproduce the tea's aroma, while purple clay cups can enhance the depth of the tea's flavor. Suitable Cups for Drinking Pu'er Tea Tasting Cup: As the name suggests, a tasting cup is used for savoring tea. In the eyes of many tea enthusiasts, the tasting cup is an essential piece of teaware that showcases one’s personal taste. Tasting cups come in various shapes and materials. When choosing a tasting cup, always adhere to the principle that it should not be hot to the touch and should be easy to drink from, selecting a cup that matches both the tea leaves and the teapot. Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a type of teaware consisting of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid, also known as a "three-talent bowl" or "three-talent cup." It can be made from…

How should an idle purple clay teapot be stored?In fact, many of us who collect teapots will often encounter this problem. Typically, when we buy a new teapot, we rinse it with tea or water to "wake up" the clay. However, when we store it in a brocade box, we often overlook one important detail, which is a big no-no for storing a purple clay teapot. Here, I'll explain some common reasons why purple clay teapots develop mold spots: Possibility One: After washing the teapot, the owner puts the lid back on without allowing the pot to completely dry. This leads to stagnant water inside the pot, creating a humid environment that lacks air circulation, which provides an ideal habitat for mold growth. Possibility Two: High humidity in the air. During February and March, which are the rainy months in southern China, the air is very humid. If the space where the teapot is stored is not well-ventilated, improper storage can lead to mold formation. How do you remove mold spots? Procedure: Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot. When the pot is thoroughly heated, pour out the hot water and fill it with cold boiled water. Repeat this…

   The seven correct steps for brewing tea: boiling water, washing cups, adding tea leaves, infusing, pouring tea, serving tea, and savoring the tea.    The first step is to boil the water for brewing. The second step is to rinse the teaware with boiling water. The third step is to add the tea leaves to the cup. The fourth step is to pour water over the leaves to infuse them. The fifth step is to distribute the tea into the cups. The sixth step is to serve the tea to guests. The seventh step is to enjoy the tea with guests or friends. One; Boiling Water    For brewing tea, mountain spring water, purified water, and mineral water are ideal choices. Regardless of whether you need water at 80 degrees Celsius or 90 degrees Celsius, it must be boiled first before cooling to the desired temperature. Two; Washing Cups    Pour hot water into the teapot, gaiwan, aroma cup, and tasting cup. This process, known as warming and rinsing the teaware, cleans the utensils and raises their temperature, which helps in bringing out the aroma of the tea later on. Be sure to quickly discard the water. Three; Adding…

We often talk about the unique characteristics of purple clay teapots, such as their ability to retain fragrance when brewing tea and lack of cooked soup aroma. While the claim that they remain fresh even in summer might be an exaggeration, purple clay teapots do indeed have a distinctive “porosity” not found in other types of teaware. ▲ Brewing tea with a purple clay pot The porosity of purple clay teapots comes from their unique “double-pore structure,” which refers to the sand particles and their agglomerate structure within the clay material itself. ▲ Cross-section particles Purple clay materials used for making teapots vary in coarseness, indicated by different mesh sizes, leading many to wonder if the porosity of a purple clay teapot is related to its mesh size. Mesh Size The mesh size refers to the size of the purple clay particles. When we grind and sieve purple clay ore, we use a screen to determine the mesh size, with common sizes being 24, 32, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh. The smaller the mesh size, the coarser the clay particles; conversely, the larger the mesh size, the finer the clay particles. ▲ Cross-section particles The mesh size also affects…

