Selection and Preparation of Tea Leaves
Brewing a good cup of tea starts with choosing high-quality leaves. There are numerous types of tea, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. Whether it's the fragrant Green Tea, the rich and full-bodied Black Tea, or the smooth and lingering oolong tea, selecting tea that suits your taste is the first step to brewing a great cup. When buying tea, consider factors such as color, aroma, and shape; good quality tea typically has uniform color, natural fragrance, and intact form.
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After preparing the tea leaves, you can proceed to the next step. Depending on the type of tea and personal preference, prepare an appropriate amount of tea—usually 3-5 grams per cup is sufficient.
Choice and Temperature of Water
The importance of water quality in brewing tea cannot be overstated. Preferably use fresh spring water, mineral water, or purified tap water to ensure the original flavor of the tea. Controlling water temperature is also crucial for brewing good tea, as different types of tea require different temperatures. The water temperature for green tea is usually between 75-85°C, black tea requires 90-95°C, while oolong tea needs boiling water at 95-100°C.
Selection and Cleaning of Tea Utensils
Selecting suitable tea utensils can enhance the taste and experience of tea. Common tea utensils include covered bowls, purple clay pots, and glass teapots, each with its unique advantages. Covered bowls are suitable for brewing green and black tea, purple clay pots are better suited for oolong and Pu'er tea, and glass teapots are ideal for flower tea and some types of green tea. Regardless of which utensils you choose, ensure they are clean, rinsing them with hot water before each use to remove impurities and maintain the aroma of the tea.
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Warming the Cups and Rinsing the Tea
Before brewing tea, warm the teacups and teapot with hot water, known as warming the cups. This not only raises the temperature of the utensils, keeping the tea warmer for longer, but also removes any odors, making the tea broth purer. Next comes rinsing the tea, where the leaves are placed in the pot or covered bowl, briefly rinsed with hot water, and then quickly drained. This removes surface dust and impurities, allowing the leaves to begin to unfurl, preparing them for proper brewing.
Actual Brewing Process
During actual brewing, place an appropriate amount of tea in the utensil and pour water at the right temperature, generally filling it to about eight-tenths full. Different teas have different brewing times: green tea typically takes 1-2 minutes, black tea 2-3 minutes, and oolong tea 3-5 minutes. The first brew is called the initial infusion, with the strongest aroma but milder flavor. The second infusion, known as the second infusion, offers the richest flavor, the most suitable time for tasting. Generally, tea can be brewed 3-5 times, with slightly extended brewing times for each subsequent infusion.
Etiquette of Tasting Tea
Tasting tea is more than just drinking—it is an experience of culture. When tasting tea, one should be in a pleasant mood and focused, to appreciate the aroma and taste. Sip gently, letting the tea broth spread slowly in the mouth, fully savoring the nuances of the tea. The environment for tasting is also important; a tranquil setting helps one concentrate on the flavors, enhancing the enjoyment of tea.
Tea Art and Culture
Tea art is an integral part of Chinese traditional culture. By learning and mastering tea art, one can better appreciate the charm of tea. Tea art encompasses several steps, including selecting tea, preparing water, brewing, and tasting, each with its unique techniques and considerations. Learning tea art not only improves one's skills in brewing tea but also deepens understanding and appreciation of Tea culture.
Arrangement of the Tea Table
An elegantly arranged tea table can greatly enhance the tea-tasting experience. The arrangement should be simple and elegant, with tea utensils and accessories neatly placed. Decorative items like tea flowers and tea pets can be added to the table to increase its charm. The color scheme should be harmonious, avoiding overly bright colors to maintain the tranquility and elegance of the tea table.
Sharing Tea with Friends
Tea is not just a beverage but also a medium for social interaction. Sharing tea with friends can strengthen bonds and share the beauty of tea. When tasting tea together, mutual respect should be maintained, avoiding loud noises to keep the tranquility of the tea table. Share your impressions of the tea and exchange insights into tea art, making the tea-tasting experience enjoyable.
Maintaining Etiquette
Tea culture places emphasis on etiquette. When tasting tea, observe basic manners, such as using both hands when pouring tea for guests to show respect; speaking softly when serving tea to show politeness; and sipping gently rather than gulping to maintain elegance. Avoid moving tea utensils carelessly to keep the tea table tidy and aesthetically pleasing.
Summary
The etiquette of brewing tea is not only a sign of respect for tea but also a form of care for oneself and others. By mastering the skills of brewing tea and observing tea-tasting etiquette, one can better enjoy the delightful moments tea brings. In our busy lives, take some time to calmly brew a cup of good tea and share it with friends, enjoying this moment of tranquility and beauty. May this article help you better understand and master the etiquette of brewing tea, so that every cup of tea is filled with warmth and emotion.