In the movie “Pegasus 2,” Yin Zheng, portraying Sun Yutang, brews Tea for Factory Manager Jia Bing. The comical way Sun Yutang carefully adds “Gao Sui” has become a memorable scene in “Pegasus 2,” provoking laughter from the audience.
Everyone watching the film can see the awkwardness of Zhang Chi, played by Shen Teng, and Sun Yutang, played by Yin Zheng, as they try to maintain a dignified appearance. Similarly, everyone can tell that “Gao Sui” is not considered high-end.
However, just as Zhang Chi and Yutang are not without talent, “Gao Sui” is certainly not a low-quality tea.
“Gao Sui” is a term unfamiliar to many, and it is indeed rarely seen today. Even Beijing's Qinglin Chun and Wu Yutai no longer sell it; only the century-old Zhang Yiyuan offers it for sale for a few days each October. It's not uncommon for old Beijingers to queue up in the early morning hours to buy “Gao Sui.”
What is the charm of “Gao Sui”? Why is it so beloved?
01
“Gao Sui” Has a Wide Popularity Base
Northerners love scented teas, one of which is “Gao Sui.” Its name includes the character “Sui” (shard), indicating its affordability.
“Gao Sui” is also known as labor insurance tea. In old Beijing, it was a popular beverage among the poor. Not everyone in old Beijing was a high-ranking official or wealthy; there were also many manual laborers.
These people struggled to make ends meet with their daily meals, let alone their drinks. However, physical labor causes sweating, necessitating a throat-soothing tea.
In old Beijing, there were not only teahouses for the rich but also tea stalls for the poor. These stalls primarily used “Gao Sui.”
A large pot of tea made from “Gao Sui” was provided to traveling laborers, who could refill if thirsty, solving a significant problem for those doing manual work at the time.
02
“Gao Sui” Is Not a Low-Quality Tea
However, “Gao Sui” does not mean poor quality tea, and not all tea can be called “Gao Sui”!
“Gao Sui” is short for high-grade Jasmine tea shards. Only the fragments sifted from top-grade tea are called “Gao Sui.” Neither the aroma nor the color of the Infusion is inferior to that of high-quality tea leaves.
Those who haven't tasted “Gao Sui” might think it's inferior, but those who understand it are seasoned tea drinkers. Many people buy “Gao Sui” not to save money but because they are accustomed to its rich flavor and cannot give it up.
03
How to Brew Gao Sui?
Compared to regular tea, the amount of “Gao Sui” tea needed can be reduced by about half, as the internal substances release quickly, requiring a faster brewing time.
It doesn't steep well repeatedly, so there's no need to brew it multiple times like regular tea.
In summary, teas like “Gao Sui” are often considered low-grade due to their appearance, but their quality is actually quite good. This is why so many old Beijingers love it.
As long as you enjoy it, whether whole or in shards, what does it matter? Tea is for your own enjoyment, not for show.