Life must have entertainment. Aside from proper work and scholarly pursuits, a change of atmosphere and some entertainment can uplift one's spirit. There are many forms of entertainment, such as drinking, playing cards, chess, singing, listening to opera, painting, and drinking tea, each with its own benefits. But among all these forms of entertainment, if we were to choose one that is both convenient and refined, it might be drinking tea. 01Solo Enjoyment One doesn't drink alone, and two don't play cards. Singing and listening to opera require a group to be enjoyable. Even chess requires at least two players; one person cannot enjoy it by themselves. Only drinking tea is convenient for both groups and individuals. It can be enjoyed alone or with others, without the need for companions. 02No Restrictions on Time and Place Playing ball requires a court, and listening to opera requires a theater, and both need good weather and specific times. Other forms of entertainment also have their limitations. Only drinking tea has no restrictions on time or place. It can be done in the morning or evening, indoors or outdoors. All you need is a table, tea leaves, and teaware, making it very flexible…

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

Generally, Oolong tea is best for gongfu brewing, but white tea, black tea, yellow tea, and dark tea can also be used. Since these teas are processed after fermentation, the resulting infusion is clear and bright in color with a better taste and lingering flavor. Can Black Tea Be Used for Gongfu Brewing? 1. Selecting Suitable Black Tea: Gongfu brewing usually suits single-origin teas, and there are many varieties of black tea, each with different flavors and aromas. Choosing the right variety of black tea is crucial. Generally, Yunnan black (Dian Hong), Lapsang Souchong, Keemun black tea, and Golden Eyebrow are suitable for gongfu brewing. 2. Controlling Brewing Time: Gongfu brewing requires shorter steeping times, while black tea typically needs longer steeping times, usually around 3-5 minutes. It's important to control the brewing time to avoid overly strong or weak tea. 3. Adjusting Water Temperature: Gongfu brewing typically uses boiling water, whereas black tea should be brewed at a slightly lower temperature, around 90°C. Adjusting the water temperature is necessary to prevent the tea from being too hot or too cool. 4. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware: Gongfu brewing often uses clay pots or glass cups, while black tea is better…

Brewing ripened Pu'er tea involves three main steps: 1) Prepare a Yixing clay pot or a gaiwan; 2) Determine the tea-to-water ratio, using 7g of tea for every 100ml of water when brewing with a gaiwan, and 10g of tea for every 180ml of water when brewing with a Yixing pot; 3) Rinse the tea for about 10 seconds before brewing, then infuse with boiling water, with the first to fifth infusions steeping for 5-7 seconds, and subsequent infusions steeping for 7-10 seconds. 1. Teaware You can use a Yixing clay pot or a gaiwan to brew ripened Pu'er tea. The internal pores of a Yixing pot provide good breathability, which helps to enhance the aroma and aged flavor of the tea. A gaiwan, on the other hand, does not absorb flavors, allowing you to experience the true taste of the ripened Pu'er and appreciate its beautiful color. 2. Tea Quantity If using a gaiwan, a general guideline is a tea-to-water ratio of 7g of tea for every 100ml of water. For brewing with a Yixing pot (180ml capacity), around 10g of tea is suitable. Adjust the amount of tea based on your preference for stronger or milder flavor. 3.…

In the scorching summer heat, drinking green tea is a great choice. Those who understand tea know that there are specific nuances to brewing green tea. Beyond the requirement for water temperature, the order in which the tea leaves are added is also very important. Let's explore the three different methods of adding tea leaves. I. The Three Methods of Adding Tea Leaves 1. There’s an Art to the Order of Adding Tea Leaves When you brew tea, do you put the tea leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour half the water before adding the leaves? These questions might seem trivial, but using green tea as an example, different types of green tea have different methods of adding the leaves. 2. Top Addition Method: Pour the water first, then add the tea leaves, allowing them to sink slowly. The top addition method is suitable for tea leaves that are heavy and covered with fine down, such as Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the tea leaves will naturally sink when placed in the water, gradually releasing their internal substances. The down on the surface will also slowly disperse in the water, resulting…

