Pu'er Tea brewing requires careful technique; many new tea enthusiasts are not yet familiar with the nuances of brewing Pu'er tea and may do so rather casually, which can greatly diminish the flavor of a fine tea. Here's how to Brew Pu'er tea for the best taste.
Pu'er Ripened Tea Brewing Method:
1. Use high temperature (boiling water) to rinse the tea to remove impurities (pour boiling water into a fair cup and let it sit naturally for about 30 seconds, or use a temperature-controlled hot water pot set to 95 degrees Celsius). Slightly cool before drinking.
2. Do not steep for too long to avoid bitterness. For teas that are slightly less fermented, you can also partially uncover the lid for the first three infusions to maintain the sweetness and freshness of the tea, which also helps dissipate the mature aroma.
Pu'er Raw Tea Brewing Method:
1. Use approximately 5g of raw tea. First, rinse the gaiwan with boiling water to warm it up. Add boiling water (100 degrees Celsius), pour out the first rinse after about 15 seconds, then for the second Infusion, let the tea steep in the gaiwan for around 30 seconds before Pouring out the liquor. For each subsequent infusion, increase the steeping time by 5-10 seconds appropriately.
2. Raw tea should be brewed with boiling water to effectively awaken its nutrients and effectively remove any storage odors, resulting in a purer and more aromatic taste.
How to Enjoy Pu'er Tea:
First, smell the aroma before drinking. Pour the brewed Pu'er tea into a cup and take a whiff with your nose. Authentic Pu'er tea should have a combination of earthy and floral scents. If you detect a pungent or odd odor, the quality of the tea might be questionable.
Second, savor slowly. Carefully appreciate the texture and taste of the Pu'er tea, while also observing the color and clarity of the tea leaves. Good Pu'er tea should have a clear color and transparency, with a rich and smooth taste.
In summary, brewing Pu'er tea correctly provides the best flavor experience. Choose the right tea, pay attention to the brewing method, water quality, aroma, and taste, and you can enjoy the unique charm of Pu'er tea.