Many Tea enthusiasts have this dilemma: why, with the same tea leaves, the same teaware, and the same water, is the tea they brew not as good as someone else's?
Three aspects to focus on
Assuming the quality of the tea leaves is good, to brew a great cup of tea, the main factors are the teaware, the amount of tea used, and the steeping time.
1. Teaware
The appearance of a Gaiwan or teapot is secondary; what matters is its capacity, which directly affects the tea-to-water ratio and steeping time.
For example, a package of rock tea contains 8g for one brewing session. A gaiwan with a capacity of 100cc will require a different volume of water compared to one with a 130cc capacity. If steeped for the same duration, the resulting flavor will differ, with the former being more concentrated.
2. Amount of tea used
Maintain a tea-to-water ratio of 1:50. Typically, use 3g of Green Tea, 4g of Black Tea, 7-8g of Oolong Tea, and 8-10g of dark tea or Pu'er tea.
If unsure about the amount, start by experimenting with a reasonable quantity and adjust based on taste.
3. Steeping time
This is adjusted according to the amount of tea used. More tea requires a shorter steeping time and faster pouring speed, while less tea can steep for longer.
Three influencing factors
1. Water pouring technique
Whether you pour water along the edge of the gaiwan or directly into it has little effect on coarser teas but should avoid directly pouring onto delicate teas.
2. Water temperature
Use 80-85°C for green tea and 85-90°C for black tea. Other teas can be brewed with boiling water. Brewing at 80-90°C produces a milder, less bitter infusion.
3. Water quality
Water quality varies by region, so using bottled purified water is generally recommended. Good water can enhance the sweetness and body of the tea. Mountain spring water, for example, often results in a sweeter brew than purified water.
Details to pay attention to
1. Pouring out the tea
It's correct to completely empty the gaiwan after pouring out the tea to avoid affecting the taste of the next infusion.
2. Pouring speed
The angle at which you hold the gaiwan when pouring the tea into a sharing pitcher determines the speed of the pour. The size of the gap also influences the pouring speed, with larger gaps leading to faster pours and smaller gaps to slower ones. This difference, even if only five or six seconds, can affect the concentration of the tea.
Don't blindly follow a single brewing method
Tea is influenced by both the person making it and the weather during production, leading to variations in the final product. Therefore, when brewing tea, remember the four words “brew according to the tea.” Different teas require different methods, and different amounts of tea call for adjustments in brewing techniques.
In summary:
1. If the water temperature is low, the tea will be softer and slightly lighter in flavor. If boiled water is used, the tea flavor and aroma are fuller, and both positive and negative qualities are more pronounced.
2. If too little tea is used and the steeping time is insufficient, the tea will be weak and thin. If too much tea is used and the steeping time is not controlled, the tea will be strong and potentially slightly bitter.