Boiling tea can be seen as an advanced method compared to steeping. Typically, boiling is used when the full depth of flavor cannot be extracted by steeping alone, as boiling makes the tea more aromatic and robust. Generally, older teas are better suited for boiling because they are more resilient and have a richer and varied internal quality. Examples include aged white tea, aged Pu'er tea, and aged Tieguanyin oolong. Tea can be boiled directly or after initial steeping. Lighter teas like white tea are suitable for direct boiling in a pot, while stronger teas such as dark teas benefit from being steeped in a covered bowl for four to five rounds before boiling, preventing the resulting brew from being overly strong. What Kinds of Tea Can Be Boiled? Which Teas Are Best for Boiling? 1. Young White Tea Should Be Steeped; Aged White Tea Is Better Suited for BoilingWhite tea is a minimally processed tea that is sun-dried or gently oven-dried, giving it a distinctive silver color and "green with white" appearance. Its aroma is gentle, and its liquor is light. White tea is typically categorized into Silver Needle (pure buds), White Peony (one bud and one or two…

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…

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…

Dian Hong is a type of black tea produced in Yunnan Province, commonly abbreviated as “Dian Hong” and classified within the black tea category. It is cultivated in areas such as Lincang, Baoshan, Fengqing, Xishuangbanna, and Dehong in southern and southwestern Yunnan. Dian Hong is blended from large-leaf red broken tea. The standardized products include leaf tea, broken tea, fannings, and dust in four categories with eleven different grades. Each has its own specific shape and appearance, characterized by a solid texture and harmonious color. When brewed, the tea yields a bright red infusion with a prominent golden ring, a fresh and fragrant aroma, and a strong, stimulating taste. The leaves at the bottom of the cup are uniformly red and bright. Even when milk is added, the tea retains a robust flavor, presenting a brown, pink, or ginger-yellow hue that is bright and vivid. Its defining characteristics are its strength, intensity, and freshness. The production of Dian Hong involves using fresh leaves from high-quality large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, processed through withering, rolling or cutting, fermentation, and baking to create the finished tea product. Brewing Methods for Dian Hong Tea Warm the teaware: Add an appropriate amount of cold…

When brewing tea, controlling the water temperature can affect the taste and aroma of the tea. Different types of tea are best brewed at different temperatures, specifically as follows: Green tea: being delicate, it is not suitable to be steeped in boiling water; a water temperature of 80°C-85°C is recommended. Oolong tea: also known as green tea (a term that can be confusing as it is different from the non-fermented green tea), it is a semi-fermented tea with varieties such as Southern Fujian Oolong, Northern Fujian Oolong, Guangdong Oolong, and Taiwanese Oolong. There are three key elements to brewing oolong tea: the water used, the teaware, and the brewing technique. It's important to follow the principle of "using spring water from stone sources, charcoal stoves, and small teaware." Yixing clay pots or covered bowls are ideal choices for brewing, and the water should be boiled at over 95°C. Huang tea (Yellow tea): being a lightly fermented tea, varieties like Mengding Yellow Bud, Junshan Silver Needle, and Weishan Maojian belong to this category. The tea leaves are delicate, and too high a temperature can scald them, so a brewing temperature between 85°C-90°C is preferable. Black tea: the water temperature should be…

Black tea, with its mild nature, is suitable for all ages and is loved by many tea enthusiasts. However, some enthusiasts complain that the tea they brew has a sour and astringent taste, not as pleasant as they imagined. Is it because the tea isn't good? Or is it the way you're brewing it? Even the most mild-mannered person can lose their temper sometimes, and similarly, while black tea is easy to brew, when done incorrectly, it can result in an unpleasantly sour, bitter, and astringent taste. To enjoy a good cup of tea, having high-quality tea leaves alone is not enough; one must also use the correct brewing method to properly bring out the aroma and flavor. Now, let's share the method for brewing black tea. The Correct Method for Brewing Black Tea Warm the teaware: Before brewing black tea, pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups to warm them up. This increases the temperature and ensures cleanliness. Add tea: Using a tea measure, add 5g of tea leaves to the warmed teacup, adjusting the amount based on the number of people and the size of the cup. Brew: Gently pour freshly boiled water into the teacup until…

The brewing temperature for Dian Hong black tea is 95-100°C. High-quality black tea contains a rich array of substances and deeply accumulated aromatic compounds that can only be fully released with water at or above 95°C. This high temperature brings out the tea's rich and varied aroma and also helps to extract its internal substances, ensuring the fullness of the tea liquor. What Temperature Water is Best for Brewing Dian Hong Black Tea? The ideal water temperature for brewing Dian Hong black tea is 95°C. Black tea is made through fermentation, and using high temperatures can fully extract polyphenols, amino acids, and other substances from the tea. Additionally, high temperatures enhance the aroma and richness of flavor. However, the 95°C refers to water that has been left to cool for about 2 minutes after boiling, not water that has not reached boiling point. For premium black teas, a water temperature around 95°C is suitable, or you can use water at 100°C for a more intense flavor. Regardless, the water must always be brought to a boil. There isn't a definitive temperature, as lower temperatures yield a smoother taste and slower extraction of substances, increasing the tea's durability, while higher temperatures…

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…

Embrace the Magic of Flower Tea Flower tea is not just a beverage, it's a way of life. Whether you're seeking relaxation or simply enjoying its taste, brewing a cup of flower tea is a delight. Here, we will detail how to brew flower tea correctly so that you can enjoy a perfect cup every time. Select High-Quality Flower Tea Ingredients To brew a delicious cup of flower tea, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Whether it's rose, jasmine, or chrysanthemum tea, choose those with bright colors, intact petals, and rich fragrance. This ensures both great taste and additional health benefits. Prepare Suitable Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water used for brewing flower tea is crucial. It's best to use purified or mineral water to avoid the chlorine and impurities found in tap water, which can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also key; different types of flower tea require varying temperatures. Generally, the ideal brewing temperature for flower tea is between 80°C and 90°C, ensuring the aroma and nutrients are preserved without being damaged. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringement occurs.) Master the Proper Amount of Tea Leaves The amount of tea leaves…

Using a gaiwan differs between men and women. How to brew a good cup of tea with a gaiwan depends on individual circumstances. The normal capacity of a gaiwan typically ranges from 100ml to 300ml. Different people will choose according to their needs. Gaiwans preferred by women ▲Women have smaller hands, so they need more compact teaware. Women have smaller hands, so they need more compact teaware. The size of the gaiwan generally should not exceed 150ml. Therefore, the most suitable size for a gaiwan is between 100-150ml. It can be even smaller, like 80ml, as this size also exists. A 150ml gaiwan is usually about 9cm in diameter at the rim and 8cm tall. So, in my opinion, a size of 120ml would be most suitable for women. This size is moderate; if the material is thin porcelain, it won't feel heavy or hot in the hand, making it the best choice. Gaiwans preferred by men ▲Men tend to drink larger quantities of tea more frequently, so they need a larger gaiwan. Men tend to drink larger quantities of tea more frequently, so they need a larger gaiwan. The largest gaiwan is around 300cc. Anything larger than that would…

With the recent spell of high temperatures, the air has become stiflingly hot. Have you turned on your electric fan or perhaps the air conditioner to cool off in this sultry weather? The humid climate brought about by such heat can lead to an accumulation of dampness within the body. When dampness accumulates in the body, it can cause a lack of appetite and other issues. Excessive dampness can also lead to digestive problems, which are typically addressed through dietary adjustments. Chenpi is particularly helpful for those suffering from poor digestion and loss of appetite. The Benefits of Chenpi Chenpi is a type of Chinese medicinal herb that has a pungent and slightly bitter taste and is warm in nature. It can effectively dry dampness and transform phlegm, helping to remove excess dampness from the body. It is known for its ability to regulate qi and relieve pain, as well as to strengthen the spleen and harmonize the middle energizer. These properties make it useful for improving spleen and stomach weakness. For those who frequently consume greasy or cold foods or live in cold and damp environments, leading to excessive dampness in the body, chenpi can help regulate the spleen…

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…

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…